When planning a Silk Road trip, the travel cost is a crucial factor to consider, although, unlike in Western countries, a China Silk Road tour is affordable. However, it is more expensive than many other destinations in China due to higher transfer fees and guide fees.
In this article, we will delve into the travel costs associated with the Silk Road and provide insights into maximizing your budget.
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How Much Is a Private Silk Road Tour Package?
For a private tour based on two travelers and 4–5-star hotels, the travel cost is US$300–400 per person per day. For a 1-week Silk Road trip, the total cost is about US$2,100–2,800, and it is about US$4,200–5,600 for 2 weeks. To save, the more people traveling in your group, the cheaper the price.
Our private Silk Road tour prices include domestic airfares and/or bullet trains, accommodation, local tour guides, private car transfers, and attraction tickets. In addition to regular fees, exclusive activities/experiences are also included, such as making a clay warrior by hand in Xi'an and studying and making a mural in Dunhuang.
The monk is showing his scriptures Choosing to have a private guide opens the door to exceptional service and deep insights into China's Silk Road. Our local experts enrich your journey with detailed stories and enhance interactions with locals. For example, your guide might take you to off-the-beaten-path serene temples and you could have personal chats with monks to gain an insight into their lifestyle.
International Flights to the Silk Road and Their Costs
In general, for Americans and Europeans, you need at least one stopover when flying to the Silk Road cities, while direct flights are available from Asian countries. Xi'an, Lanzhou, and Urumqi are the main gateways to a Silk Road journey. For cost-effective flights and more options, Xi'an is the best choice and it is about US$150 cheaper than a flight to Urumqi.
- One-way flights with economy class from the United States to Xi'an range from about US$600 to US$1,300.
- Flight costs from Europe, Australia, and New Zealand to Xi'an are US$310–800.
- Asian countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia, offer direct flights to Xi'an at affordable prices, costing about US$120–250.
Prices peak during Christmas and New Year (December and January). We recommend that you book your trip at least 3 months in advance for early bird discounts, especially during these periods.
Accommodation Costs on the Silk Road
4-star hotels range from US$80–120 per room per night and luxury 5-star hotels from US$110–200, whereas some unique lodgings cost US$300–420. Prices may double or triple during Labor Day (May 1–5), national holidays, and the summer vacation (July–August). Book ahead for a better room selection and increased flexibility.
We use a diverse selection of hotels that cater to various needs for families and couples. If you want a special hotel experience, we could arrange an exclusive and unique type of lodging, such as a grassland Tibetan tent in Xiahe or a wooden house in Hemu. Moreover, our good relationships with local hotels give us the best agent rates, and we can even apply for room upgrades at no extra cost.
Transportation Costs on the Silk Road
For long-distance travel between cities, flights are the fastest way to travel (1½–4 hours), priced at US$80–300. Bullet trains (1–13 hours) offer a special Chinese-transport option, costing about US$7–102, depending on the distance. For example, a high-speed train from Xi'an to Lanzhou (3 hours) costs about US$25, and Lanzhou to Turpan (10 hours) costs US$70.
For shorter trips, private transfers are highly recommended, costing US$25–50 per person daily. For savings, you could invite more family members or friends to join you on your trip. Opting for a private car ensures a comfortable and flexible journey, avoiding walking and frequent baggage handling, which could be challenging for older individuals or those with limited mobility.
Food Costs on the Silk Road
Food along the Silk Road tends to be budget-friendly. Paying just US$2–4, you could test a range of popular and delicious snacks, such as roujiamo ('Chinese hamburgers'), hand-pulled noodles, and kebabs. A meal at a mid-range restaurant typically runs to about US$15 per person and fine dining to US$30+ per person. If you're looking for Western food, the price would go up by at least 30%.
Our private tours offer popular local Chinese cuisine and unforgettable dining experiences. If you want to enjoy an intimate romantic moment, don't miss desert-sunset dinners or prairie-tent candlelit dinners. For local cuisine exploration, we could arrange dining in a local residence and even enable you to prepare meals together.
Attractions/Activities Costs on the Silk Road
Most Silk Road attractions cost US$7–15. World Heritage sites, such as the Terracotta Army, are about US$17, and Dunhuang's Mogao Caves cost US$23–36. Some comprehensive museums, such as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Museum, offer free admission. It is essential to book tickets at least 5 days in advance, especially during peak seasons (May to October).
The prices for activities/experiences vary widely depending on the specific activity. For example, a safari on a camel or SUV/jeep at Echoing Sand Mountain is about US$17, a helicopter ride over Crescent Spring is US$220, making a warrior by hand in Xi'an is about US$12, studying and making a mural is about US$55. The local cultural shows cost US$25–52.
Touring the Silk Road with Us
We would customize your tour to suit your preferences using our 20+ years of expertise in China travel. Feel free to contact us for a tailored Silk Road itinerary to suit your interests, group size, budget, and any special requests.
More Silk Road private package tours:
- 5-Day Dunhuang In-depth Private Tour along the Silk Road
- 6-Day Xiahe, Langmusi and Zhagana Tour
- 8-Day Qinghai Lake, Zhangye, and Dunhuang Tour
- 10-Day Xinjiang, Gansu, and Qinghai Highlights Tour
- 12-Day Silk Road In-depth Tour
- 13-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Dunhuang–Urumqi–Shanghai Tour
- 17-Day Silk Road and Tibet Cultural Tour
- 21-Day China Classic Wonders and Silk Road Tour