14 Days Silk Road & Northern Xinjiang Tour

Silk Road & Northern Xinjiang Tour Overview

Embark on a 14-day journey through the heart of China’s ancient Silk Road, where history, culture, and natural wonders come together. This tour takes you through a remarkable array of destinations across Northern Xinjiang, offering a deep dive into the region’s rich heritage and captivating landscapes.

Travelers will explore centuries-old temples, walk through legendary landmarks, savor authentic regional delicacies, and engage with the warm and diverse local communities along the way.

From the majestic Yellow River Bridge to the surreal landscapes of the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, and the tranquil beauty of Kanas Lake, each stop reveals the breathtaking diversity of this historic route.

As a special touch, guests will receive complimentary souvenirs including Mt. Mingsha sand bottles, a Jiayuguan custom clearance certificate, and a traditional Uyghur hat, ensuring unforgettable memories of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Destinations Covered: Lanzhou, Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi, Tianchi Lake, Beitun, Kanas, Hemu, Dushanzi, Jiuquan, Buerjin, Jiadengyu, Kuitun, Guazhoucun

14-Day Silk Road & Northern Xinjiang Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Singapore – Urumqi

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Universal Hotel Urumqi or similar

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your international flight to Urumqi, with transit en route. Upon arrival in Urumqi, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your local guide.

Begin your journey with a visit to the Wild Horse Valley Ecological Park, home to the world’s largest breeding base for Akhal-Teke horses, a rare and elegant breed known for its speed and endurance.

After the visit, transfer to your hotel for check-in and a well-deserved rest.

Note: If your arrival is before 12:00 PM, lunch will be provided.

Day 2: Urumqi – Tianchi Lake – Beitun

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Derenshan Garden Hotel or similar

Today, set out for the breathtaking Tianshan Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), nestled beneath the majestic Bogda Peak in the Tianshan Mountain Range. Spanning approximately 4.95 square kilometers, this alpine lake—also known as Yaoci Tianchi—is steeped in legend as the mythical meeting place of the King of the Western Zhou Dynasty and the Queen Mother of the West.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride across the serene waters, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests.

For lunch, delight in a local favorite—Big Plate Chicken, a flavorful regional specialty. Afterward, embark on a picturesque drive along the S21 Desert Highway to reach Beitun by evening.

Day 3: Beitun – Jiadengyu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Hongfu Eco-Hotel or similar

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the stunning Burjin Wucai Beach (Five-Colored Beach). This unique landscape, shaped by centuries of river erosion and wind, is famous for its vividly colored rock formations—an awe-inspiring natural palette that changes with the light.

Next, continue your scenic journey toward Jiadengyu, traveling through the Altai Mountain grasslands. Enjoy panoramic views of rolling pastures, nomadic settlements, and pristine nature along the way.

Upon arrival in Jiadengyu, check into your hotel and relax for the evening.

Day 4: Jiadengyu – Kanas – Jiadengyu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Hongfu Eco-Hotel or similar

Today, embark on a full-day excursion to the breathtaking Kanas Nature Reserve (includes shuttle bus service). En route, marvel at the scenic beauty of China’s only river that flows into the Arctic Ocean — the Irtysh River, as well as the Burqin River and Kanas River.

Along the journey, enjoy stops at several picturesque spots including Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Fairy Bay, and Duck Lake, each offering postcard-worthy views of tranquil waters and alpine forests.

Continue to the Fish Viewing Pavilion (via shuttle bus), a stunning vantage point that offers panoramic views of Kanas Lake, known as the “Color-Changing Lake” due to its ever-shifting hues depending on the season and weather. The lake’s glassy surface reflects surrounding mountains, creating an almost surreal landscape.

Later, visit a Tuva Village, home to the Tuva ethnic minority, one of the few places in China where this nomadic group lives in significant numbers. Discover their rich cultural traditions and unique wooden dwellings.

After dinner, return to your hotel in Jiadengyu for a restful night.

Note: Entry to the Fish Viewing Pavilion currently requires a same-day reservation. If access is unavailable, you will still enjoy a scenic distant view of Kanas Lake.

Day 5: Jiadengyu – Hemu – Buerjin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Hepanyishu Holiday Hotel or similar

After breakfast, journey to the idyllic Hemu Village (with regional vehicle transfer), often referred to as a photographer’s paradise. Nestled in a peaceful valley and surrounded by rolling mountains, this charming village is home to rich pastoral landscapes, traditional wooden homes, and the tranquil life of the Tuva people—making it feel like a hidden paradise.

In the afternoon, continue to Buerjin, where you’ll visit the scenic Wucai River, also known as the “Oasis of the South Shore.” Here, dramatic desert landscapes meet the open sky, creating a stark yet beautiful contrast of golden dunes and azure horizons.

For dinner, enjoy a regional specialty—fresh cold-water fish, a local delicacy.

Day 6: Buerjin – Dushanzi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Karamay Jinsiyu Hotel or similar

After breakfast, depart for Karamay and visit the renowned “Devil’s City” (includes regional shuttle bus), also known as Urhe Wind City. This otherworldly landscape is a spectacular example of Yadan landforms, featuring dramatic ochre and grey-green rock formations sculpted by millions of years of wind and water erosion.

The wind howls through the unique formations, creating eerie sounds that inspired the name “Devil’s City.” It’s a true geological wonder and a paradise for landscape photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Remarks: Accommodation for the night will be arranged in Kuitun, Dushanzi, or Karamay, depending on availability.

Day 7: Dushanzi – Urumqi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Universal Hotel Urumqi or similar

After breakfast, journey back to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. Upon arrival, explore the vibrant Urumqi International Grand Bazaar, a bustling marketplace filled with ethnic crafts, spices, dried fruits, traditional Uyghur clothing, and local delicacies. It’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and experience the region’s multicultural charm.

In the evening, enjoy a lively Uyghur song and dance performance, showcasing the rich musical and cultural heritage of Xinjiang’s ethnic communities.

Day 8: Urumqi – Turpan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Twin City Hotel or similar

After breakfast, travel to the historic city of Turpan, known for its rich cultural heritage and oasis charm. Your first stop is the Weiwu’er (Uyghur) Ancient Village, where you’ll gain insight into the local Uyghur lifestyle, customs, and traditions. During a house visit, enjoy tasting a variety of seasonal fruits such as watermelon and figs, freshly harvested from the village gardens.

Continue to a local vineyard, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample and purchase grapes—a Turpan specialty. (Fruit availability is subject to weather and seasonal conditions.)

Next, visit the dramatic Flaming Mountains, made famous by the Chinese literary classic Journey to the West. Take in the surreal landscape and capture some memorable photos of this natural wonder.

Enjoy a lunch of roasted lamb, a flavorful local delicacy.

In the afternoon, explore the Jiaohe Ruins, one of the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient earthen cities. Then visit the Karez Irrigation System, an ingenious network of underground channels that has supported life in this desert region for centuries and remains functional today.

Note: Your large luggage will be sent via logistics to your hotel in Dunhuang tonight for added travel convenience.

Day 9: Turpan – Dunhuang

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Fuhua International Hotel or similar

After breakfast, board a high-speed train to Liuyuan, followed by a scenic drive to Dunhuang, a historic oasis town and vital hub on the ancient Silk Road.

Upon arrival, visit the enchanting Crescent Moon Spring (tram ride and shoe covers included). This natural oasis is famous for its crescent-shaped pond, nestled amid golden desert dunes. Take part in the unique experience of collecting “fortune sand” from the dunes—a memorable souvenir from this mystical place.

In the evening, enjoy a captivating Dunhuang cultural performance, highlighting the rich artistic traditions inspired by the Silk Road.

Important Note: Please do not carry nail polish, powder hair dye, hair gel, sunblock spray, kitchen knife, dinner knife, fruit knife, scissors, steel (iron) file, axe, hammer, and other sharp and blunt objects. Perfume containing alcohol (flame mark) is not allowed in the station.

Day 10: Dunhuang – Guazhoucun

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Silkroad International Hotel or similar

After breakfast, visit the world-famous Mogao Caves (eco-friendly bus included), the largest and most renowned of China’s four major Buddhist cave complexes. These ancient caves house an unparalleled collection of exquisite Buddhist art, murals, and sculptures—offering a fascinating glimpse into over a thousand years of religious and cultural history.

Following this cultural immersion, travel onward to Guazhoucun, where you will check into your hotel and relax after a day full of exploration.

Day 11: Guazhoucun – Jiayuguan

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Jiayuguan Far East Xi Yue Hotel or similar

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Jiayuguan, passing iconic landscapes such as the Han Dynasty Great Wall beacon towers, dramatic Yadan landforms, and the vast desert punctuated by solitary plumes of smoke.

Upon arrival, explore the historic Jiayuguan City Tower (electric cart included), an impressive fortress built during the 5th year of the Hongwu Era in the Ming Dynasty. This strategic stronghold marks the western end of the Great Wall and offers fascinating insights into ancient Chinese military architecture.

Remarks: Accommodation will be arranged in either Jiayuguan City or Jiuquan, based on availability.

Day 12: Jiayuguan – Zhangye – Wuwei

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star HATG Jinling Grand Hotel or similar

After breakfast, drive to Zhangye to visit the spectacular Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (shuttle bus included). This unique landscape is famed for its sparse vegetation and its striking colorful mountains and hills that stand boldly bare against the sky.

Witness breathtaking natural wonders such as the Seven-Colored Gorge, Seven-Colored Tower, Seven-Colored Lake, and the Seven-Colored Giant Scallop—each named for their vibrant, multi-hued rock formations. The contrast of the arid, desolate terrain with these vivid red and reddish-brown cliffs creates a dramatic and unforgettable scene.

In the evening, savor a traditional hotpot dinner, a perfect way to warm up after a day of exploring.

Day 13: Wuwei – Lanzhou

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Holiday Inn Express Lanzhou Hotel or similar

After breakfast, explore Wuwei’s Confucian Temple, a magnificent site that embodies the essence of Confucian philosophy and stands as a proud symbol of traditional Chinese culture and values.

Following this cultural visit, travel by coach to Lanzhou, where you’ll visit the iconic Yellow River Bridge, the first bridge constructed over the upper reaches of the Yellow River. Continue to explore the Yellow River Mill Park, a scenic area that celebrates the river’s historical significance, and see the impressive Mother of Yellow River Sculpture, a tribute to the river’s vital role in Chinese civilization.

Day 14: Lanzhou – Return to Singapore

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy free time in Lanzhou for last-minute shopping or sightseeing until your scheduled transfer to the airport. Then, board your flight and begin your journey back home to Singapore.