12 Days China Silk Road Train Tour

Tour Overview

Experience the legendary Silk Road by high-speed train on this 12-day journey from Urumqi to Xi'an. Glide through the vast landscapes of Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, and Shaanxi, tracing the ancient trade routes that once connected East and West. From the Mogao Caves and Zhangye's rainbow mountains to the Terracotta Warriors and Xi'an's ancient city wall, every stop reveals a new chapter in China's rich history. Travel comfortably by train, stay in handpicked 4-star hotels, and enjoy the insights of our expert English-speaking guides.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

• 1Day

  Arrive in Urumqi

  Arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport. Your guide will meet you and transfer to your hotel. Free time for evening exploration — stroll through the vibrant Grand Bazaar or sample local Uyghur cuisine at a night market.

  🏠 Urumqi 4★🍴 Dinner
• 2Day

  Urumqi → Turpan by Train — Jiaohe Ruins

  Morning high-speed train to Turpan (approx. 1.5 hours). Visit the ancient Jiaohe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site — one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities built on a plateau between two rivers. Explore the ingenious Karez underground irrigation system.

  🏠 Turpan 4★🍴 B/L/D
• 3Day

  Turpan — Flaming Mountains & Grape Valley → Train to Dunhuang

  Morning visit to the dramatic Flaming Mountains, named for their fiery red sandstone ridges. Continue to Grape Valley, a lush oasis of vineyards and fruit orchards. Afternoon train to Dunhuang.

  🏠 Dunhuang 4★🍴 B/L
• 4Day

  Dunhuang — Mogao Caves & Singing Sand Dunes

  A full UNESCO World Heritage day. Morning at the Mogao Caves, the world's largest treasury of Buddhist art spanning a thousand years. Afternoon at the Singing Sand Dunes — enjoy a camel ride and sand surfing. Optional sunset at the Crescent Moon Spring.

  🏠 Dunhuang 4★🍴 B/L/D
• 5Day

  Dunhuang → Jiayuguan by Train — Fortress Visit

  Morning train to Jiayuguan. Visit the magnificent Jiayuguan Fortress, the western terminus of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Stand at the "First Pass Under Heaven" and look out across the vast Gobi Desert.

  🏠 Jiayuguan 4★🍴 B/L/D
• 6Day

  Jiayuguan → Zhangye by Train — Zhangye Danxia

  Morning at the Overhanging Great Wall. Train to Zhangye. Late afternoon visit to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park — the breathtaking rainbow-colored rock formations, best photographed in the golden sunset light.

  🏠 Zhangye 4★🍴 B/L/D
• 7Day

  Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple → Train to Xining

  Morning visit to the Giant Buddha Temple, home to Asia's largest reclining Buddha statue (34.5 meters). Afternoon high-speed train to Xining. Evening stroll through the Muslim quarter and visit Dongguan Mosque.

  🏠 Xining 4★🍴 B/L
• 8Day

  Xining — Chaka Salt Lake Day Trip

  Full-day excursion to Chaka Salt Lake, the "Mirror of the Sky." Walk across the surreal salt flats and capture stunning reflection photographs. Visit Kumbum Monastery, one of the six great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, on the return journey.

  🏠 Xining 4★🍴 B/L/D
• 9Day

  Xining → Lanzhou by Train — Yellow River Night View

  Morning high-speed train to Lanzhou (approx. 1.5 hours). Visit the Gansu Provincial Museum to see the famous "Flying Horse of Gansu." Evening walk along the Yellow River waterfront and Zhongshan Bridge for stunning night views.

  🏠 Lanzhou 4★🍴 B/L/D
• 10Day

  Lanzhou → Xi'an by High-Speed Train

  Board the high-speed train to Xi'an (3.5 hours), crossing the ancient heartland of Chinese civilization. Afternoon free time to explore Xi'an's vibrant streets or relax at the hotel. Optional evening Tang Dynasty music and dance performance.

  🏠 Xi'an 4★🍴 B/L
• 11Day

  Xi'an — Terracotta Warriors, City Wall & Muslim Quarter

  Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, the army of over 8,000 life-sized figures guarding Emperor Qin's tomb. Afternoon bike ride or walk along the ancient Xi'an City Wall. Evening food adventure in the bustling Muslim Quarter.

  🏠 Xi'an 4★🍴 B/L/D
• 12Day

  Depart Xi'an

  Free time until your airport transfer. Your epic Silk Road train journey concludes. Safe travels! 再见!

  🍴 B

What's Included

What's Excluded

Frequently Asked Questions