Beijing, Xi'an, Dunhuang, Golmud, Hotan, Kashgar, Turpan, Urumqi
Tour Code: TCT-Silk-Road-06
Tour Type: Private Tour
Tour Highlights:
Authorized by China Ministry of Railway
Experience the luxury train China Silk Road Express with a superior 5 star service
Visit UNESCO sites – The Great Wall in Beijing and Terracotta Army in Xi’an
Explore the Mogao Caves, a World Heritage Site famed for its ancient Buddhist art.
Visit the Apak Khoja Tomb, a stunningly adorned mausoleum considered the holiest Muslim site in Xinjiang.
Best Travel Time: Annually fixed departure dates
From $ 18500
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing or similar
[08:00-18:00] Arrival Beijing, airport meeting and transfer to hotel
[19:30-21:00] Welcoming Dinner
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred in luxury to the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, where a two-night stay awaits in the epitome of five-star comfort. That evening, join fellow travellers for an exclusive welcome reception and dinner, setting the tone for an exceptional journey through China.
Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing or similar
[07:00-08:00] Breakfast in hotel
[09:30-12:30] Badaling Great Wall
[13:00-14:30] Lunch
[15:00-17:00] City tour or leisure time
[19:30-21:00] Beijing Roast Duck Dinner
Our adventure begins with a morning visit to the Great Wall at Badaling, one of the most iconic symbols of ancient China. Here, guests can walk along a beautifully restored section, soaking in the breathtaking views and imagining the historical figures who once guarded this marvel. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to explore Beijing’s lively mix of ancient traditions and modern vibrancy. That evening, we gather for a sophisticated dining experience at a celebrated Peking Duck restaurant. This Beijing speciality, cherished for centuries, is expertly prepared and carved at your table, offering a delectable insight into Chinese culinary mastery.
The Great Wall
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: China Silk Road Express Train
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast in hotel
[09:30-12:30] Tiananmen square & Forbidden city
[13:00-14:00] Lunch
[14:30-17:00] Summer palace
[17:00-18:00] Transfer to the railway station
[19:30-21:00] Dinner on train
Today, a comprehensive tour of Beijing’s historic heart reveals the grandeur of China’s ancient dynasties. Explore the Forbidden City, the sprawling imperial palace where emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. Stroll through Tiananmen Square, a place of great historical significance, before discovering the Summer Palace, a serene retreat adorned with beautiful gardens, temples, and lakes.
Alternatively, delve into Beijing’s modern allure with a tour of contemporary landmarks: marvel at the architectural feats of the Olympic Village and the iconic "Bird's Nest" Stadium, glimpse the striking design of the CCTV Tower, and explore the National Museum for a modern-day perspective on China’s cultural evolution.
In the evening, we board the Silk Road Express, our luxurious home for the next leg of the journey. Settle into your elegant cabin before enjoying a welcoming dinner in the dining car, as we begin our journey westward in true comfort.
Forbidden City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: China Silk Road Express Train
[07:30-08:30] Breakfast on train
[10:00-12:00] Terracotta Army
[12:30-13:30] Lunch
[15:00-16:30] The Great Mosque
[17:00-18:30] Ancient City Wall
[19:30-21:30] Tang Dynasty Show Dinner
In Xi’an, we explore the ancient city walls and the historic Great Mosque, one of Chinese oldest and largest mosques, blending Islamic and Chinese architectural styles. Later, we visit the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army – a life-sized army of soldiers, chariots, and horses, buried with China’s First Emperor to protect him in the afterlife. This UNESCO site, often hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, offers a mesmerising insight into ancient Chinese beliefs and artistry.
In the evening, delight in an authentic Tang Dynasty show dinner, where the ambiance is enhanced by a captivating performance of traditional music and dance, evoking the grandeur of ancient Xi’an. Then by Silk Road Express to Dunhuang.
Terracotta Warriors
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: China Silk Road Express Train
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast on train
[12:30-13:30] Lunch on train
[19:30-21:00] Dinner on train
Today is a day of leisure as we traverse the Chinese landscape aboard the Silk Road Express. Take in the panoramic scenery from the Observation Car’s floor-to-ceiling windows, the largest of any train in China, or unwind in the Bar Lounge Car with a selection of fine wines and spirits.
Silk Road Express
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: China Silk Road Express Train
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast on train
[09:30-12:00] Mogao Grottoes
[12:30-13:30] Lunch
[14:00-16:30] Sand dunes & Crescent lake
[19:30-21:00] Dinner on train
Arriving in Dunhuang, we explore the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its ancient Buddhist art. This“Cave of a Thousand Buddhas” is a spiritual oasis that has inspired pilgrims and artists for centuries, adorned with vibrant murals and statues that date back over a thousand years. Local folk artists serenade us with music, adding an atmospheric touch to our journey through this sacred complex.
After a delightful lunch, we embark on a camel trek along the Silk Road to the enchanting Crescent Lake, an oasis nestled among towering dunes. This tranquil crescent-shaped lake has endured millennia of desert winds and remains a cherished symbol of resilience and beauty.
Mogao Grottoes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: China Silk Road Express Train
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast on train
[09:30-11:30] Lecture at the hotel
[12:00-13:30] Lunch
[14:00-17:00] Chaerhan Salt Lake or city tour
[19:30-21:00] Dinner on train
Our day in Golmud includes an enlightening lecture at the Hilton Qinghai-Golmud on the Silk Road’s history, highlighting its role as a bridge between East and West. Guests may choose to explore the Chaerhan Salt Lake, a surreal landscape of salt flats and mineral deposits, or enjoy a guided tour through Golmud’s vibrant city streets, before we re-board the train.
Chaerhan Salt Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: China Silk Road Express Train
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast on train
[12:00-13:30] Lunch on train
[14:30-16:00] Atlas Silk and Carpet Workshop
[17:00-19:00] Yotkan Ancient city
[19:30-21:00] Dinner in Hotan
[21:00-21:30] Drive to the train
Enjoy a leisurely morning on board before an exclusive visit to Hotan’s Atlas Silk and Carpet Workshop. Here, witness master artisans create intricate silk fabrics and carpets using time-honoured techniques passed down through generations. In the evening, we step back in time with a tour of Yotkan Ancient City. Once the heart of the Buddhist Kingdom of Khotan, this ancient city flourished along the Silk Road, its temples and cultural centres revealing Hotan’s rich legacy as a nexus of trade and spirituality.
Hotan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: China Silk Road Express Train
[08:00-09:00] Breakfast on train
[09:30-11:00] Apak Khoja Mausoleum
[11:30-12:30] Kashgar Old Town
[13:00-14:30] Lunch
[15:00-17:00] Gaotai Folk Houses
[17:00-19:30] Dinner in a local restaurant
[19:30-21:00] Dinner on train
Today, we delve into Kashgar, a city that has long been a melting pot of cultures, religions, and architecture. Begin with a visit to the Apak Khoja Tomb, a stunningly adorned mausoleum considered the holiest Muslim site in Xinjiang. Wander through the Old Town, where narrow alleys and traditional homes provide a glimpse into local life, and explore the Gaotai folk houses, an area steeped in history and tradition. A delightful lunch in a local restaurant introduces us to the diverse flavours of Uyghur cuisine before we return to the train to continue our journey.
Apak Khoja Mausoleum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: China Silk Road Express Train
[08:30-09:30] Breakfast on train
[09:30-10:30] Drive to Gaochang Ancient city
[10:30-12:30] Gaochang Ancient city
[13:00-14:30] Lunch
[15:00-17:30] Karez Wells
[17:30-18:30] Drive to the train
[19:30-21:00] Dinner on the train
Arriving in Turpan, we explore the Ancient City of Gaochang, an ancient Silk Road outpost that once served as a vital trading hub. After lunch, we marvel at the Karez irrigation system, an engineering marvel that has provided water to this arid region for centuries. We then visit Jiaohe Ruins, an ancient city carved from rock, whose unique architecture reflects the ingenuity of its former inhabitants.
In the evening, join us for a farewell dinner aboard the train as we bid farewell to the Silk Road Express.
Gaochang Ancient City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Conrad Urumqi or similar
[08:30-09:30] Breakfast on train
[09:30-12:30] Drive to Urumqi
[13:00-14:00] Lunch
[14:30-16:00] Xinjiang Museum
[16:30-18:00] Grand Bazzar
[19:30-21:00] Dinner
After a restful morning on board, join a captivating lecture exploring the legacies of the Silk Road. Following a leisurely lunch on board, we disembark in Urumqi, where we’ll enjoy an overnight stay. This city is the cosmopolitan capital of Xinjiang, home to numerous ethnic groups and brimming with the vibrant energy of East meets West.
Grand Bazzar
Meals: Breakfast
On your final morning, our team will assist with transfers to Urumqi’s international airport for your onward journey. Leaving with memories of China’s treasures and the unforgettable sights of the Silk Road, we hope your journey has been as extraordinary as the history of the lands you have traversed.
Service Ends
13-Day Route: Beijing – Xi’an – Dunhuang – Golmud – Hotan – Kashgar – Turpan – Urumqi
Tour Date: Sep 21rst - Oct 2nd, 2026
Route |
Date |
Type of Cabin |
Quotation |
Single Supplement (S.S. in Train & Hotel) |
Urumqi - Lhasa |
Sep 21 - Oct 2 |
Twin Bedroom |
$18500/p.p |
$12400/p.p |
Double Bedroom |
$18500/p.p |
Note: The above price is based on 2 persons sharing a room. If one person would like to stay a room, he or she need to pay single supplement.
Remarks:
1. All prices in US dollars;
2. Prices subject to change without any further notice;
3. Accommodation and tour itineraries are subject to change at any time due to circumstances beyond our control.
4. We reserve the right to distribute passengers of sharing cabins; in case the cabin cannot be share, the cost applies on the passengers in the cabin.
Price includes:
1) ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE TRANSFERS
Arrival and departure transfers are included.
2) ADMISSION FEE TO ATTRACTION
Main tickets of scenic areas and traffic fee within the scenic areas listed in the itinerary, including the in-tour train ticket of Xining/Lhasa on soft berth basis.
3) HOTEL AND ONBOARD ACCOMMODATION
Hotel and onboard accommodation as described in your individual tour itinerary are included in the tour price. All hotels in Urumqi and Lhasa are of 5 star standard or, room upgrades are available on request and at extra cost.
4) BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER DAILY
All departures feature one or two uniquely designed restaurant cars where you can enjoy the excellent waiter-served food and wine. Several times during the tour we will also sample authentic local cuisine off the train.
5) GUIDE SERVICE
Professional English tour guides for all sightseeing as specified in the itinerary.
6) EXPRESS TRAIN TICKET
The entire fare of the Silk Road Express train is included in the above quotation.
7) GRATUITIES
All gratuities on and off the train.
8) TRAVEL LIABILITY INSURANCE
Price excludes:
1.International Airfare or Train Tickets to enter or leave China
2.China Entry Visa Fees
3.Excess Baggage Charges
4.Single Room Supplement.
5.Personal Expenses such as visa costs, insurance, drinks from the bar car, laundry, spa treatments, hairdressing.
6.All expenses not mentioned as above are to be paid by the guests themselves.
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