Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, Qin Shi Huang’s army entombed to protect him in the afterlife. Each life-sized warrior has unique facial features and uniforms. Visit the nearby art ceramics and lacquer factory for souvenirs—a world-renowned archaeological treasure.

Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, surviving a massive Tang Dynasty earthquake. Explore ancient gardens and pagoda architecture, and enjoy a serene oasis amid bustling Xi’an—a site rich in Buddhist history and culture.

Visit the Xian Museum, a three-story cultural landmark housing over 130,000 relics from Xi’an’s long history. Explore ancient pottery, bronze, calligraphy, and textiles reflecting technological and artistic achievements from various dynasties. Exhibitions provide deep insights into Xi’an’s role as a political, economic, and cultural hub. The museum’s displays are carefully curated to showcase historical context, making it ideal for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Delight in a Shui Jiao dumpling dinner while watching a Tang Dynasty dancing show. Experience traditional cuisine paired with historic entertainment—a unique cultural and culinary Xi’an experience.

Stroll through Xi’an Muslim Quarter inside the city wall. Explore narrow lanes filled with local stalls, Islamic food shops, and vibrant street life—a sensory and cultural experience reflecting Xi’an’s Silk Road heritage.

Walk along Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, built in 1370 with 12-meter-high walls and 98 watchtowers. Take in sweeping city views, explore well-preserved ramparts, and appreciate the defensive ingenuity of this historic fortification—a must-do cultural experience in Xi’an.

Arrive in Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province, famous for the Yellow River flowing through the city. Enjoy local specialties like Lanzhou beef noodles and explore vibrant night markets. This gateway city combines modern urban charm with historical heritage, making it a unique stop for travelers in northwest China.

Visit the Yellow River, China’s “cradle of civilization,” with ancient cities lining its banks. Explore the Yellow River Museum and enjoy sweeping views from the scenic area near Zhengzhou. This iconic river offers history, culture, and picturesque landscapes, ideal for photography enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Take a speedboat across Liujiaxia Reservoir to visit the Thousand Buddha Caves at Bingling Temple. Explore cliffside grottoes filled with Buddhist murals and a 27m Maitreya statue. The grottoes along the Yellow River offer an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and ancient artistry—perfect for cultural adventurers.

Jishishan County, located in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, southwestern Gansu Province, borders Qinghai Province. It’s home to multiple ethnic groups including Hui, Dongxiang and Tibetan, boasting rich ethnic cultures and customs. The county features unique natural landscapes, with rolling mountains and clear rivers. It also has a profound historical background, being an important part of the ancient Silk Road’s cultural corridor. Jishishan is a charming destination for exploring ethnic traditions and enjoying natural beauty.

Labrang Monastery, located in Xiahe County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelugpa sect in Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1709, it boasts a long history and exquisite architectural complex integrating Tibetan, Han and Mongolian styles. As an important religious and cultural center, it houses numerous precious scriptures, statues and artworks. It’s also famous for its grand religious rituals and unique Tibetan cultural heritage, attracting visitors worldwide to explore its profound spiritual and cultural connotations.

Embark on a flavorful journey into Tibetan culture with a Traditional Tibetan Meal! Savor iconic dishes like hearty tsampa (roasted barley flour), succulent momo (steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables), and rich yak meat stew—all rooted in the plateau’s unique culinary heritage. Complemented by butter tea, a savory and warming staple, each bite reflects the region’s adaptation to high-altitude life and deep cultural traditions. It’s not just a meal, but an authentic taste of Tibet’s soul, perfect for creating lasting travel memories.

Visit Jiayuguan, an important Silk Road outpost and home to the westernmost Great Wall pass. Explore Jiayu Fortress and walk along the Great Wall for sweeping views of the Gobi Desert. This historically significant site combines strategic architecture with desert scenery, offering a glimpse into China’s frontier defense legacy.

After a 20-minute drive, we’ll visit Jiayu Fortress, followed by a stroll along Jiayu Pass and the westernmost stretch of the majestic Great Wall. From here, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the striking Gobi Desert landscape. We’ve allocated approximately 1 hour for you to explore this section at your leisure—note that some parts are steep, so please exercise caution while wandering.

Shazhou Night Market, a iconic spot in Dunhuang, Gansu, was founded in 1991 and sits on Yangguan Middle Road. Covering 66,600 square meters, it features Tang-style architecture and integrates catering, specialty shopping and cultural experiences. Operated by 13 ethnic groups (over 6,000 operators), it offers local delicacies like donkey meat yellow noodles and unique handicrafts. A national civilized market since 2008 and a national tourist leisure block, it’s a must-visit to experience Dunhuang’s night charm.

Visit Dunhuang, a historic Silk Road frontier, and the Mogao Caves complex with 492 grottoes carved along the Dachuan River. Filled with Buddhist statues and vibrant frescoes from the 4th–14th centuries, it’s a visual feast of religious art and an essential cultural stop in China’s Gansu Province.

Crescent Moon Spring, nestled between Mingsha Mountain and the Gobi in Dunhuang, Gansu, is a rare natural wonder shaped like a crescent moon. Surrounded by reeds and clear as a mirror, it has maintained its form for thousands of years despite the harsh desert environment, earning it the title "the First Spring in the Desert." With Mingsha Mountain as its backdrop, the spring presents a stunning contrast of desert and water. It’s not only a scenic spot but also a symbol of resilience in nature, attracting visitors worldwide to admire its unique beauty and cultural significance.

Arrive in Turpan, a legendary oasis 154 meters below sea level, China’s hottest spot, and second lowest depression after the Dead Sea. Famous for its grapevines and rich Uyghur culture, Turpan offers a unique China travel experience. Relax at your hotel or explore the town’s local markets, ancient streets, and surrounding natural landscapes for an immersive start to your journey.

Step back in time at Jiaohe Ancient City, a well-preserved garrison town built during the Han Dynasty. Located 8 km from Turpan, the city’s earthen structures, streets, and defensive walls offer insight into ancient Chinese urban design. A must-visit Turpan attraction for history buffs, it highlights the region’s strategic and cultural significance along the Silk Road.

Emin Minaret, also known as Sugong Ta, is located in Turpan, Xinjiang. Built in 1777, it is a grey-brick Islamic tower with a height of 44 meters. There are 72 spiral steps inside the tower, and the tower body is decorated with 15 kinds of geometric patterns. It is the largest existing ancient tower in Xinjiang and a national key cultural relic protection unit.

Visit the Karez Irrigation System in Turpan, an ingenious ancient water network. 'Karez' means 'well' in Uyghur. This underground channel system channels water from mountains to farmlands, showcasing Central Asia’s unique engineering and agricultural innovation. A fascinating cultural stop for travelers interested in history, architecture, and Turpan’s desert oasis life.

Kyzil Thousand Buddha Caves, located near Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang, are among China’s earliest Buddhist cave complexes. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, they boast over 230 caves with well-preserved murals and statues. Blending Indian, Greek and Central Asian art styles, the artworks depict Buddhist stories and ancient life, reflecting the Silk Road’s cultural integration. As a key cultural relic site under national protection, it’s a precious window into ancient religious art and cross-cultural exchanges, attracting global researchers and visitors.

The Ruins of Subashi, located near Luntai County (ancient Yanqi Kingdom) in Xinjiang, are vital remains of the ancient Silk Road. Dating back over 2,000 years, they consist of east and west city sites, covering a vast area. Once a prosperous hub for trade and cultural exchange, the ruins preserve relics like city walls, palaces, and temples. Today, they stand as a silent witness to the region’s glorious past, offering valuable insights into ancient Central Asian civilizations and attracting historians and explorers worldwide.

Upon arrival in Kashgar, transfer to your hotel and enjoy leisure time. This historic Silk Road city blends Islamic culture with Uyghur traditions. Stroll through the charming old town with its narrow streets, mosques, and local markets. Kashgar is a vibrant Central Asian hub where ancient heritage and modern life meet, offering travelers an immersive cultural and historical experience.

Id Kah Mosque, located in Kashgar, Xinjiang, is one of China’s largest and most renowned Islamic mosques. First built in the 15th century and expanded later, it features distinctive Islamic architectural styles with grand courtyards, elegant domes, and delicate tile decorations. As a core religious site for local Muslims, it hosts grand religious activities on important festivals. With a history of over 500 years, it’s not only a sacred place of worship but also a symbol of Kashgar’s profound Islamic culture, attracting visitors worldwide.

Id Kah Square, located in the heart of Kashgar’s old city, Xinjiang, is one of China’s largest Islamic-themed squares. Adjacent to the famous Id Kah Mosque, it covers a vast area with distinctive ethnic-style architecture. The square is a vibrant hub for local life, hosting traditional cultural activities, folk performances, and daily gatherings. Decorated with Islamic-style patterns and fountains, it blends religious solemnity with lively folk customs. As a iconic landmark of Kashgar, it offers visitors a vivid glimpse into local ethnic culture and daily life.

The Tomb of Abakh Hoja, also known as Abakh Hoja Mazar, is located in the northeast suburb of Kashgar City, Xinjiang. It is a large - scale Islamic - style mausoleum complex, built in about 1640. It is the burial place of Abakh Hoja, the leader of the Bai Shan School of Islam, and 72 people from his family over five generations. The main building is a domed chamber, decorated with green glazed tiles, and the whole building is majestic and solemn. It is a key national cultural relic protection unit and a famous tourist attraction in Kashgar.

Sunday Animal Market (Kashgar Cattle and Sheep Bazaar): Located near National Highway 314 in Huangdi Township on the outskirts of Kashgar, it’s Asia’s largest live animal trading market, open only on Sundays. Herders from nearby counties gather with cattle, sheep, camels, donkeys and other livestock, filling the 60-mu venue with crowds—even 3,000-4,000 people on off-peak days. It retains the ancient “sleeve negotiation” method, where buyers and sellers haggle via hand gestures in sleeves, embracing warmly after deals. A food area outside offers South Xinjiang specialties like red willow skewers and roasted buns.

Sunday Bazaar (Kashgar East Gate Grand Bazaar): Officially the China-West Asia International Trade Market, it was once only open on Sundays (hence the name) but now operates daily—with the largest scale and crowds on Sundays (over 100,000 visitors). Covering 250 mu east of the Tuman River, it has 21 professional markets, thousands of stalls and over 9,000 types of goods, including local specialties, handicrafts and international products. It continues the ancient Silk Road trade tradition and is a core landmark of Xinjiang’s folk customs and international commerce.

Urumqi Kazakh Folk Culture Village is a vibrant showcase of Kazakh traditions on the outskirts of Urumqi, Xinjiang. It features authentic yurts, traditional Kazakh architecture, and immersive cultural experiences. Visitors can enjoy folk music and dance performances, try horse riding, and taste local delicacies like Kazakh milk tea and roasted lamb. The village also hosts cultural activities such as wrestling and eagle hunting displays, reflecting the nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people. It’s an ideal spot to explore Kazakh heritage, interact with locals, and gain insights into their unique customs and way of life.

Walk Mutianyu, a well-restored Great Wall section with cable car access. Surrounded by lush mountains, it’s less crowded than other sections and ideal for panoramic views. This Beijing attraction combines historical exploration, scenic hiking, and photo opportunities.

Stroll through the enchanting Summer Palace, China’s largest royal garden. Cruise across Kunming Lake, admire the marble boat, and walk the world’s longest painted corridor. With over 3,000 ancient structures, it’s a tranquil blend of nature and imperial grandeur—perfect for a Beijing sightseeing day.

Be amazed by Beijing’s world-famous Acrobatic Show—a fusion of artistry, athleticism, and storytelling. Watch daring stunts, elegant contortionists, and aerial feats that defy gravity. This performance blends Chinese tradition with modern stagecraft, leaving audiences thrilled and inspired.

Visit Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares. Home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum, it represents modern China’s heart and history. Capture the spirit of Beijing at this iconic landmark surrounded by monumental architecture.

Discover the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with nearly 1,000 buildings, grand halls, and defensive walls. Built in the 15th century, it showcases imperial architecture, traditional Chinese craftsmanship, and fascinating history—a must-visit Beijing landmark and heritage site.

Explore Beijing’s historic hutongs, narrow lanes that reflect ancient Chinese Feng Shui and community life. Stroll past traditional Siheyuan courtyards, watch locals playing mah-jong, and soak in the old-world charm. Perfect for cultural exploration and photography in Beijing’s living history districts.

Explore the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture symbolizing the harmony between heaven and earth. Once used by emperors to pray for good harvests, today it’s a peaceful retreat filled with locals practising tai chi. A must-see Beijing attraction and World Heritage Site.

Savor Beijing’s world-famous Peking Duck. Crispy skin, tender meat, and traditional preparation make this dish a national culinary symbol and an unforgettable gastronomic experience.