The Silk Road — the ancient network of trade routes connecting China to the Mediterranean — is one of history's most romantic journeys. This 10-day odyssey takes you from Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors west through the deserts of Gansu to Dunhuang's legendary Mogao Caves, then north into Xinjiang to the oasis city of Turpan and the mountain-ringed capital of Urumqi. It's a journey through empires, empires of sand, and landscapes of impossible beauty.
Terracotta Army • Mogao Caves • Singing Sand Dunes • Crescent Spring • Flaming Mountains • Grape Valley • Heavenly Lake • Ancient Caravans
This route offers an extraordinary journey through China's far west, where the Han Dynasty met Central Asia, Buddhism spread eastward, and merchants carried silk, spices, and ideas between civilizations. The landscapes are dramatic — snow-capped mountains rise beside burning deserts, and oasis cities bloom in the middle of sand. You'll stay in modern cities but sleep in ancient echoes.
Begin in Xi'an, the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and one of China's four great ancient capitals. Spend your first day at the Terracotta Army — the 8,000 life-sized warriors created to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. The sheer scale is humbling. In the evening, explore the Great Mosque area and Muslim Quarter, where you can sample roujiamo (Chinese burgers), yang rou chuan (lamb skewers), and hand-pulled noodles.
On day two, walk or cycle atop the ancient Ming Dynasty city wall — one of the few complete circuits remaining in China. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, where the monk Xuanzang brought Buddhist scriptures from India, now housed in the adjacent museum. Take the evening flight to Dunhuang (2.5 hours).
Dunhuang sits at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, where the Silk Road split into northern and southern routes around the desert. Spend the morning at the Mogao Caves — one of the world's greatest art repositories, with 492 decorated caves containing 45,000 square meters of murals and 2,000 painted sculptures spanning 1,000 years. The caves are extraordinary, illuminated to reveal vivid blues and golds that seem impossibly preserved.
That afternoon, visit the Singing Sand Dunes (Mingsha Shan) and Crescent Spring (Yueya Quan) — an oasis at the base of the dunes where a pool of water has mysteriously existed for centuries. Climb the dunes for sunset views over the desert. Early the next morning, drive through the Gobi Desert to the Western Thousand Buddha Caves, then return to town for a camel ride through the dunes.
Take the morning flight or drive (5 hours) from Dunhuang to Turpan, passing through the Flaming Mountains — bare red sandstone hills that glow orange in the sunlight. Turpan is an oasis city famous for its grapes, cotton, and melons. Check into your hotel and explore the local bazaar. In the evening, visit Emin Minaret — an 11th-century Buddhist pagoda-turned-mosque with beautiful glazed tilework.
Turpan offers some of the most remarkable historical sites in Xinjiang. Visit the ancient city of Jiaohe — a 2,000-year-old ruined city built on a plateau island between two rivers, once the capital of the Gushi Kingdom. Explore the Karez System — an ingenious underground irrigation system of wells and channels that has brought water from the mountains to the oasis for 2,000 years. In the afternoon, visit the Grape Valley, a lush green corridor of vineyards producing some of China's finest raisins and fresh grapes.
Take the morning train (2 hours) or drive to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. The city is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and sits at the foot of the Bogda Peak. Spend your first day exploring the bustling Erdaoqiao (Second Mosque) Bazaar and the surrounding streets, where you'll hear Uyghur music and smell freshly baked nan bread. Try traditional Uyghur pilaf, lamb kebabs, and fruit kebabs from street vendors.
On day nine, take a day trip to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) on the slopes of Bogda Mountain, 110 kilometers from the city. The alpine lake sits at 1,980 meters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forest. Take the scenic bus around the lake, hike the shoreline trails, or ride the cable car for panoramic views. The water's deep blue color and the pristine mountain setting make this one of Xinjiang's most beautiful spots.
Your final morning offers time for last-minute shopping — perhaps some dried fruits, Uyghur handicrafts, or local specialties. Fly home from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, which has direct flights to major Chinese cities and some international destinations.
Late April to June and September to October offer the best weather. Summer (July-August) can be extremely hot in Turpan (40°C+), while winter (November-March) brings snow to Urumqi but clear skies. The shoulder seasons avoid extreme temperatures and peak crowds.
Challenging — This route involves long travel days (5-8 hours by road between some stops), desert heat, and significant temperature variations. The high altitude around Heavenly Lake (1,980m) may affect some travelers. However, most attractions are accessible and don't require strenuous hiking.
$1,500-2,500 per person for mid-range travel, including: