Embark on a fascinating journey through the heart of China’s Silk Road, an ancient trade route that connected East and West. This 10-day tour is specially designed for Muslim travelers, ensuring you experience the region’s rich Islamic heritage while enjoying halal food and exploring some of the most iconic sites along the Silk Road. The route traverses historical cities such as Xi’an, Lanzhou, Zhangye, Dunhuang, Turpan, and Urumqi, with a focus on majestic mosques, Islamic landmarks, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by an expert Muslim guide and enjoy comfortable, Muslim-friendly accommodations with delicious halal meals. This is the perfect way to explore China’s ancient heritage while ensuring your religious needs are met.

Tour Highlights

• Xi’an: Visit the Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Street, and the Great Mosque—one of China’s oldest and most important mosques.
• Lanzhou: Explore the Xiguan Mosque and enjoy scenic views of the Yellow River.
• Zhangye: Marvel at the colorful Rainbow Mountains and visit the Jiuquan Mosque.
• Jiayuguan: Explore the Jiayuguan Pass, the westernmost point of the Great Wall.
• Dunhuang: Experience the Echoing-Sand Mountain, Crescent Moon Lake, and Dunhuang Mosque.
• Turpan: Visit Flaming Mountain, Tuyoq Village (a Muslim pilgrimage site), and the Karez Wells—an ancient underground irrigation system.
• Urumqi: Visit Heavenly Lake and Tianchi Lake, enjoy shopping at the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar, and explore the Xinjiang Muslim culture.

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Xian
• Day 2: Xian
• Day 3: Xian-Lanzhou
• Day 4: Lanzhou and Zhangye
• Day 5: Zhangye and Jiayuguan
• Day 6: Jiayuguan and Dunhuang
• Day 7: Dunhuang to Turpan
• Day 8: Turpan to Urumqi
• Day 9: Urumqi and Heavenly Lake
• Day 10: Departure from Urumqi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Xi’an

Arrival: Fly into Xi’an, the ancient starting point of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your Muslim-friendly hotel.

Leisure: Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Muslim Street or relaxing at your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay in a comfortable hotel in Xi’an.

Day 2: Exploring Xi’an

Terracotta Warriors: Begin the day with a visit to the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, an archaeological wonder. See thousands of life-sized statues of soldiers and horses that were buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang over 2,000 years ago.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist site housing sacred scriptures.

Muslim Street: After lunch, explore Muslim Street, a vibrant area filled with halal food stalls, local snacks, and cultural experiences. You can sample traditional Muslim snacks like lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and more.

Overnight: Stay in Xi’an.

Day 3: Xi’an to Lanzhou

Shaanxi Provincial Museum: Start the day with a visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, where you can learn about the rich history of the Silk Road and view unearthed treasures from the region.

Ancient City Wall: Take a walk or bike ride around the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an, one of the best-preserved city walls in China, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty.

Train to Lanzhou: In the afternoon, take a bullet train to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

Overnight: Stay in Lanzhou.

Day 4: Lanzhou and Zhangye

Xiguan Mosque: Visit Xiguan Mosque, one of the oldest and most famous mosques in Lanzhou, built by Muslim merchants during the Ming Dynasty.

Waterwheel Park: Explore the Waterwheel Park, an iconic irrigation site where ancient waterwheels harnessed the power of the Yellow River.

Yellow River Statues: Visit the Yellow River Mother Statues, located near the First Bridge of the Yellow River, symbolizing the river’s significance to Chinese culture.

Train to Zhangye: After lunch, take a bullet train to Zhangye (approximately 2 hours).

Overnight: Stay in Zhangye.

Day 5: Zhangye and Jiayuguan

Danxia National Geological Park: Visit the stunning Danxia National Geological Park, home to the famous Rainbow Mountains. These mountains’ vibrant colors are created by layers of red, orange, and yellow rock formations.

Jiuquan Mosque: Explore Jiuquan Mosque, a mosque built during the Tang Dynasty that reflects the deep Islamic culture of the region.

Drive to Jiayuguan: In the afternoon, take a 3-hour drive to Jiayuguan, where you’ll check in to your hotel.

Overnight: Stay in Jiayuguan.

Day 6: Jiayuguan and Dunhuang

Jiayuguan Pass: Visit the Jiayuguan Pass, the westernmost point of the Great Wall of China. This strategic pass is an important part of China’s historical defense system.

Drive to Dunhuang: After lunch, drive to Dunhuang (approximately 4 hours).

Dunhuang Mosque: Visit the Dunhuang Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in China, and explore the surrounding area.

Overnight: Stay in Dunhuang.

Day 7: Dunhuang to Turpan

Echoing-Sand Mountain & Crescent Moon Lake: Visit Echoing-Sand Mountain, where the sound of the moving sand creates an eerie melody. Then, visit Crescent Moon Lake, a spring-fed lake nestled between two large sand dunes.

Camel Ride: Take a camel ride through the vast desert to experience life on the Silk Road firsthand.

Train to Turpan: In the afternoon, take a bullet train to Turpan (approximately 3 hours).

Overnight: Stay in Turpan.

Day 8: Turpan to Urumqi

Flaming Mountain: Visit Flaming Mountain, one of the hottest places on earth. The mountain’s red rock formations give it the appearance of being on fire.

Tuyoq Village: Explore Tuyoq Village, an ancient Muslim village with a significant pilgrimage site and the tomb of a famous Islamic saint.

Karez Wells: Discover the Karez Wells, an ancient water management system built to provide water to the arid region.

Drive to Urumqi: In the afternoon, drive to Urumqi (approximately 3 hours).

Overnight: Stay in Urumqi.

Day 9: Urumqi and Heavenly Lake

Heavenly Lake (Tianchi): Visit Heavenly Lake, a picturesque alpine lake in the Tian Shan Mountains. Enjoy a boat cruise and an electric car ride around the lake.

Urumqi International Grand Bazaar: Explore the Urumqi International Grand Bazaar, a bustling market offering local goods, clothing, spices, and traditional Uygur products.

Overnight: Stay in Urumqi.

Day 10: Departure from Urumqi

Transfer to Airport: After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Urumqi International Airport for your departure flight.

End of Tour: This marks the end of your incredible Silk Road adventure. We hope you enjoyed this journey through one of the world’s most historic regions!

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.