12-Day China Silk Road Self-Drive Tour from Urumqi to Xian (Xinjiang-Gansu-Xian)

Activities:

• Arrive in Urumqi, check-in to the hotel, and adjust to the time zone.

• Enjoy a welcome dinner and taste local Xinjiang dishes.

Driving Distance & Time:

• No self-drive today, mainly airport to hotel short-distance travel.

Road Conditions:

• Urumqi city traffic can be busy, but roads are generally good and smooth.

Self-Driving Tips:

• Upon arrival, get familiar with the car and local traffic laws.

• Check basic vehicle functions, especially air conditioning and seat settings.

Activities:

• Morning: Complete the self-drive permit process and collect the vehicle.

• Afternoon: Drive to Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) and explore the area and the ancient Cheshikou Road.

• Overnight: Jimusaer

Driving Distance & Time:

• Urumqi to Tianchi: 120 km, approximately 2 hours of driving.

Road Conditions:

• Road conditions are good, but some mountain roads are winding with sharp turns.

• The Tianchi Scenic Area can be crowded, so parking may be limited.

Self-Driving Tips:

• Tianchi is located at high altitude, so dress warmly and be prepared for cooler temperatures.

• On mountain roads, reduce speed while making turns and drive cautiously.

Activities:

• Morning: Visit Jiangbulake and enjoy the vast grassland views.

• Afternoon: Explore the Balikun Grassland, then head to Hami.

• Overnight: Hami

Driving Distance & Time:

• Jimusaer to Hami: 350 km, approximately 5 hours of driving.

Road Conditions:

• The route mainly includes highways and rural roads. Balikun Grassland has some gravel roads, so drive carefully.

• Hami and its surroundings have arid landscapes, so be prepared for limited services.

Self-Driving Tips:

• The road through Balikun Grassland may be bumpy; drive slowly and keep your distance from other vehicles.

• Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel, as gas stations are sparse along the route.

Activities:

• Morning: Drive along the Dahuidao Highway and explore the Yadan landforms.

• Afternoon: Arrive in Dunhuang and visit the Dunhuang Night Market.

• Overnight: Dunhuang

Driving Distance & Time:

• Hami to Dunhuang: 500 km, approximately 6 hours of driving.

Road Conditions:

• The road is mostly desolate, with long stretches of desert highway. Be cautious when driving on sandy and rocky surfaces.

• There are few service areas along the way, so stock up on water, food, and first-aid supplies.

Self-Driving Tips:

• The Dahuidao section is hot and dry, so ensure your vehicle’s air conditioning is working efficiently.

• Keep your speed steady in desert areas to avoid sudden acceleration or braking.

Activities:

• Morning: Visit the Mogao Caves to admire the ancient Buddhist murals and sculptures.

• Afternoon: Explore Yangguan Pass and experience the historical significance of the Silk Road.

• Evening: Participate in a desert off-road adventure.

• Overnight: Dunhuang

Driving Distance & Time:

• Dunhuang to Yangguan: 80 km, approximately 1 hour of driving.

Road Conditions:

• Dunhuang city traffic is generally smooth and well-maintained.

• Yangguan Pass has a good road with some gravel sections.

Self-Driving Tips:

• Dunhuang's climate is dry, so make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

• Ensure your vehicle is in good condition before participating in off-road activities, especially the tires and brakes.

Activities:

• Morning: Visit the Jiayuguan Fortress and learn about the historical significance of the Great Wall.

• Afternoon: Drive to Zhangye and explore the Zhangye Danxia Landform.

• Overnight: Zhangye

Driving Distance & Time:

• Dunhuang to Zhangye: 380 km, approximately 5 hours of driving.

Road Conditions:

• Dunhuang to Jiayuguan is mostly on highways, with good road conditions.

• Jiayuguan to Zhangye includes both highways and rural roads; some stretches may be winding.

Self-Driving Tips:

• The Danxia Landform in Zhangye has narrow roads, so drive slowly and watch for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Make sure to keep your vehicle cool as temperatures can rise, especially when driving through desert areas.

Activities:

• Morning: Visit the Shandan Military Horse Farm and explore the historical sites.

• Afternoon: Drive to Wuwei and visit the Leitai Han Tomb.

• Overnight: Wuwei

Driving Distance & Time:

• Zhangye to Wuwei: 230 km, approximately 3 hours of driving.

Road Conditions:

• Zhangye to Wuwei is mostly highway, with smooth roads. However, there are some hilly sections with sharper curves.

Self-Driving Tips:

• Be cautious of large trucks on the road. Maintain a safe following distance.

• Wuwei city traffic can be congested; be mindful of traffic lights and parking availability.

Activities:

• Morning: Visit the Yellow River Iron Bridge in Lanzhou.

• Afternoon: Explore the historical and cultural sites of Lanzhou, including the famous "Bafang Shisanxiang" (Bafang Thirteen Lanes).

• Evening: Drive to Linxia.

• Overnight: Linxia

Driving Distance & Time:

• Wuwei to Lanzhou: 200 km, approximately 2.5 hours of driving.

• Lanzhou to Linxia: 100 km, approximately 1.5 hours of driving.

Road Conditions:

• Wuwei to Lanzhou is primarily a highway, which makes for a smooth drive.

• Lanzhou to Linxia is also smooth but can be congested around peak traffic hours.

Self-Driving Tips:

• Lanzhou city traffic is busy, especially during rush hours, so avoid driving during those times.

• Linxia is a predominantly Hui Muslim area, so be respectful of local cultural and religious customs.

Activities:

• Morning: Drive to the Sanko Grassland and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.

• Afternoon: Visit Langmusi, an important Tibetan Buddhist monastery.

• Overnight: Langmusi

Driving Distance & Time:

• Linxia to Langmusi: 300 km, approximately 4 hours of driving.

Road Conditions:

• Linxia to Langmusi involves mountainous roads, which are winding and can be steep in places.

• Prepare for some rugged terrain in the Langmusi area, where the roads may be narrower.

Self-Driving Tips:

• Keep an eye on the temperature of your engine, as mountain driving can cause it to overheat.

• Langmusi has narrow streets and roads, so proceed slowly, especially around the monastery.

Activities:

• Morning: Visit Zaga Na, known for its stunning natural beauty and quiet environment.

• Afternoon: Visit Fuxi Temple in Tianshui, a historic site dedicated to the legendary Emperor Fuxi.

• Overnight: Tianshui

Driving Distance & Time:

• Langmusi to Tianshui: 200 km, approximately 3 hours of driving.

Road Conditions:

• Langmusi to Tianshui includes mountain roads, some of which can be steep.

• The roads in Tianshui are generally smooth but can be busy, especially in the city center.

Self-Driving Tips:

• Ensure the car's engine is in good condition, especially when driving up steep roads.

• Pack warm clothes as the temperature can vary significantly between the mountains and cities.

Activities:

• Morning: Drive to Xi'an and explore the city's historical sites.

• Afternoon: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Xi'an.

• Overnight: Xi'an

Driving Distance & Time:

• Tianshui to Xi'an: 300 km, approximately 4 hours of driving.

Road Conditions:

• The road between Tianshui and Xi'an is mostly highway, and the road conditions are generally smooth, although traffic can be heavy as you approach Xi'an.

Self-Driving Tips:

• Xi'an's traffic can be quite congested, so avoid peak hours when possible.

• Plan your route in advance as there can be road closures due to events or construction.

Activities:

• Based on your flight schedule, drive to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport and conclude your journey.

Road Conditions:

• No self-drive today, just travel to the airport.

Self-Driving Tips:

• Make sure you leave early to avoid heavy traffic when heading to the airport. Check your vehicle before departure to ensure everything is in good order.