Ancient Silk Road Journey

Xi’an · Lanzhou · Zhangye · Jiayuguan · Dunhuang

  • 10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Moderate pace
  • Private & customizable

Follow the ancient corridor west through grottoes, rainbow mountains, frontier forts and desert landscapes.

  1. Xi’an3 nights, then by high-speed rail to the next stop
  2. Lanzhou1 night, then by train to the next stop
  3. Zhangye1 night, then by private vehicle to the next stop
  4. Jiayuguan1 night, then by private vehicle to the next stop
  5. Dunhuang3 nights

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Welcome to Xi'an

    Meet your private driver at the airport and settle into your hotel. If time and energy allow, take an easy first walk around the illuminated Bell Tower and the lively lanes of the Muslim Quarter.

    Welcome to Xi'an, Day 1 of the journey
    • Xi'an Bell Tower
    • Muslim Quarter

  2. Day 2: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Walls

    Begin with the Terracotta Army, where thousands of life-sized figures guard China's first emperor. Back in the city, walk or cycle along the ancient wall before exploring the Great Mosque and the food-filled lanes of the Muslim Quarter.

    Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Walls, Day 2 of the journey
    • Terracotta Army
    • Xi'an City Wall
    • Great Mosque
    • Muslim Quarter

  3. Day 3: Tang Dynasty Xi'an

    Plan a visit to Shaanxi History Museum subject to reservation and opening arrangements, followed by the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang-themed evening district as time allows. If the museum cannot be arranged, an alternative will be agreed with you.

    Tang Dynasty Xi'an, Day 3 of the journey
    • Shaanxi History Museum
    • Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
    • Great Tang All Day Mall

  4. Day 4: Yellow River Lanzhou

    Travel to Lanzhou by train. Yellow River sightseeing, Zhongshan Bridge and White Pagoda Hill will be arranged according to your arrival time and energy levels; local noodles are an optional dining choice, with meal costs as quoted.

    Yellow River Lanzhou, Day 4 of the journey
    • Yellow River
    • Zhongshan Bridge
    • White Pagoda Hill
    • Lanzhou Beef Noodles

  5. Day 5: Zhangye's Rainbow Mountains

    Travel by train to Zhangye and continue to the Danxia scenic area as the timetable permits. Viewpoints and timing depend on opening hours and weather; sunset and particular colours cannot be guaranteed.

    Zhangye's Rainbow Mountains, Day 5 of the journey
    • Zhangye Danxia National Geopark
    • Rainbow Mountains
    • Sunset Viewpoint

  6. Day 6: Jiayuguan's Desert Fortress

    Travel across the Gobi to Jiayuguan, a historic Ming frontier fortress. Walk its gates and ramparts, then visit a surviving section of the Great Wall climbing into the barren hills.

    Jiayuguan's Desert Fortress, Day 6 of the journey
    • Jiayuguan Fort
    • Overhanging Great Wall
    • Gobi Desert

  7. Day 7: Dunes & Crescent Lake

    Travel by road to Dunhuang, then visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake as time, weather and opening arrangements allow. Walking on the dunes is optional and can be adapted to your energy levels; sunset views are weather dependent.

    Dunes & Crescent Lake, Day 7 of the journey
    • Mingsha Mountain
    • Crescent Lake
    • Desert Sunset

  8. Day 8: Mogao Grottoes & Dunhuang

    Visit Mogao Grottoes at the confirmed reservation time. The visit format, caves and digital exhibition follow the booked ticket type and official arrangements. Dunhuang Museum may be added if opening hours and time permit; necessary changes will be discussed with you.

    Mogao Grottoes & Dunhuang, Day 8 of the journey
    • Mogao Grottoes
    • Mogao Digital Exhibition Centre
    • Dunhuang Museum

  9. Day 9: The Jade Gate Frontier

    Venture into the open Gobi to the weathered watchtowers and rammed-earth remains of China's ancient frontier. Depending on season and road conditions, the day follows the Yumenguan or Yangguan corridor, where caravans once departed for Central Asia.

    The Jade Gate Frontier, Day 9 of the journey
    • Yumenguan or Yangguan (one route as confirmed)
    • Gobi Desert

  10. Day 10: Farewell Dunhuang

    Keep the final morning unhurried for a last walk, a local market or time at your hotel. Your private transfer to Dunhuang Airport is arranged around your onward flight.

    Farewell Dunhuang, Day 10 of the journey

Suitable for History and culture enthusiasts, deep travellers, return visitors to China; Australia travellers

10 days · Private journey

What the journey includes

Final services are confirmed in your tailored proposal after dates and availability are checked.

What’s included

  • These are reference arrangements; actual inclusions are subject to the final agreed itinerary and itemised quote.
  • Hotels, meals, guides, vehicles, intercity transport, attraction tickets and activities can be arranged as specified in your quote.

Not included

  • Items not included in the final agreed itinerary and itemised quote.

Choose how you stay

Accommodation is proposed after we know your dates and preferences, so availability and exact hotel names are never implied too early.

Comfort

Well-located, dependable stays selected for cleanliness, practical access and a smooth day-to-day journey.

Character

Boutique or locally distinctive stays chosen to add a stronger sense of place without compromising comfort.

Signature

Premium stays with elevated rooms, service or views. Final hotel names are confirmed in your tailored proposal.

Before you customise

The practical questions travellers ask before requesting a proposal.