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17 Days Silk Road China Travels of Marco Polo

Destinations: Xi'An - Beijing - Tianshui - Lanzhou - Wuwei - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi
Sights: The Forbidden City in Beijing, Beijing Hutongs, Great Wall of China, Tiantan Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Xi'an
17 Days Silk Road China Travels of Marco Polo's step to cover Shaanxi, Gansu and Xinjiang and tourist highlights in Beijing, Xi'An, Tianshui, Lanzhou, Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi. 
Day by Day Itenerary Expand All

Day 1Arrival/ Beijing

Welcome to Beijing. As China’s capital, Beijing is a living history book and a dynamic global city. From imperial palaces and temple parks to contemporary art districts and world-class cuisine,every corner tells a story. Feel the past, taste the present, and sense the pulse of tomorrow.

Traffic:airplane
Hotel:4 Star

Day 2Beijing

Sites Visited: The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Beijing Hutongs

Your today tour starts with a morning strolling across the world's grandest city central square, Tiananmen Square. Then you will enter the Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex where the emperors and his family had once worked and lived. The Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as the magnificent heart of Beijing and a pinnacle of ancient Chinese architecture.

Go on a visit to Beijing Hutongs - the old lanes and courtyard houses. Beijing's hutongs are a maze of historic alleyways, woven into the city's fabric. Wander through Beijing's hutongs, where ancient alleyways come alive. Discover courtyard homes, taste steaming street snacks, and feel the city's vibrant heartbeat in every narrow lane.

Options: Peking Opera for night show and Beijing Roast Duck for dinner.

Traffic:Private Transfer
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 3Beijing

Sites Visited: Mutianyu Great Wall, the Sacred Road, Outside look Bird Nest & Water Cube

After breakfast, you will pay a morning visit to the world's greatest man-made projects, the Great Wall at Mutianyu section, set up as a military fortification more than 2,000 years ago. There are cable car up and down the Great Wall, you can choose to pay to do cable car or just hiking up and down. Thanks to note this.

Then visit the Sacred Road of Ming Tomb, ancient emperor's mausoleum group of the Ming Dynasty.

On the way back to Beijing downtown, you will have a stop for an outside look of two famous Olimpic site: Bird Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center).

Traffic:Private Transfer
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 4Beijing/Xian

Sites Visited: Temple of Heaven

After breakfast you will pay a morning visit to Temple of Heaven, once a site where the emperors offered sacrifices to the heaven, it is even larger than the Forbidden City. The Temple of Heaven, its elegant design and serene gardens reflect ancient Chinese philosophy and architectural genius, what a masterpiece of harmony.

After visiting you will be driven to train station for the bullet train to Xian (5-5.5 hours), another of China's ancient capitals. Upon arrival in Xian, your local guide will meet you and escort you to the hotel for rest.

Traffic:High-speed Railway
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 5Xian

Sites Visited: Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Warriors & Horses), the Wild Goose Pagoda

Today highlight is to visit the incredible Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, also been know as Terracotta Warriors. Step into the legendary Terracotta Army, a UNESCO site. Marvel at thousands of life-sized warriors, each uniquely crafted to guard China's first emperor. A breathtaking must-see and a true wonder of the ancient world. Discover history frozen in clay.

Then back to Xian city, visit the Wild Goose Pagoda. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a iconic landmark in Xi'an. Built in the Tang Dynasty over 1,300 years ago, it was used to store Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. The elegant, seven-story pagoda stands as a symbol of ancient wisdom. It's a peaceful and culturally profound site not to be missed.

Jiaozi Banquet as dinner.

Tang Dynasty Show as optional.

Traffic:Private Transfer
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 6Xi'an/ Tianshui

Sites Visited: Muslim Quarter, Grand Mosque, Xian Ancient City Wall

Pay a morning visit Muslim Quarter, Grand Mosque. The Muslim Quarter is a bustling food paradise where narrow lanes are filled with the aroma of sizzling snacks and local delicacies. Just a few steps away, discover the serene Great Mosque, a beautiful architectural gem blending Chinese and Islamic styles within its peaceful gardens 

And go to visit the Xian Ancient City Wall, walk or biking on the wall to overview the city views. 

Then you will catch high speed train to Tianshui, is a historic city in Gansu Province, renowned as a cradle of Chinese civilization and a key Silk Road stop.

Traffic:High-speed Railway
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 7Tianshui/ Lanzhou

Sites Visited: Maijishan Grottoes, Fuxi Temple.

Today will go to visit Maijishan Grottoes, Fuxi Temple. After will go to Lanzhou by high speed train. 

The Maijishan Grottoes in Gansu Province form one of China's four great Buddhist cave complexes. Discover Maijishan, a breathtaking "honeycomb hill" of ancient art near Tianshui. Marvel at over 7,000 exquisite Buddhist statues and murals miraculously carved into its sheer cliff face, a silent, stone testament to Silk Road devotion.

Fuxi Temple: Fuxi was the first emperor in China ancient history. Fuxi Temple covers an area of 13000 square meters is one of the famous ancient architectural complexes in northwest China. It was built in the 19th to 20th year of Ming Dynasty (1483 ~ 1484), and is the largest Fuxi worship complex in China.

Traffic:High-speed Railway
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 8Lanzhou/ Xiahe

Sites visited: Labrang Monastery, Sangke Grassland

Labrang Monastery, in Gannan, Gansu, is one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1709, it is renowned as a major center for Buddhist learning. Stroll the world's longest prayer corridor, and immerse yourself in the serene grandeur of one of Tibetan Buddhism's most important monastic cities.

Sangke Grassland, is a vast and picturesque alpine meadow on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. Known for its rolling green hills, clear streams, and scattered herds of yaks and sheep, it offers a serene glimpse into traditional Tibetan nomadic life.

Traffic:Private Transfer
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 9Xiahe /Lanzhou

Sites visited: Yellow River Scenic Line,Zhongshan Bridge, White Pagoda Mountain Park

Today, back to Lanzhou city, then go to  and walk relax Yellow River Scenic Line, then to visit Zhongshan Bridge, and White Pagoda Mountain Park.

White Pagoda Mountain, a landmark in Lanzhou, is named for its iconic 17th-century white pagoda. Climb or take the cable car up White Pagoda Mountain Park, for the best view of Lanzhou. Admire the centuries-old white pagoda, explore charming pavilions, and gaze out where the Yellow River winds through the city, also a perfect sunset spot.

Traffic:Private Transfer
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 10Lanzhou/ Wuwei

Sites visited: Tiantishan Grottoes, Leitai Han Tomb

Today will go to Wuwei, which is a key city in Gansu's Hexi Corridor. Go to visit Tiantishan Grottoes, and Leitai Han Tomb. In the night, can go to explore local night market.

Tiantishan Grottoes in Wuwei, Gansu, are among China's earliest Buddhist cave temples, dating to the Northern Liang Dynasty (5th century). Known for their pioneering artistry, they feature a majestic central Buddha statue and influenced later grottoes across East Asia.

Step into Leitai Han Tomb in Wuwei, where the iconic "Galloping Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow" was discovered. Marvel at the exquisite bronze chariots and soldiers, and witness the artistry that inspired China's national tourism symbol.

Traffic:Private Transfer
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 11Wuwei/ Zhangye

Sites Visited: Zhangye Danxia Geological Park.

In the morning, go to another historic Silk Road hub--Zhangye. Then go to explore Zhangye Danxia Geological Park, which also been called Colorful Danxia scenic spot. Zhangye Danxia in Gansu is famed for its spectacular, colorful rock formations. These striped hills, shaped by minerals and erosion over millions of years, form one of China's unique and visually stunning geological wonders.

Traffic:Private Transfer
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 12Zhangye/ Jiayuguan

Sites Visited: Dafosi Temple, Jiayuguan Fort, Great Wall on the Cliff (Hanging Great Wall)  

Go to visit Dafosi Temple at first. Then you will been transferred to Jiayuguan. Upon arrival, you will go to visit Jiayuguan Fortress, Great Wall on the Cliff in the afternoon. If the time is right, will arrange night tour of the Jiayuguan Fortress.

The Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye, built in 1098, is a renowned Xia Dynasty Buddhist site. It houses a massive 34.5-meter-long reclining Buddha and preserves valuable scriptures and relics within its classic architectural complex

Jiayuguan Pass is a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty military architecture, completed in 1372. As the western terminus of the Ming Great Wall, it was a vital strategic fortress and cultural gateway on the ancient Silk Road for centuries.

Climb the thrilling "Hanging" Great Wall at Jiayuguan, clinging to precipitous ridges! Feel like an ancient defender on this steep, restored section, rewarded with breathtaking desert views from its watchtowers.

Traffic:High-speed Railway
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 13Jiayuguan/ Dunhuang 

Sites Visited: Echoing-Sand Mountain and the Crescent Lake, Shazhou Night Market 

When you arrive in Dunhuang, you will be driven to visit Echoing-Sand Mountain and the Crescent Lake. Enjoy the soft sands and nice sunshine. Experience the magic of Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake, where golden dunes meet a timeless oasis. Ride a camel, hear the sands sing, and watch the sunset paint this desert miracle in unforgettable colors.Climb the sand dunes to overlook the Crescent Lake and admire the desert wonder where sand and water coexist.

In the evening, enjoy a free relax in Shazhou Night Market in the city centre of Dunhuang.  

Traffic:Private Transfer
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 14Dunhuang/ Turpan

Sites Visited: Mogao Caves  

After breakfast, you will visit the Visit Mogao Grottoes. Located near Dunhuang, the Mogao Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a treasure trove of Buddhist art. Constructed between the 4th and 14th centuries, this network of over 700 caves features breathtaking murals and intricate sculptures that chronicle a millennium of religious, cultural, and artistic exchange along the Silk Road.  

Then you will go to Turpan by high speed train.

Traffic:High-speed Railway
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 15Turpan/ Urumqi

Sites Visited: Jiaohe Ruined city,Toyuk Valley, overview the Flaming Mountain, Karez Irrigation system, Sugong Minaret

Today highlights go to visit Jiaohe Ruined city where insight into ancient oasis civilization.Explore Toyuk Valley that embodies a unique blend of natural beauty, agricultural tradition, and layered religious history. Go to visit Karez Irrigation system, and Sugong Minaret.

On the way will overview the Flaming Mountain too. After visiting will go to Urumqi.

Traffic:Private Transfer
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 16Urumqi 

Sites Visited: Heaven Lake, Erdaoqiao International Bazaar.   

Nestled in the Tianshan Mountains near Urumqi, Heaven Lake is a stunning alpine lake renowned for its crystal-clear blue water surrounded by snow-capped peaks and spruce forests.

As one big bazaars, Erdaoqiao International Bazaar, this vibrant market in Urumqi is a cultural hub showcasing Uyghur craftsmanship and Xinjiang’s diverse heritage. Its distinctive Islamic-style architecture and lively atmosphere provide an immersive experience into the region’s traditions and Silk Road legacy.

Traffic:Private Transfer
Meal: Breakfast
Hotel:4 Star

Day 17Urumqi/ Exit

After breakfast, transfer you to Urumqi airport to catch your departure flight.

Service ends

Traffic:airplane
Meal: Breakfast

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Verification code
Tour Code
MCT-2BSR-005
Tour Length
17 days
Tour Start
Beijing
Tour End
Urumqi
Tour Rating
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