Two weeks for an exploration of China's Silk Road is a good length of time, but how to plan a 2-week-long trip might be overwhelming for first timers. To make the most of your two weeks on the Silk Road, choose features that interest you from our three well-planned itineraries, introduced below for your inspiration.
Content Preview
- 14-Day China Silk Road Culture Tour
- 14-Day Silk Road Highlights and China's Gateway Cities Tour
- 14-Day Silk Road Diverse Exploration Tour
- How Much Is a 2-Week Trip on the Silk Road?
The main tourist destinations along China's Silk RoadItinerary 1. 14-Day China Silk Road Culture Tour from Xi'an to Kashgar
This itinerary is designed for culture lovers who are interested in China's Silk Road. Almost all its highlights are included in this 14-day journey. From east to west, you will delve into the China Silk Road's historical culture and art, amazing natural landscapes, and exotic customs.
- Days 1–3: Xi'an
- Day 4: Zhangye
- Days 5–7: Dunhuang and Jiayuguan Pass
- Day 8: Turpan
- Days 9–10: Urumqi
- Days 11–14: Kashgar
Week 1: Historical Sites and Marvelous Landscapes
Your trip would start from Xi'an, and you would spend the first week on Xi'an, Zhangye, and Dunhuang. Deeply explore the culture of China's Silk Road, marveling at the precious cultural heritage and wonders of nature. Highlights includes the Terracotta Army, Mogao Caves, and Rainbow Mountains.
Our guests in Zhangye Danxia National ParkWeek 2: Xinjiang Highlights and Exotic Charm
The second and final week of your trip covers remote Xinjiang. Xinjiang was an important region on the ancient Silk Road. Explore its Silk Road cultural relics and experience its exotic charm in desert-bound Turpan, capital Urumqi, and frontier trading hub Kashgar, which is the westernmost city of China.
This well-planned itinerary was for your inspiration. Let us know your interests and we'll tailor-make a tour uniquely suited to you.
Itinerary 2. 14-Day Silk Road Highlights and China's Gateway Cities Tour
Is this your first trip to China? If so, this itinerary is tailored for you! This well-planned itinerary offers first-timers the highlights of China's Silk Road, conveniently connected between popular travel hubs Beijing and Shanghai.
- Days 1–4: Beijing
- Days 5–6: Xi'an
- Days 7–9: Dunhuang
- Day 10: Turpan
- Days 11–12: Urumqi
- Days 13–14: Shanghai
Lujiazui, shanghai towerThis itinerary firstly takes you to explore the history, culture, and great wonders of ancient China, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, and the Mogao Caves.
Then, step away from ancient China to the mainland's most developed metropolis, Shanghai. Experience new China in this modern city, and you will be amazed at how fast China has developed.
The carefully-crafted itinerary above is just one of many possibilities. Contact us to personalize your journey.
Itinerary 3. 14-Day Silk Road Diverse Exploration Tour with Gannan Tibetan Culture
This itinerary offers a diverse exploration of China's Silk Road. In addition to visiting the classic highlights of the Silk Road, such as the Mogao Caves and Rainbow Mountains, you would explore the Tibetan Buddhist culture and stunning natural scenery of Gannan.
- Days 1–2: Lanzhou, Gansu's capital on the Yellow River
- Days 3–4: Xiahe, home to Labrang Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
- Days 5–6: Langmusi, a picturesque Tibetan town in Gannan
- Days 7–8: Zhangye Rainbow Mountains
- Days 9–10: Dunhuang desert and Jiayuguan's fortified pass
- Days 11–12: Turpan vineyards and ancient relics
- Days 13–14: Urumqi, Xinjiang's capital
Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is famous for having a similar feel to Tibet, but it doesn't require a Travel Permit. Visit the biggest Tibetan Monastery in Gansu Province there, where you would have chance to chat with the Tibetan monks to learn more about Tibetan Buddhism. With this itinerary, you would experience the diverse communities and cultures of the Tibetan, Hui and Uyghur peoples.
Moreover, there are grand prairies and amazing plateau landscapes in Gannan that still have cool weather in summer (from June to August), so Gannan is an ideal summer destination to escape the heat.
The carefully-crafted itinerary above is just for your inspiration. Contact us for a personalized journey.
Insider tips:
- Gannan is in the Tibetan plateau area, and the highest altitude in this itinerary is 3,350 meters (10,990 feet). Anti-altitude-sickness medicine could be prepared just in case.
- The temperature difference between day and night is large throughout northwest China, so warm clothing is needed even if traveling there in the summer (from June to August).
How Much Is a 2-Week Trip on the Silk Road?
The more people traveling in your group, the cheaper the price. For a private tour based on two travelers and 4/5-star hotels, the travel cost is US$300–400 per person per day. So, a 2-week trip would be around US$4,200–5,600 each.
These prices include domestic airfares and/or bullet trains, accommodation, entrance fees, tour guides, and transfers.
Read more information about China Silk Road trip cost.
Early bookings for transport, accommodation, and tours usually result in savings. For peak vacation times, such as Christmas and New Year, make your reservations at least 3 months in advance to avoid disappointment. Contact us for a tailor-made private tour that makes the best of your travel opportunities.
More itinerary insperations: