Summary

The Silk Road is a historic trade and cultural exchange route that connects Eastern and Western civilizations. Here is a classic 8-day Silk Road travel itinerary that takes you through the natural scenery, historical sites, and diverse cultures along this ancient trade route, covering important cities such as Xi'an, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, and Lanzhou, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty, historical sites, and diverse cultures of the Silk Road, making it an unforgettable China travel experience.

TOUR OF SILK ROAD

(8 days 7 nights)

Day 1: Departure Point - Xi'an

• Itinerary: After arriving in Xi'an, check into the hotel and rest for a while. In the afternoon, head to the Xi'an City Wall, cycle around the wall to overlook the ancient city's appearance, and feel the weight of history. In the evening, stroll through the Tang Paradise, admire the architecture and sculptures themed around the Tang Dynasty culture, and taste authentic Shaanxi snacks such as Roujiamo (meat stuffed in bread) and Liangpi (cold skin noodles) to experience the ancient city's nightlife.

Day 2: Xi'an - Terracotta Army - Mount Hua

• Transportation: Take a tourist bus to the Terracotta Army and Mount Hua.
• Itinerary: In the morning, visit the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, admire the lifelike terracotta warriors and horses, and feel the grandeur of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's unification of the six states. In the afternoon, take a vehicle to Mount Hua, where you can choose to hike or take a cable car to experience the charm of "the most precipitous mountain under heaven" and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery.

Day 3: Xi'an - Dunhuang

• Transportation: Fly to Dunhuang.
• Itinerary: After arriving in Dunhuang, check into the hotel and rest for a while. In the afternoon, visit the Dunhuang Museum to learn about the history and culture of Dunhuang and its significant role on the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy free time in the city center of Dunhuang to experience the local customs and traditions.

Day 4: Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Crescent Lake and Mingsha Mountain

• Transportation: Take a tourist bus to the Mogao Caves and Crescent Lake and Mingsha Mountain.
• Itinerary: In the morning, tour the Mogao Caves, admire the exquisite murals and sculptures, and feel the profoundness of Buddhist culture. In the afternoon, head to Crescent Lake and Mingsha Mountain, ride a camel through the desert, and appreciate the magical landscape of the desert oasis.

Day 5: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan

• Transportation: Take a train to Jiayuguan.
• Itinerary: After arriving in Jiayuguan, visit the Jiayuguan Fort, feel the grandeur of "the first and greatest pass under heaven," and learn about the ancient military defense system. In the afternoon, tour the Overhanging Great Wall, and admire the magnificent scenery of the Great Wall.

Day 6: Jiayuguan - Zhangye

• Transportation: Take a tourist bus to Zhangye.
• Itinerary: In the morning, upon arrival in Zhangye, visit the Zhangye Danxia Landform, admire the masterpiece of nature, and feel the colorful Danxia landscape. In the afternoon, tour the Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple, and learn about the culture of the Western Xia Dynasty and Buddhist art.

Day 7: Zhangye - Lanzhou

• Transportation: Take a train to Lanzhou.
• Itinerary: After arriving in Lanzhou, visit the Mother Yellow River Statue, feel the great spirit of the Yellow River nurturing the Chinese nation. In the afternoon, tour the Lanzhou Waterwheel Exhibition Garden, learn about the history and function of Lanzhou waterwheels, and feel the unique charm of Yellow River culture.

Day 8: Lanzhou - Return to Departure Point

• Transportation: take a bullet train back to Xi'an
• Itinerary: End the pleasant Silk Road journey and return to the departure point with a wealth of memories.

This classic 8-day, 7-night Silk Road travel route covers important cities such as Xi'an, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, and Lanzhou, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty, historical sites, and diverse cultures of the Silk Road, making it an unforgettable travel experience.