14-Day Essential China and Silk Road Tour from Shanghai: Luoyang, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi & Beijing | Su Gong Ta Mosque, Mogao Caves

What you'll experience

Highlights

14 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Shanghai

   Welcome to China! Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. We arrive in Shanghai, a cosmopolitan city of over 15 million residents, home to China's largest commercial port and its most international metropolis. 

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Novotel shanghai atlantis(28 Pu Dong Avenue 200120 SHANGHAI CHINA)
2. 2

   Day 2 — Shanghai

   08:30 a.m. - This morning, we'll explore the highlights of this fascinating city.
   Our tour will begin in Pudong, Shanghai's striking financial district, located across the Huangpu River. We'll admire its futuristic skyline, including the iconic Pearl Tower, and take a stroll along the elevated walkways, offering breathtaking views of the modern skyscrapers.
   Next, we'll board a local ferry to cross the river, allowing us to take in Shanghai's impressive cityscape from the water while observing daily life along the bustling waterfront.
   Upon arrival, we'll explore the Bund, home to a collection of grand 19th-century European-style buildings, a striking contrast to the modern skyline of Pudong.
   Our tour will continue in Shanghai's Old City, where we'll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we'll also experience a traditional tea ceremony, an integral part of Chinese culture.
   We'll then pass through Xintiandi, one of the city's most fashionable districts, known for its blend of historical charm and modern elegance.
   Lunch will be included.
   In the afternoon, we'll visit Tianzifang, a former residential area famous for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, lined with artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and art galleries.
   We'll conclude our tour with a final stroll along the Bund, appreciating its historical architecture and the European influence on the city's past.
   
   06:30 p.m. - Our tour will come to an end. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (if so, return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel's address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).

   

   The Oriental Pearl Tower

   

   Yuyuan Garden

   

   Tianzifang

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Novotel shanghai atlantis(28 Pu Dong Avenue 200120 SHANGHAI CHINA)
3. 3

   Day 3 — Shanghai - Luoyang

   Distance traveled by high-speed train: 1,020 km
   Scenery: A diverse landscape of plains, mountains, rice paddies, and lush greenery, all enjoyed from the comfort of our high-speed train.
   Note: Train schedules are subject to change. Each passenger must carry their own luggage. Do not pack sprays or aerosols larger than 100ml in your suitcase, as they may be confiscated at the security checkpoint.
   
   05:30 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. A picnic-style breakfast will be provided. Transfer to the railway station.
   07:17 a.m. - We'll board one of China's high-speed trains for an exciting journey across the country. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as we pass through vast plains, terraced rice fields, and mountainous landscapes.
   01:10 p.m. - Luoyang – Longmen. Arrival. Lunch will be included.
   After lunch, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Longmen Caves, an extraordinary collection of Buddhist carvings stretching over a kilometer along the rocky cliffs of the Yi River. With more than 100,000 Buddha statues etched into the rock, this UNESCO-listed site is one of China's most remarkable cultural treasures. We'll explore the most impressive caves on foot and then take a boat ride for a unique perspective from the water.
   Note: The boat ride may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions or river flooding.
   05:30 p.m. - Departure from Longmen.
   06:15 p.m. - Luoyang. Arrival and transfer to the Old Town, where we'll pass through its impressive city walls and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of its illuminated streets. This experience offers a glimpse into the daily life of a historic provincial capital in inland China.
   Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Luoyang.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure luoyang(Kaiyuan Avenue Geological and Mining Building, Luolong District, Luoyang City), Ramada by wyndham downtown(76 Jinguyuan Road, Luoyang)
4. 4

   Day 4 — Luoyang - White Horse Monastery - Sanmexia - Xi'an

   Total distance covered: 410 km
   Scenery: Pleasant landscapes along the route.
   
   07:20 a.m. - Departure from the hotel.
   08:10 a.m. - White Horse Buddhist Monastery. Arrival at this vast and historically significant monastery, a major center for Buddhist study and pilgrimage, welcoming practitioners from around the world.
   09:30 a.m. - Departure from the monastery.
   11:30 a.m. - Sanmenxia. Arrival in this historic city, located along the Yellow River. We'll visit the Baolun Temple, home to an impressive high pagoda, and then explore the renowned Guo State Museum, considered one of the finest in China. Here, we'll see the remarkable funeral chariots of the ancient Guo State, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Chinese civilization.
   Lunch will be included.
   02:30 p.m. - Departure from Sanmenxia. As we continue eastward, we'll pass by the majestic Mount Hua, one of China's five sacred mountains, revered for its dramatic peaks and spiritual significance.
   06:30 p.m. - Xi'an. Arrival in this legendary city, once the starting point of the Silk Road and home to an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Xi'an.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Delta by marriott xian(West of Longshu North Road, No. 22, Lian Hu Qu, Xi´An, Shaanxi, China, 710014), Novotel xian scpg(China, Shaanxi, Xi´an, Lianhu, Weiyang Rd, 33)
5. 5

   Day 5 — Xi'an

   Total distance covered: 105 km
   Important Note: A passport is required for entry to the Terracotta Army Museum.
   
   08:00 a.m. - We'll start the day with a visit to the Terracotta Army, one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the world. This vast underground army, with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, was created to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Located less than an hour from downtown Xi'an, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese history.
   Free time for lunch.
   01:50 p.m. - Departure from the Terracotta Army Museum.
   02:50 p.m. - Xi'an. Upon arrival, we'll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant Buddhist structure dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
   Next, we'll explore the walled city center, walking through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where centuries of cultural and religious influences have shaped the city's identity. We'll enter the Great Mosque of Xi'an, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.
   Our tour will also include entrance to the Drum Tower, where we'll enjoy a short performance of traditional Chinese percussion instruments.
   After the guided tour, you'll have free time to continue exploring the bustling historic center at your own pace.
   06:30 p.m. - End of our visit. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center to explore further on your own.

   

   Terracotta Warriors and Horses

   

   Muslim Quarter

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Delta by marriott xian(West of Longshu North Road, No. 22, Lian Hu Qu, Xi´An, Shaanxi, China, 710014), Novotel xian scpg(China, Shaanxi, Xi´an, Lianhu, Weiyang Rd, 33)
6. 6

   Day 6 — Xi'an - Dunhuang

   We'll head to the airport to catch the included flight to the city of Dunhuang, an oasis in the Gobi Desert that played a crucial role along the Silk Road. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to the hotel. We'll embark on an excursion to the desert, where we'll enjoy a camel ride across the Singing Sand Dunes (Mingsha Shan). One of the highlights will be reaching the Crescent Moon Spring, a crescent-shaped lake nestled at the foot of the dunes. We'll travel by electric car to access the site. Afterward, we'll return to Dunhuang for accommodation.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded
7. 7

   Day 7 — Dunhuang - Turpan

   We'll embark on an excursion to the incredible Mogao Caves, carved into the side of a mountain and home to as many as 18 monasteries. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we'll attend the local Youjian Dunhuang Show, a vibrant cultural performance. Afterward, we'll provide a transfer to the station to board the high-speed train to Turpan for accommodation (D2703: 05:12 p.m. – 08:45 p.m.). This city is the lowest point in all of China, located in the heart of the Turpan Depression (500 meters below sea level).

   

   Mogao Grottoes

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: Excluded
8. 8

   Day 8 — Turpan

   We'll visit some of the most important sites along the Silk Road today. Our journey will take us to the Ancient City of Gaochang and the Astana Tombs. Next, we'll explore the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, a remarkable set of rock-carved caves that were once part of an ancient monastery. Lunch will be included. We'll then visit the Jiaohe Ruins, a stunning ancient adobe city that was a key strategic point along the Silk Road. We'll end the day at the Flaming Mountains, with their striking red sandstone ridges, shaped by years of volcanic activity. Afterward, we'll return to Turpan for our overnight stay.
   Note: The order of the stops and visits may vary.

   

   Ancient City of Gaochang

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: Excluded
9. 9

   Day 9 — Turpan - Urumqi

   We'll begin with an exterior visit to the Su Gong Ta Mosque in Turpan, home to the impressive Emin Minaret—the tallest in China—built during the Qing dynasty. Next, we'll visit a local vineyard, followed by the extraordinary Karez irrigation system, one of the greatest engineering achievements in China's history. We'll then depart by bus toward Daban District, where we'll stroll through its bustling bazaars. Lunch will be included.
   Our journey will continue to Urumqi, where we'll explore the stunning salt lake and the vast wind farms, one of the largest wind energy production sites in the world. We'll end the day with accommodation in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Province.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: Excluded
10. 10

    Day 10 — Urumqui

    We'll head to the Tianchi Lake scenic area, also known as Heavenly Lake, an alpine lake situated at an altitude of around two thousand meters and recognized as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. Lunch will be included. We'll then return to Urumqi for a visit to the Grand Bazaar, which preserves the ancient spirit of the Silk Road. Overnight stay.

    

    Heavenly Lake

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: Excluded
11. 11

    Day 11 — Urumqui - Beijing

    After breakfast, we'll head to the airport for our included flight to Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China. Upon arrival, we'll provide a transfer to the hotel.
    06:30 p.m. –After meeting our guide and the rest of the group in the hotel lobby, we'll provide a transfer to the famous Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial avenue filled with shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included. Afterward, we'll return to the hotel, arriving at approximately 8:30 p.m.
    
     

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Mercure beijing downtown(No.16 Jia,Xi Da Wang Road, Chaoyang, CP 100124,BEIJING), Grand concordia(No. 26 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016)
12. 12

    Day 12 — Beijing

    07:30 a.m. - An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of China's capital. We'll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. From here, we'll admire the Great National Theater, also known as the Beijing Opera House.
    Next, we'll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We'll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing's best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting.
    Lunch will be included.
    In the afternoon, we'll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house.
    We'll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.
    06:30 p.m. - Tour ends. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (in which case, the return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel's address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).
    
    Note: Due to heritage conservation measures and enhanced visitor safety, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee access to this site. If the visit is not possible, it will be replaced with a tour of the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both iconic landmarks in Chinese history and culture.

    

    Forbidden City

    

    Summer Palace

    Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure beijing downtown(No.16 Jia,Xi Da Wang Road, Chaoyang, CP 100124,BEIJING), Grand concordia(No. 26 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016)
13. 13

    Day 13 — Beijing

    Total distance covered: 190 km.
    Scenery: Expansive urban landscapes as we leave Beijing, followed by lush green mountains surrounding the Great Wall.
    Note: Due to the high number of visitors at the Great Wall, it may be advisable to walk part of the way to avoid delays on the funicular ascent.
    
    07:30 a.m. - Departure from Beijing. Today, we'll embark on an unforgettable excursion to the Great Wall.
    09:30 a.m. - Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section). We'll arrive at this awe-inspiring architectural marvel, whose history spans over 2,000 years. Our visit includes a cable car ride up and down to one of the most scenic sections of the wall. You'll have free time to explore, enjoy the commercial area, visit the Exhibition Center, and have lunch at your leisure.
    Returning to Beijing, we'll make a stop at the 798 Art District, a vibrant hub of contemporary art housed in a former military factory.
    Later, we'll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China's most important sacred complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    To unwind after an exciting day, we'll take part in a relaxing Tai Chi class and enjoy a soothing foot massage.
    We'll bid farewell to Beijing with a traditional Peking duck dinner (included).
    09:00 p.m. - Return to the hotel.

    

    The Great Wall

    

    Temple of Heaven

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Mercure beijing downtown(No.16 Jia,Xi Da Wang Road, Chaoyang, CP 100124,BEIJING), Grand concordia(No. 26 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016)
14. 14

    Day 14 — Beijing

    After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

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