China Silk Road Tour 14 Days, Travel along Silk Road 2 Weeks

Tour Itinerary Expand All

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1Arrival Shanghai

Be transferred to the hotel

Meals: No meal
Recommended Hotel: In Shanghai

Upon arriving in Shanghai --- your start point of this China tour, you will be met at the airport by our local guide and transferred to hotel to catch up on some rest.

Tips: Except transfer by private vehicle, we also can arrange maglev transfer between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and downtown of Shanghai (Shanghai Longyang Maglev station).

Shanghai City View

Day 2Shanghai

Yuyuan Garden, Consucius Temple, the Bund, Xintiandi & French Concession, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Museum

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel:In Shanghai
Optional Night Activities: Acrobatic Show about 2 hours (daily 19:30)

The last day but still an inspiring day to explore the city of Shanghai,the largest and most modern city in mainland China. We will start the tour by short trip to Yuyuan Garden which is a Chinese classic garden in city downtown. And then we will enjoy a Chinese tea ceremony at nearby tea house. After that, we will walk to visit Confucius Temple, which is not far from Yuyuan Garden. Before lunch, walk along the Bund, admiring the illuminated buildings lining the Huangpu River. From the Bund, Multinational Classic Buildings Complex, you could see the landmark of Shanghai--- The Oriental Pearl TV Tower as well as other high-rised buildings from the Bund.

A Chinese lunch is arranged for you at a local restaurant, and then drive to visit Xintiandi & Former French Concession, to enjoy the traditional Shanghai architecture like Shikumen. Then we will visit Jade Buddha Temple, one of the Shanghai must-see attractions, and till now, it is still an active one that with 70 resident monks at last count. In order to make it convenient for the adherents to visit, it was bodily moved to Shanghai City at the present sire in 1918. Then you will have a chance to visit Silk Museum where you will how silk is produced. Then our group will drive by Shanghai People's Square to visit Shanghai Museum, a large museum of ancient Chinese art and just sited on the People's Square of Shanghai. Then the tour is finished by a drop-off at your hotel.

The Bund

Day 3Shanghai - Xian

Flight to Xian, Shaanxi History Museum

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Xian

In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for a 2.5 hours flight to Xian, a city experiencing the full history of China in its entirety. Your Xian tour guide will wait for you at the airport and help you to the hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, drive to the downtown and visit the Shaanxi History Museum (2 hours) - one of the first huge state museums with modern facilities in China. After that, drive to your hotel and free of the rest time.

Shaanxi History Museum

Day 4Xian

Terracotta Warriors, Xian City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda North Square

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel:In Xian
Optional Night Activities: Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner 3.5 hours (daily 18:00 - 20:30 for dinner, 20:30 – 21:35 for Tang Dynasty Show)

Ample time will be provided for visits to Terracotta Warriors (2.5 - 3 hours) - one of the world's most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation. After lunch near the Terracotta Warriors area, drive back to the downtown to visit the Xian City Wall (1 hour) - represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls. Then walk around Wild Goose Pagoda North Square, from which you can have a panoramic view of Big Wild Goose Pagoda. After that, drive back to your hotel and free of the rest time.

Tips: You can have a general idea after you read What is Terracotta Warriors page

Terracotta Warriors

Day 5Xian - Dunhuang

Flight to Dunhuang, transfer service to hotel

Meals: Breakfast
Recommended Hotel: In Dunhuang

Enjoy your own exploration in the morning. Be transferred to the airport for a 2.5 hours flight to Dunhuang, a small oasis surrounded by high mountain, deserts and the Gobi Desert with Dang River as the city's water supply. After that, drive back to your hotel and free of the rest time.

Dunhuang City View

Day 6Dunhuang

Yumenguan Pass, Dunhuang Yadan National Geologic Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Dunhuang

Today after breakfast, you will firstly have a 3-hour driving to the Yumenguan Pass (30 min) - strategic pass on the ancient Silk Road. And then, continue to experience the amazing Dunhuang Yadan National Geologic Park (1 hour) - the largest one of Yadan Landform found so far. When finish the tour, you will have another 3-hour driving back to the Dunhuang downtown. After that, have a rest of this day in hotel.

Tips:
1. The road between Dunhuang downtown and Yumengguan Pass is bumping, so it will be a comparative tired trip in this day.
2. Things to see in Yadan National Geologic Park: Yadan Landforms were superlatively marvelous with different size of areas, and varied forms of topography. Dunhuang Dveil Town - a visiting to thie town is like visiting a magnificent museum of architecture

Yumenguan Pass

Day 7Dunhuang - Turpan

Mogao Grottoes, Train to Turpan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Turpan

Today, you will take a visit to Mogao Grottoes (2 hours) - which is considered the great treasure house of Buddhist arts in existence. After lunch, firstly have a 3-hour driving to the Liuyuan Train Station and help you to get on the train. You will take a bullet train (4 hours) from Liuyuan Railway Statio to Turpan, an oasis city, is located at the southern foot of Bogda Peak and in the center of Turpan Depression.

Tips: When visiting Mogao Grottoes:
1. Only electric torches can be used inside the grottoes
2. It is forbidden to take photos inside the grottoes in order to protect the wall paintings
3. Mogao Grottoes is close during the rainy day

Mogao Grottoes

Day 8Turpan

Gaochang Ancient City, Bezeklik Cave, Flaming Mountain

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Recommended Hotel: In Turpan

After breakfast, visit Gaochang Ancient City (2 hours) - which was an important garrison town on the Silk Road. And then, go to have a trip to Bezeklik Caves (1 hour) - more than 100 caves were hewn out of this cliff face between the 6th and 9th centuries by Buddhist monks. After that, continue to visit Flaming Mountain (1.5 hours) - named because in the evenings the red clay mountains reflect the heat and glow of the desert and seem to burn. Tonight, we will have a special dinner under the grape trellis in a local family house. When finish today’s tour, drive you back to the hotel and have a rest of this day.

Tips:
1. Your may arrival Turpan between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., depending on the chosen train schedule
2. Turpen is a minority area. Most residents are Muslims. Better to follow the tour guide’s instruction.

Grape trellis

Day 9Turpan - Urumqi

Emin Minaret, Karez Well, Coach to Urumqi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Urumqi

Today after breakfast and check-out of the hotel, firstly drive you to visit Emin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda) (1 hour) - the biggest ancient pagoda existing in Xinjiang and the only Islamic ancient pagoda in the country. Continue to the Karez Well (30 min) - reputed as one of the three major construction projects in ancient China. After lunch, have a 2.5-hour driving to Urumqi, free at leisure in rest of this day in your Urumqi hotel.

Emin Minaret

Day 10Urumqi

Heavenly Lake, Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Urumqi

Take a driving for 120km northeast to visit the holy Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) (3 hours) - the beautiful lake is flanked by rugged pines and cypresses, with clear melting waters reflecting the surrounding of snow capped mount Bogeda. After the tour, be transferred back to downtown. You will then have chance to take a short visit to Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar (sightseeing time depending on your own) - which is believed to be the largest outdoor market in town. After this tour, drive you back to the hotel and free at leisure in rest of this day.

Heavenly Lake (Tianchi)

Day 11Urumqi - Beijing

Flight to Beijing, Hutong Tour by rickshaw

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Beijing

In the morning, take a 3.5- hour flight to Beijing. Your tour guide will wait for you at the airport and help you to check in the hotel firstly. After a short rest and then, enjoy you leisure visit to Hutong Tour by rickshaw (Short route, 40 min) - the way to know the Beijing local lifestyle. After that, drive back to your hotel and free of the rest time.

Tips: About Beijing Hutong sightseeing details can be found on Beijing Hutong Tour Tips.

Hutong Tour by Rickshaw

Day 12Beijing

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel:In Beijing
Optional Night Activities: Peking Opera 1.5 hours (daily 19:30)

Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit Tiananmen Square (40min) - the World's largest urban square, and the Forbidden City (2.5 - 3 hours) - the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Then visit the Temple of Heaven (1 hour) in the afternoon. After that, drive back to your hotel and free of the rest time.

Tips: How to visit Forbidden City can be found in Forbidden City Tour Tips.

Forbidden City

Day 13Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Recommended Hotel: In Beijing
Optional Night Activities: Peking Roasted Duck around 1 hour

The star attraction of China is its Great Wall, a massive defensive structure built to keep intruders from entering the mainland. Today you will have the opportunity to traverse the ancient steps of Mutianyu Great Wall. Then drive back to the city for Summer Palace (1.5 hours) - the existing largest, best-preserved imperial garden in China. After that, drive back to your hotel and free of the rest time.

Tips: Click What to pack for Great Wall Trips to find some tips when climbing the Great Wall of China.

Great Wall

Day 14Departure Beijing

Be transferred to the airport

Meals: Breakfast

Bid China a fond farewell as this trip draws to a close. Be transferred to the airport for flight home.

Service Ends.

Note: Visiting time, transporting time, and duration of shows and meals in the itinerary are suggested and will be subject to change particular situations.

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Tour Price (US$ per person)

Hotel Class	Group Size	Dec. ~ Feb.	Mar. ~ Nov.
Economy Hotel ★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	$ 3968	$ 4289
Economy Hotel ★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	$ 3061	$ 3382
Comfortable Hotel ★★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	$ 4115	$ 4540
Comfortable Hotel ★★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	$ 3184	$ 3609
Deluxe Hotel ★★★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	$ 4629	$ 5240
Deluxe Hotel ★★★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	$ 3685	$ 4297

Price includes:

♦ Domestic flight or high-speed train as specified
♦ Private transfer between the airport or railway station, attractions, and hotels
♦ Private licensed English-speaking guide and driver service
♦ Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast on sharing basis
♦ All attraction entrance fees as specified
♦ Meals mentioned in the itinerary, Chinese local food
♦ China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance

Price excludes:

* International Air tickets or Train Tickets to enter or leave China
* Tips to your tour guide and driver on your own discretion
* China Entry Visa Fees
* Personal expenses
* Optional tours, meals, activities and services

Remarks:

※ Prices are valid from Jan 1, 2024 to Dec 31, 2025, except Chinese public holidays, local fairs or events.
※ TCT reserves the right to adjust the price caused by exchange rate
※ No guide on the flight and Yangtze River cruise.
※ Recommended hotels are subject to change in actual booking
※ Special requirements should be advised to TCT in advance.
※ TCT reserves the right of final explanation for any change due to the reasons beyond our control.

Useful Information

Traveler Reviews Feedbacks & Photos >>Feedbacks

5.0

PunkNelson

5.0

Great Hotel stay Very Nice Tour guides Convenient planned daily trips Average selection of restaurant for food though

Kiwimac53

5.0

We were looking for a tour in SW China while in the area for work and found this one. While we wouldn't normally get a private tour but surprisingly it was actually cheaper than most of the group tours in the area and was great value. While I would usually rather keep one guide for the whole tour, as you get to know each other and they get to know what you are interested in, we changed guides 5 times during this trip (fortunately we had the same guide in Kunming at the start and end of the tour which was a real bonus as Murphy, our Kunming based guide, was excellent.) In this case changing guides had the advantage of local knowledge at each site so compensated for the change. Of the 4 guides we had 3 excellent and 1 very good with each of them working hard to look after us and make sure we enjoyed our trip. Vicky, our Dali based guide was also extremely good making our time there a highlight. The tour gives you 2 days at each base ie travel in the morning, have the afternoon and the next day touring the area then drive to the next base. We chose the driving tour as we feel it gives you a better experience of the area and you get to see the locals in action. All the drivers we had were great - they went out of their way to look after us and were very safe, which is saying something for driving in China. While all of the guides were very fluent in English none of the drivers could speak English which was a slight disadvantage as you didn't have the guides with you when traveling between bases but the friendliness and helpfulness of the drivers more than made up for this. The tour was very well organised and we knew what we were doing from the time we met our guide on arrival at the Kunming railway station to when we walked through security at the airport on our way out. The tour comes with 4,5 and 6 star accommodation choices and we went for the cheapest 4 star option. While the English at the hotels was limited the guides made sure we were checked in and out and took care of any issues (which were minimal). The 4 star option is largely "Chinese style" hotels ie designed for Chinese visitors with breakfast consisting of what many westeners would consider dinner style food but there was always eggs and toast for the less adventurous. The hotels were all clean and comfortable and generally very well located. The Hotel in Kunming (Jin Jang Inn) was a bonus as it seemed higher than 4 star and we stayed there both on our way in and out. As well as breakfast, lunch came with the tour which was enjoyable as the guides choose the restaurants so we got a variety. I got the feeling that most of the restaurants were owned by friends or family or there was some arrangement with the guide, but as you get to formally review each guide and the meals at the end of each stop they work hard to make sure you enjoy the meal and there was always an abundance of food. We tried a range of local cuisine and there was only one meal we didn't think was up to par. You get your own dinner which also suited us as there is invariably a range of restaurants or for the more adventurous there is the street vendors and you can choose what you want. The vehicles we were driven in were all very good- plenty of space and very comfortable. Being a private tour, while there was a set itinerary, which was diverse and very interesting with something for most people, the guides could tweak it to suit individual interests eg more time at one site and less at another. It is easy to get a bit templed out but overall the itinerary was a good mic of nature and culture. I would thoroughly recommend the tour and the company and we will be looking to the company if/when we go back - Guilin is next on the list as the guides were very happy to discus what they thought we would and wouldn't enjoy based on working with us on this tour,

N2265ZIinfo

5.0

Excellent guides, flexible and knowledgeable travel agent. They speak good English. Our trip was very well organized. We are 100% happy and I can recommend Top China Travel to everybody.

Wesley O

5.0

I contacted Top China travel for a 13 day China vacation (Beijing/Xian/Yangtze River cruise/Shanghai) and right from the start Bonnie provided me with great choices and package options. Throughout the entire planning and even during the trip Bonnie was there for us following up and making sure everything was perfect. Thank you Bonnie for making our China vacation unforgettable.

Johnf8958

5.0

From the minute I contacted Vicky at Top China Travel to book our holiday, to the time we were taken to Pudong airport for our flight home, the experience was perfect. My wife and I visited Beijing, Xian and Shanghai and all of our tour guides were fluent in English, very knowledgeable and very friendly. Thank you Vicky and all at TCT and I will definitely be in contact when I return to China.

lakazdi

5.0

I went on a Top China Travel group tour. Everything was so well organised that I never had to worry about anything. I really liked that the group was small and it felt like we were a big group of old-friends all travelling together, not just a passenger on the bus. Every hotel, guide, driver and restaurant was very well picked. I was very happy with how well-informed each guide was, how flexible they were to ensure we all had a great time, and their English was all very good. At every step of the way, guides had us fill in a Top China Travel feedback form which I am certain the company take very seriously since their service was so good. I will be passing on their details to all my friends and family who want to travel in China.

DEBORAH O

5.0

Thanks to Ms Raylene He we had a wonderful and well organised trip to 5 destinations which all went off without a hitch including being met by guides and drivers in each city and looked after very well. This all included several domestic flights a train trip and permits. I have no qualms in recommending this company to other travellers.

EBTraveler

5.0

With forty years of travel to the far corners of our world we have encountered many guides. Like most travelers some have not been very good, some decent and the rare few that are outstanding. During our three weeks in China last month we encountered just such a rare individual. Our guide in Guilin was a young women named Ping (I'll provide her email later). Ping demonstrated knowledge and command of the history, stories and culture all along the way. Beyond that, Ping exuded infectious enthusiasm not only for our touring, but for us personally as well. We had a serious medical issue occur suddenly, in fact one of us went into diabetic shock. It was four in the morning but no matter, after calling Ping she took command and arranged for the hotel to send us, with a car, driver, and assistant to a hospital. Upon our arrival there was Ping who obviously thru on some clothes, got on her motorbike and rushed to meet us. There she not only served as translator but as though a family member, she became invested in our proper care and recovery. Truly remarkable to have such a person supporting you. In small ways she flavored her guiding with a sense of our interests and preferences, like the day we mentioned our love of pomegranates and the next morning there she is smiling and with samples for us as a treat. When we left a jacket behind, once again was on it as Ping arranged for its shipment to out next stop and tracked it until it was in our hands. Beyond that, Ping was in frequent contact to make certain of our full medical recovery and to offer her help where or whenever it might be needed while in China. Amazing! Ping can be contacted at bellakanas@163.com Sheila Hertz, Howard Entin

ourview_11

5.0

From the first email to Top China Travel with Joyce to our wonderful Tour Guide Linda and our driver I can not say more happily what a wonderful trip we have had. Linda was very Kind and very informative with all your tours. The vehicle used was at very high standard and the Driver very safe. We had a private Tour for myself and my Husband we would totally recommend this company.

Geonannie

5.0

Top China Travel is the the tops! I booked an 21 day tour of China for my husband and I and from the very first contact with Lily Lui I was totally impressed. We communicated via e-mail and Lily was very quick and helpful with her responses. Because this was not our first trip to China, I wanted an itinerary that was different from the norm. Lily's recommendations were top notch. The hotels she used were top shelf as we requested. Our guides and drivers were fantastic. What impressed me the most was that when we were in China, Lily called to speak to me and make sure everything was going well. When I ran into some issues due to altitude sickness, I contacted her and she had the itinerary changes done and finalized within an hour. This was a private tour with guide and driver and I honestly can say there was not one thing I wished we had done differently. Thanks to Top China Travel and Lily our trip to China was perfect. I will definitely be contacting Lily when we return to China for yet another visit.

Allessandr0

5.0

I am a tour leader from Italy and this was my first cooperation with Janet and how lucky we met her!! We followed the trip with her to remote areas in China including some ethnic group area in Guizhou province and Sanjiang, Longsheng and Guilin, we enjoyed completely throughout the whole trip and some arrangement even out of our surprise, like we went to Janet’s home to learn how to pack Chinese Ravioli, she invited a Taichi teacher and we had a 1 hour Taichi class inside her home community. Everything was fine and our group members are all like her very much. We strongly recommend Janet Chan (janet@topchinatravel.com) as your China trip consultant! She is so considerate and carefully planned each detail of our trip. Guizhou is a very interesting and primitive place for visiting, you should include in your China trip as well! Thank you Janet! You are very professional!!

Salim A

5.0

When I planning our private trip to china I have read many trip adviser reviews and I have noticed Janet Chan’s name came up a number of times so i sent her an e-mail asked for the best two weeks private tour in China for 6 persons , whiten two days she replied me recommending 5 cities ( Zhangjiajie, hangzhuo , shanghai, Beijing , Guilin ) we went through the program which she sent to us it was excellent so we asked her to go ahead to arrange our journey . it was a great choice we made, The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful. The hotels which reserved for us by TCT were excellent We can only say thanks for TCT and especially Janet Chan

Karan J

5.0

From the 1st point of contact till the end Joyce was great and helped plan a perfect trip which I was for a short time in Beijing. I was traveling alone and was recommended to join a small group of fellow travelers which was perfect. Great tour guide with a clean bus. Pick up on time and overall a great experience.

Ms Masha B

5.0

My husband and I booked a two week private tour of China with Top China Travel. It was an excellent experience. Vicky, a tour consultant, offered us a very good program visiting Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai and Nanjing. We really enjoyed every location. The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful. In Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing me made our own hotel reservation and in Xian an Zhangjiajie TCT made the reservations for us. Lunch was included in the tour and the selection of the restaurants was excellent in most locations (except Xian). Overall great tour!

Chris W

5.0

When planning our China trip we read many trip advisor reviews and noticed Janet Chan’s name came up a number of times so we asked for her to arrange our journey across this fascinating land. What a great choice we made, she listened and responded to our questions and arranged all our trip that went off without any problems. We didn’t want shopping nor group travel and she responded brilliantly. Two days hiking on the wall with fabulous guide Miko, in fact all our guides and drivers were just excellent. High speed train meant we saw lots of China’s varied countryside and went to some out of the way places. We can only say great things about TCT and especially Janet Chan if you are planning a trip. Thank you Janet for an exciting and memorable trip! Chris n Jools Winstanley

Raghavan A

5.0

We signed up with TCT after reading reviews of Tibet tour agencies. Our trip included 4 days in Lhasa, two in Shigatse and one at the base camp. TCT made all the arrangements including the Tibet permit, hotels, tour guide, car and the driver for the entire trip. The arrangements were superb. The guide and the driver were very accommodating to our needs and made the entire trip very convenient. At the base camp, the guide even arranged for extra oxygen in case we need it. She was also very helpful in advising us as how to get acclimated to the altitude. The entire trip was smooth and enjoyable and we would highly recommend TCT for travel to Tibet.

karenilena

5.0

wonderful visit and wonderful guide Li. Li showed us all the charms of this great city together with our Li river tour. We fell in love with this place and Yangshou. Great place to visit and it was a favourite city in all the cities we visited. great guide

Natasha J

5.0

I can't recommend this company enough!! I started talking to Yocky via the chat system on their website, as we wanted to do a 2.5 week trip around China. Our itinerary was: Shenzhen-Beijing-Xian-Kunming-Dongchuan-Chengdu-Guilin-Sanya Here's how things went: 1) She was instant in her replies and responded to subsequent emails within the hour (and trust me, I sent A LOT of emails). She was always so thorough and efficient. 2) She made us a tailor made trip that covered everything we wanted, including some slightly more off the beaten track attractions. 3) She helped us keep to our budget and suggested reasonable things we could cut out when things were too expensive (not something many companies would do as they are trying to make a quick buck). 4) She listened to all of our requests for things such as early morning flights, vegetarian food, and readjusting itineraries. 5) All our drivers and guides were EXCELLENT; they were prompt, kind, spoke excellent English and had a wealth of knowledge about all the sites we saw. All the cars on our private tours were nice and comfortable and had water. 6) Despite asking for 3* hotels, all 7 hotels we stayed in seemed like 4* to us and all included breakfast. 7) With such a large and complicated trip there were bound to be a few hiccups (e.g. there was a marathon in Xian one day which meant a lot of roads were closed, so we couldn't access sites). Yocky was in touch with us the entire time and helped us rearrange our plans quickly and ordered complimentary tickets to a show to make up for the inconvenience. We were so nervous about our first trip to China as we speak no mandarin and are strict vegetarian but honestly this was one of the best trips of our life; this company made it so easy for us and I really can't imagine having been able to do it myself any better!

JrnyJunkie

5.0

The views are stunning and the boat that we were on had VIP seating for just our group with a private balcony to view the river.

Candi S

5.0

Raylene did a wonderful job organizing our tour to meet our time constraints. She answered all questions very efficiently. Our tour guide Rocco met us at the airport and the Driver was waiting near by. I have specific dietary restrictions and the guide was extremely helpful communicating that with the restaurants. The trip was so easy and we always felt safe. My husband and I are looking forward to booking a more extended trip in the future. There is so much to see and the food is wonderful!

14 Days Best Silk Road Tour