14-Day China Silk Road Tour from Shanghai to Beijing Tour DMC

Yu Garden

Start your day at the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront. Enjoy the historic buildings along the Huangpu River, like the Peace Hotel, and take in views of the modern Pudong skyline. Then, visit Yu Garden in the Old City. Explore traditional pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, all set in a peaceful atmosphere amidst the city bustle. Next, stroll through the narrow streets of Nanshi, Shanghai’s Old Town. Browse local shops selling souvenirs, snacks, and crafts, and visit the City God Temple, a Ming Dynasty Taoist temple.

Enjoy a traditional Shanghainese meal, featuring xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings), and Shanghai-style noodles.

Discover the historic Xintiandi (French Concession), with its tree-lined streets, European-style buildings, and lively atmosphere. Walk along Huaihai Road and Fuxing Road, full of boutiques and cafes. Then explore Tianzifang, a maze of narrow lanes with trendy shops, art studios, and cafes. The area’s Shikumen houses have been transformed into modern spaces for shopping and dining.

End the day with a Huangpu River cruise, offering spectacular views of Shanghai’s skyline. See landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower lit up at night. Enjoy the panoramic views and take memorable photos.

City Wall

In the morning, your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport for a 2.5-hour flight to Xian. Upon arrival, your local guide will help with hotel check-in.

In the afternoon, visit the Xian History Museum to explore China’s rich cultural heritage through fascinating exhibits. Next, head to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a historic Buddhist site. Enjoy its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Then, visit the ancient City Wall and bike along its top for panoramic views of Xian’s streets and landmarks.

After a full day of sightseeing, return to your hotel, reflecting on Xian’s cultural treasures.

Terracotta Army

Begin your day at the Terracotta Army, a world-famous archaeological site. See thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots, made over 2,000 years ago to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb.

After lunch, return to Xian and visit the Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter. Enjoy the peaceful courtyards and unique mix of Chinese and Islamic architecture. Then, explore Muslim Street, trying local snacks and experiencing the lively market.

In the evening, attend the Tang Dynasty Show, featuring traditional music, dance, and costumes, along with a dumpling feast. End your day with unforgettable memories before returning to your hotel.

Dunhuang Museum

In the morning, fly from Xian Xianyang Airport to Dunhuang, about a 2.5-hour flight. After Arriving in Dunhuang, check into your hotel, and enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, begin your Silk Road tour with a visit to the Dunhuang Museum to learn about the region’s history and Silk Road importance.

Explore the lively Shazhou Evening Market, where you can try local food, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the vibrant street atmosphere.

Mogao Caves

Today, visit the MoGao Caves, a UNESCO site known for its ancient Buddhist murals and sculptures. Spend 2-3 hours exploring these masterpieces with a guide. After lunch at a local restaurant, try hand-pulled noodles and regional dishes.

In the afternoon, head to Yadan National Geological Park, where wind and sand have shaped stunning sandstone formations. Take a guided walk and capture the unique landscape.

Finish your day at Yumenguan Pass, an ancient Silk Road site. Explore the ruins of the fortress, including watchtowers and walls, and learn about its role in trade. Return to Dunhuang in the late afternoon.

Crescent Lake

In the morning, we check out of the hotel and start the day by visiting Crescent Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes. These iconic Dunhuang attractions have been key Silk Road landmarks for centuries, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and its role in trade and cultural exchange. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then take a private transfer to Liuyuan, the nearest railway station, for your bullet train to Turpan. The drive through the Gobi Desert takes about 2 hours.

Board the bullet train at Liuyuan for a 4-5 hour journey to Turpan. Relax and enjoy the scenic views as you pass through the vast landscapes of Xinjiang and the Gobi Desert. As you travel, reflect on the stories of explorers who once crossed these sands. With the modern world rushing by, you’ll feel a connection to the past while moving towards the future.

Upon arrival in Turpan, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel.

Bezeklik Caves

After breakfast, visit the ancient Gaochang City, a once-thriving Silk Road hub. Explore the ruins for two hours, imagining the merchants, travelers, and soldiers who passed through here.

Next, head to the Bezeklik Caves, home to over 100 Buddhist caves with stunning frescoes and sculptures from the 6th to 9th centuries. Spend an hour admiring the art and the spiritual history.

Then, visit the Flaming Mountain, known for its fiery glow at sunset. Explore the rugged landscape for 1.5 hours, soaking in the dramatic views and ancient myths.

End the day with dinner at a local Uighur restaurant, sampling traditional dishes.

Emin Minaret

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll first visit the Emin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda). This 18th-century tower is the largest pagoda in Xinjiang and the only one in Islamic style. Its design and height make it a key landmark, reflecting the region's rich Silk Road history.

Next, we’ll visit the Karez Waterwell, an ancient irrigation system that brought water from the Tianshan Mountains to Xinjiang’s plains. These underground channels are a marvel of ancient engineering, supporting agriculture and daily life.

After lunch, drive for 2.5 hours to Urumqi, where you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax at your hotel.

Heavenly Lake

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 120-kilometer drive northeast to Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), about three hours. Surrounded by pines and cypresses, the crystal-clear lake reflects the snow-capped peaks of Mount Bogeda, offering stunning views.

After visiting Heavenly Lake, head back to the city for a quick stop at Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar, the largest outdoor market in town. Browse the lively market and enjoy the atmosphere.

Your Silk Road tour is nearly complete. Afterward, relax on the drive back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Hutong

After checking out in the morning, take a private transfer to the airport for a 3.5-hour flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. After a short rest, enjoy a leisurely rickshaw ride through Beijing’s historic Hutongs.

The ride takes you through narrow lanes lined with traditional courtyard houses (Siheyuans), offering a look at ancient Beijing's architecture. As you pass through, observe the daily life of locals—neighbors chatting, children playing, and vendors selling snacks and goods.

Temple of Heaven

After breakfast, meet your guide and driver for a private tour of Beijing’s top sights. Start at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square.

Next, explore the Forbidden City for 2-3 hours. This UNESCO site was the imperial palace for over 500 years and the political center of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its grand design reflects the emperor's power.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, built in the 15th century. This sacred site was where emperors prayed for good harvests. It symbolizes the emperor’s role as the link between heaven and earth.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Start your day with a two-hour drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Known for its well-preserved watchtowers and peaceful atmosphere, it offers stunning views. Take a cable car up, then hike for 2-3 hours, exploring the towers and enjoying the mountain scenery. For some fun, ride a toboggan down the Wall.

After returning to Beijing, visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO site and a gem of Chinese garden design. Walk around Kunming Lake, take a boat ride, and enjoy the calm views. Explore Longevity Hill, with its pavilions and temples, offering great views of the palace. Don’t miss the Marble Boat, a symbol of stability, and walk through the Long Corridor, a 700-meter gallery filled with vibrant paintings of Chinese mythology and history.

As the tour ends, we’ll say goodbye to Beijing. A private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight home. Our guide will help with check-in and ensure you smoothly enter the international departure area.