13 Days Silk Route Adventure & Modern China Tour
Destination:Beijing, Dunhuang, Lanzhou, Shanghai, Turpan, Urumqi, Xi'an
Tour Code: CCT08
Tour Duration: 13 Days
- Tour overview:
- Discovery the mystery of China’s Ancient Silk Road, and the modern excitement of China’s major metropolises on this incredible China tour. You will begin in the ancient and modern capital of China, Beijing. You will then begin your travels along the Ancient Silk Road by visiting Urumqi, Turpan, Dunhuang, and Lanzhou. You will then visit Xian, home to the Terracotta Warriors. After visiting Xian, you will travel to Shanghai. A perfect blending of Eastern and Western cultures, Shanghai is a wonderful last stop on your tour of China.
Day by Day Itinerary
Tour Summary
Reviews
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
Day 1
Arrival Beijing
Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
Upon your arrival you will be greeted by our local guide and then transferred to your hotel by a private air-conditioned car. For the rest of the day you will enjoy some leisure time.
Day 2
Beijing ( B, L )
Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City
This morning our tour will begin with a visit of the Temple of Heaven, which was completed in 1420, and expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty Emperors. It was the place where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. With the three blue-tiled cone-shaped roofs, a unique wooden and blue-tiled structure built without a nail, it has become a worldwide symbol of Beijing.
After lunch, we will go on our city tour to visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolical heart of China and gathering place for the masses. It is the biggest public square in the world, which can hold one million people.
From here we will walk across the Golden River Bridge to visit the Forbidden City and experience the ancient Emperor's daily life. For 5 centuries Chinese emperors carried out their administration here. With almost 10,000 rooms, it was the centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties, a massive complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens where 24 emperors used to live. Forbidden City was the largest palace in the world, and in the past it was indeed a forbidden place for commoners. Your tour here will include private access to the Emperor's palace.
Day 3
Beijing ( B, L )
Sightseeing: Mutianyu Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Sacred Way, 2008 Beijing Olympic venues
After experiencing the royal lifestyle, today we will be transferred to the surrounding countryside of Beijing and visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, this less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains.
In the afternoon we will visit the legendary Ming Tombs, which are situated at the foot of Heavenly Longevity Mountain, Changping, northwest of Beijing. Since there are 13 Ming emperors buried there, this place was called the 13 Ming Tombs. You will walk along the Sacred Way, a road guarded by stone statues on both sides, as the ancient emperors did to hold a memorial ceremony for their ancestors. In addition, you will encounter the marble tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors.
On the way back to hotel, you will be driven to visit the main 2008 Beijing Olympic venues, take an exterior visit of both the, Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium), National Swimming Centre('The Water Cube'),feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.
Day 4
Beijing/ Urumqi ( B, L )
Transfer via: Flight arranged by us
Sightseeing: Hutongs, Summer Palace
We will experience a unique Hutong tour by taking a rickshaw this morning. Hutongs are a kind of ancient city alley or lane and are very typical for Beijing. Most of them can be found close to the Forbidden City, and many were built during the three dynasties of Yuan, Ming and Qing. Today, the Hutong is a living museum of Beijing history showing the traditional lifestyle of Beijing people.
We will continue by visiting the Summer Palace. Equally famous as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is called 'Yiheyuan' (Garden of Nurtured Harmony) in Chinese. Until nowadays, it is the best preserved and the largest imperial garden in China. You will regret it if you leave Beijing without having visited this grand imperial garden.
Later that day you will take the flight to Urumqi. After your arrival there, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide.
Day 5
Urumqi/Turpan (B, L)
Transfer via: High speed train arranged by us
Sightseeing: Heavenly Lake
Today you will have a full day visit in the Heavenly Lake. The Heavenly Lake is a moraine by nature. Since remote times, quite a few of myths and legends circulated concerning the beautiful scenery. The water is very clear and the banks are covered with tall trees. Surrounded by mountains, the jade-green lake is an ideal place for excursions and rest for most of the year. It provides an excellent skating ground in winter.
Later you will be transferred to the railway station and take high speed train from Urumqi to Turpan. After your arrival there, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our local guide.
Day 6
Turpan / Dunhuang (B, L)
Transfer via: Overnight soft sleeper train arranged by us
Sightseeing: Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto), Flaming Mountain, Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs, Karez Well System, Grape Valley
In the morning you will visit the Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto). In the Western Han Dynasty, Jiaohe served as the capital of Anterior Cheshi, one of 36 states in the Western Regions. The Ancient City is just like a large castle with strong defense.
We continue to visit the Flaming Mountain. Many years of volcanic activity have formed the unique crisscrossing gullies and ravines. During mid-afternoon the heat becomes intense as the sun's rays are reflected off the red rocks, as though the hillsides are engulfed by tongues of fire, hence the name.
Our next stop is the Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs, which are part of the Underground Museum of Turpan and the Living Archives of Gaochang. Astana means capital in Uigur; Karakhoja was a Uigur hero who protected his people from a vicious dragon.
Then we move to the Karez Well System, the pride of Turpan. Along with the Great Wall and Grand Beijing-Hangzhou Canal it is regarded as the three most important achievements of ancient time.
Our last stop today is the Grape Valley. Under the twisted vines, set up many stalls selling kebabs, steaming noodles and dried raisins to travelers. In addition, the Wei Minority singing and dancing show is displayed here daily. Grape Valley is where most tourists stop for lunch during midday.
Then be transferred to railway station and take overnight train from Turpan to Dunhuang.
Day 7
Dunhuang/Lanzhou (B, L)
Transfer via: Flight arranged by us
Sightseeing: Mogao Grottoes, Singing Sand Mountains & Crescent Moon Spring
Arrive in Dunhuang, you will be met by our local guide and head for the Mogao Grottoes for a visit: Constructed over a millennium, from the 4th to the 14th centuries, the caves hold the world's richest treasure house of Buddhist sutras, murals and sculptures.
Later we continue to visit the Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Moon Spring. The Singing Sand Mountains are famous for the sounds the wind makes when blowing over the dunes. Also, the sand is said to be rather noisy when tread upon. The Spring's name derives from the crescent moon shape the small pool of spring water has taken between two large sand dunes. Although the area is very dry, the pool doesn't dry up as one might expect. And this is a resort of Taoism for local people.
Afterward you will be transferred to airport for flight to Lanzhou.
Day 8
Lanzhou (B, L)
Sightseeing: Bingling Temple Caves, Gansu Provincial Museum, White Pagoda Hill
Arriving in Lanzhou in the morning, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our local guide. Then visit the Bingling Thousand Buddha Caves, Being one of the very noted four caves in China, it is the second to Mogao Caves in respect of artistic value.
We continue to visit the Gansu Provincial Museum, one of the best sights in the city and a visit is well worthwhile. This museum will provide visitors with a unique and memorable experience. The world-famous bronze Galloping Horse's Hoof Stepped on a Flying Swallow is here.
Later we will visit the White Pagoda Hill. The White Pagoda Hill Park is a large, quiet area. From the hill one can have a bird's eye view of the Yellow River. The park was named after the White Pagoda Temple that crowns the summit of its steeply terraced slopes.
Day 9
Lanzhou/Xi'an (B, L)
Transfer via: Flight arranged by us
Sightseeing: Ancient City Wall
In the morning, you will be transferred to airport for flight to Xi'an. Arrive in Xi'an, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our local guide, then visit the Ancient City Wall, You will experience a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. It is the largest and best preserved present city wall in ancient China and is probably the best military battlement in the world. If you want to, you can rent a bicycle for a ride on top of the spectacular city wall.
Feel free at leisure for the rest of the day.
Day 10
Xi'an (B, L)
Sightseeing: Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower
Today you will experience the highlights of Xi'an. After breakfast, you will depart you’re your hotel. You will visit the amazing 2000-year-old Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Over 2,200 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of a vast army of Terra-cotta warriors in search of immortality. After his early death they were buried with him to protect his empire.
Another highlight today is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Situated in the south of Xian city, it is one of the main constructions in the famous Buddhist temple-Da-Ci-En Temple. There, the well-known Buddhist Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his collection of classic Buddhist artifacts brought from India in Tang Dynasty. Now it is the Landmark of Xian.
Then we will go on to visit the Bell Tower, which is the best-preserved and best-known one among many. The Bell Tower was built in 1384. In early mornings of ancient times it had the mission of ringing the bell and giving the correct time to the whole city, hence called "The Bell Tower". With magnificent carved beams and painted rafters, this classical building is truly elegant.
Day 11
Xi'an / Shanghai (B, L)
Transfer via: Flight arranged by us
Sightseeing: Nanjing Road, the Bund
You will enjoy some free time at your leisure today. Then you will take the flight to Shanghai. Arriving in Shanghai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide. Together, you will take a walk to the famous Nanjing Road and the Bund. They are among the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai and therefore a must-see when visiting Shanghai.
Day 12
Shanghai (B, L)
Sightseeing: Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yuyuan Garden
Today we will start the day with a visit of Shanghai Museum which is the biggest museum of China. It incorporates a collection of over 120,000 pieces of Chinese art & cultural relics and is especially famous for its treasures of bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy.
Then we head to the Jade Buddha Temple. The old-time and classical architectural style makes the temple unique and inimitable in this modern city. Both, the Sitting Buddha and the Recumbent Buddha are carved with whole white jade. If you're lucky, you can watch the monks serving a ceremony in a side room.
After lunch, we will visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, the highest TV Tower in Asia, which creates a picture of 'twin dragons playing with pearls'. The entire scene is a photographic jewel that excites the imagination and attracts thousands of visitors all year-round.
Then we will take a relaxing walk to the lovely Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful garden in the south of the Yangtze River. Wandering through it, you will find pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards as well as many other natural features.
Day 13
Departure Shanghai (B)
Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
Today will be free for your own purposes, until our guide will escort you to the airport for your next destination.
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
Tour Dates | Destinations | Services Provided | Meals Included | ||||||||||||||
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Day 1 |
Beijing
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Arrive in Beijing, be met and transferred to hotel.
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Day 2 |
Beijing
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Full day visit Tiananmen Square Forbidden City The Temple of Heaven
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Day 3 |
Beijing
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Full day visit Mutianyu Great Wall Ming Tombs The Sacred Way .On the way back to hotel, you will be driven to visit the main 2008 Beijing Olympic venues, take an exterior visit of both the Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium) National Swimming Centre('The Water Cube') Beijing ,feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.
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Day 4 |
Beijing/Urumqi
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In the morning, visit Hutong Tours in Rickshaw and Summer Palace ,Then be transferred to airport for flight to Urumqi, arrive in Urumqi, be met and transferred to hotel.
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Day 5 |
Urumqi/Turpan
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Full day visit the Heavenly Lake Then be transferred to railway station and take train from Urumqi to Turpan.Arrive in Turpan, be met and transferred to hotel.
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Day 6 |
Turpan/Dunhuang
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Full day visit Ancient City of Jiaohe (Yarkhoto) Flaming Mountain, Turpan Astana-Karakhoja Ancient Tombs Karez Well System, Turpan Grape Valley, Turpan . Then be transferred to railway station and take overnight train from Turpan to Dunhuang. |
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Day 7 |
Dunhuang/Lanzhou
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Arrive in Dunhuang, be met and visit Mogao Grottoes Mingsha Shan & Yueya Quan (Singing Sand Mountains & Crescent Moon Spring) ,then be transferred to airport for flight to Lanzhou.
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Day 8 |
Lanzhou
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In the morning, visit Bingling Temple Caves Gansu Provincial Museum White Pagoda Hill
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Day 9 |
Lanzhou/Xi'an
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Free at leisure till be transferred to airport for flight to Xian.Arrive in Xian, be met and visit Ancient City Wall
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Day 10 |
Xi'an
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Full day visit The Terracotta Army and Horses Big Wild Goose Pagoda Bell Tower Tang Dynasty Dinner Show
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Day 11 |
Xi'an/Shanghai
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Free at leisure till be transferred to airport for flight to Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai, be met and visit Nanjing Road The Bund
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Day 12 |
Shanghai
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Full day visit Shanghai Museum Oriental Pearl TV Tower Jade Buddha Temple Yuyuan Garden
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Day 13 |
Shanghai
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Free at leisure till be transferred to airport for your flight departure. |
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-NOTE:
1. Normally hotels allow a maximum of 3 adults per room with an extra bed, at extra charge. Some hotels will allow three adults and a small child.
2. Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
3. More people more discounts. Please enquire for more details.
Price Includes
A. Entrance fees:To scenic spots as listed above in the itinerary.
B. Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
C. Private Transfers: Among airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in the above cities by the private air conditioned vehicle.
D. Guide and Driver: As outlined in the itinerary, a well selected English-speaking guide and driver will accompany you throughout the entire tour in that city. They do not fly with you from one city to another.
E. Hotels: Hotel Based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
F. Luggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
G. Service Charge & Government Taxes.
H. Travel insurance in mainland China during the above travel period.
I. Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
Had an amazing experience with visitourchina during my recent tour to Zhangjiajie. Lisa was very helpful and catered to all my requests for the tour. We wished we had more days to see more of Zhangjiajie. As we are travelling with my elderly parents, we requested for more elderly-friendly itinerary in Zhangjiajie. Even though the trip is still a bit tough for my mum as she has knee problems, my family still enjoyed the tour. Special thank you to Lisa and Max, our guide.
- Booking Code:VOC-20241116
- Tour Starting Date:Saturday, 16 November 2024
- Client's information:Vanessa,Singapore

The services rendered from the travel agency is prompt. Very responsive and cater my tour according to my requests. The tour guides assigned to us were also caring and helpful. I continue to seek inquiries after our tour ended and they continued to response promptly. This is my second trip with this company and will continue to engage them when I next return to China.
- Booking Code:VOC-20241103
- Tour Starting Date:Sunday, 3 November 2024
- Client's information:Wendy, Singapore

How to navigate China for the second time after 45 years for a couple over 70 years old? We spent part of our honeymoon in China in 1978 together with a Spanish speaking tour group when China just opened its door to the outside world. It was the era of "Friendship stores" and "food ration coupons". Tourists could only shop at government designated stores and the ordinary local people lived on rationed food, notwithstanding, tourists were treated with the highest honor and the best of everything including food. By then, the main transportation tool in cities were bicycles. From balconies of hotels, we saw never ending long queue of people on bicycles heading to work every morning. Since then, China has developed into a super modern and industrialized country. Shopping is a bliss nowadays. Motorized vehicles and lots of EV has replaced a huge part of the fleet of human-driven bicycles since. Infrastructure-wise China is the pioneer nowadays. Over the years, the only retained memories are the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Pandas. There was an incident which I could not forget either. We went to a theater at night for an opera and I lost my wallet with all my documents and some money ( a small fortune for the Chinese people by then). I was very nervous and didn't know what to do. When we got back to the hotel, my wallet was waiting for me at the reception. Somebody found it at the theatre and sent it to the hotel where we were lodged. Everything was back, nothing missing. Again, it was 1978! Impressed! So, we wanted to visit China again to revive the lost sweet memories and hoping to gain more of them. Being seniors, we don't have the energy to follow a vigorous group tour anymore. Could we plan and schedule our own tour in this wonderland like the modern China? The answer is simple, No! I don't know the language well enough and have no knowledge of the city areas for choices like accommodations and transportations. In order to travel safely, efficient...
- Booking Code:VOC-20241016B
- Tour Starting Date:Wednesday, 16 October 2024
- Client's information:Cheng, Canada

I found Lisa from Trip Advisor and started chatting with her and send my requirements for which she planned excellent tours for me in between my spare time during Canton Fair. She planned and managed the trip so well and professionally and provided me with such an excellent follow up services that we ended up becoming very good friends. A wonderful person to look into for all your China Travel needs. Highly recommended for good planning, timing, and organization of your vacation.
- Booking Code:VOC-20241009
- Tour Starting Date:Wednesday, 9 October 2024
- Client's information:Ismail Soni,Canada

Booked a 2 day private tour of Xi’an with Grace as our local tour guide. Really good service from both the booking agent Lisa as well as Grace and the driver Mr Wang. Managed to see all the big sights including Terracotta Warriors, City Wall, Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. They took care of everything and gave good local food recommendations. Travelled with my father who walks quite slow, but they managed to accomodate him no problem. 10/10 would recommend.
- Booking Code:VOC-20240723
- Tour Starting Date:Tuesday, 23 July 2024
- Client's information:Julian,Singapore
Hello, dear Lisa! Happy to be in Guilin and very pleased to meet you! Thank you for a wonderful tours!!! Every day is filled with magnificient views and unforgetable moments! I would like to Thank you for all these events! Special thanks for Beijing tour. Happy to visit so many places in China ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ wonderful country and wonderful people! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Both tours to Guilin and Beijing were amazing! I visited so many wonderful places! The guides were very friendly and hospitable, thanks for everything! Happy to choose this agency because the programme included all interesting places and they did their best to make my Dreams come true!
- Booking Code:VOC-20240713
- Tour Starting Date:Saturday, 13 July 2024
- Client's information:Elena, Russia
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