Silk Road Spanning Thousands of Miles: Civilization Journey from Chang'an to the Western Regions (18-Day In-Depth Itinerary)
Follow the chime of camel bells to traverse the millennia-old Silk Road that runs from the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties all the way to the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. This 18-day, 17-night itinerary builds on the core highlights of the Silk Road to explore Northern Xinjiang, with visits to the Heaven Lake of Tianshan, Kanas Lake, and immersive experiences of Tuva folk customs, bridging the Silk Road civilization with the grassland civilization of the Western Regions.
Design Concept
With the Silk Road as the guiding thread, set off from Xi'an, the ancient capital that hosted the courts of 13 dynasties, and travel westward along the Hexi Corridor. The route links the imperial grandeur of the Terracotta Army, the thousand-year Buddhist charm of the Dunhuang Mogao Caves, the geological wonders of the Zhangye Danxia landforms, the majestic frontier fortress of Jiayuguan Pass, the sacred plateau sanctuary of Qinghai Lake, and the enigmatic imperial legacy of the Western Xia Mausoleums, letting you trace the glorious splendor of Han and Tang Silk Road civilization every step of the way.
Along the journey, you can experience intangible cultural heritage handicrafts including Tri-colored Tang Pottery making, Dunhuang mural replication, and Helan stone carving, and stay in distinctive accommodations such as Tang-style hotels, desert camps, and Qinghai Lake stargazing homestays. The itinerary extends to northern Xinjiang, where you can visit the Heavenly Lake of Tianshan and Kanas Lake, bridging Silk Road civilization and the grassland culture of the Western Regions, to complete a cross-civilization journey from Chang'an to Altay.
Detailed Itinerary
Pricing
Inclusions
[Transportation] Dedicated private car service for the entire trip (covering fuel, toll fees, and meal/accommodation allowances for the driver); airport and railway station transfers included in the itinerary; high-speed rail tickets for the Xi'an to Lanzhou route, plus intercity high-speed rail and flight tickets as required; fees for scenic area sightseeing buses, desert camel rides, Qinghai Lake cruise boats, and other related transport services. [Accommodation] Handpicked distinctive accommodation for the full trip (including Tang-style hotels in Xi'an, desert camps in Dunhuang, starry-sky homestays by Qinghai Lake, characteristic lodging in northern Xinjiang, etc.) [Dining] Daily breakfast and all scheduled meals are included throughout the trip (featuring local specialties such as Xi'an regional cuisine, Lanzhou beef noodles, Dunhuang local flavors, Qinghai delicacies, Ningxia local dishes, Xinjiang-style cuisine, etc.); complimentary drinking water is provided for the entire journey. [Experiences] First-entry tickets to all attractions covered in the itinerary (Terracotta Army, Mogao Caves, Rainbow Danxia, Jiayuguan Pass, Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Western Xia Tombs, Helan Mountain Rock Paintings, Sand Lake, etc.); intangible cultural heritage experiences including Tang sancai (tri-color) pottery making, Dunhuang mural tracing, and Helan stone carving; tickets to Tianchi Lake (Tianshan) and Kanas Lake scenic areas. [Staffing] Dual staffing for the entire trip: experienced bilingual cultural tour leaders paired with professional local guides. [Insurance] High-coverage travel accident insurance for the full duration of the trip. [Other Inclusions] Electronic pre-trip guidebook, exclusive itinerary commemorative items.
Exclusions
【Transportation】Round-trip international airfare between your departure location and China, plus visa fees 【Personal Expenses】Personal spending outside the scheduled itinerary, costs for handicraft purchases, extra à la carte beverages, and similar related expenses 【Single Room Supplement】A supplement is required if you wish to occupy a single room alone 【Other】Personal gear for desert camping (sleeping bags and other items are recommended to be brought on your own) 【Other】Additional costs arising from force majeure events (such as adverse weather, road conditions, policy changes, etc.)
Notices & Booking Info
Notices
【Altitude Acclimatization】Qinghai Lake sits at an elevation of around 3,200 meters, Heaven Lake of Tianshan around 1,900 meters, and Kanas around 1,370 meters. It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise after arriving in high-altitude areas, get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. 【Hiking & Physical Fitness】The trip mainly follows scenic area trails, and includes light activities such as desert strolls and grassland cycling. It is recommended to wear non-slip, comfortable hiking shoes. 【Dress & Gear】Northwest China has extreme temperature differences between day and night; it is recommended to dress in layers (moisture-wicking base layer + warm mid-layer + windproof outer layer). For desert areas, pay attention to sun protection and sand protection; carry a lightweight raincoat, sunscreen, and insect repellent with you at all times. 【Desert Camping】Dunhuang desert camping sites provide basic tents; it is recommended to bring your own sleeping bag liner. Nighttime temperatures in the desert are low, so take care to stay warm. 【Local Customs & Etiquette】When visiting temples or mosques, dress appropriately and refrain from speaking loudly. Ask for permission before taking photos of local ethnic minority villagers. When experiencing intangible cultural heritage projects, respect the guidance of the inheritors. 【Environmental Protection】Follow the Leave No Trace principle throughout the trip: do not take Gobi stones, do not damage petroglyphs, and do not litter. 【Itinerary Adjustments】The tour leader has the right to flexibly adjust the itinerary order based on weather and road conditions. Some sections of the route in Northwest China are long, so please be mentally prepared. 【Booking Recommendations】It is recommended to book at least 45 days in advance (due to the long itinerary, cross-province travel, and numerous accommodation stops). When booking, please confirm any dietary restrictions, special requirements, physical fitness status, and visa status.
Booking & Cancellation
【Booking Process】Once your itinerary is confirmed, pay a deposit to secure your spot, and settle the remaining balance in full before departure. If you need visa assistance, please provide your passport information when making your booking. 【Cancellation & Modification Policy】Travel services require advance reservation of resources, and cancellations or modifications will be processed in accordance with the following standards: · Cancellations made 30–45 days before departure: 10% of the tour fee will be deducted; · Cancellations made 15–29 days before departure: 30% of the tour fee will be deducted; · Cancellations made 7–14 days before departure: 50% of the tour fee will be deducted; · Cancellations made within 7 days before departure: 100% of the tour fee will be deducted (non-refundable). 【Special Notes】If the itinerary is cancelled due to force majeure (such as natural disasters, policy restrictions), settlement will be made based on actual incurred costs. Any other outstanding matters will be resolved through amicable negotiation between both parties.
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