When Silk Road Culture Meets Fabulous Fall Colors
Start from the mysterious city of Dunhuang, pass by historical Jiayuguan, and then go to Ejina Qi, which is famous for its golden poplar trees, and end the trip in Zhangye with its unique Danxia (red sandstone) landforms. Usually the poplar trees' leaves take on their gold color from mid-September to late October, so this tour is only available in this autumnal period each year. With perfect weather conditions and picturesque wild beauty, we will give you an unforgettable experience.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Admire the Splendid Golden Euphrates Poplar Forests
Visit Ejina Qi National Nature Reserve of Poplar Trees, which is one of the three remaining Poplar Tree reserves in the world. The famous movie "Hero", directed by Zhang Yimou, was shot there. It is a paradise for photographers in fall.


Capture Spectacular Views of Wild China
Visit Zhangye Danxia Geological Park and take stunning photos of the rainbow mountain and Binggou ('ice valley') Danxia landforms. Stroll beside Echoing Sand Mountain and witness the desert wonder — Crescent Lake. Shoot the marvelous desert sunset in Dunhuang.


Discover Unique Historical Sites along the Hexi Corridor
Appreciate amazing murals, sculptures, and grottoes in the renowned Mogao Caves. Visit "the First and Greatest Pass under Heaven", also the westernmost starting point of the Great Wall in the Ming Dynasty — Jiayuguan.


Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

![]() |
Dreams come true in Xi'an
![]() My family and I visited Xi'an for two days and were accompanied by Sherry, our tour guide! Even though we stayed for a very short time, Sherry made sure we visited everything important and on time. And when the person who we were going to cook dumplings with got sick, Sherry managed the schedule changes smoothly and skillfully. Beyond that, witnessing the Terracotta Soldiers was a dream come true, but Sherry's explanation and availabilty to answer questions pushed it even further! And also, not only was she a fountain of knowledge, she was very kind and open, sharing with us her day-to-day experience living in Xi'an. Finally, since my area is Asian Studies and I study Chinese, Sherry also helped me with the language and academic curiosity in an enthusiastic way. In the end, my two favourite Xi'an activities were visiting the Terracotta Soldiers and its museum, of course, and making dumplings! I highly recommend China Highlights' tour in Xi'an, especially when accompanied by Sherry. more
Mar 2025, Marta C
|
Xi’an with Jenny from the Block
![]() Xi’an is a fantastic city to visit, the Terra Cotta Warriors are incredible but there is more to see and do—and eat! Make sure you ask for Jenny, she is a fabulous guide, super interesting and informative and FUN! Our group ranged in age from 15-80 and she took care everything with a keen attention to detail and nuanced suggestions to make the trip extra special. The dumpling making experience was amazing and delicious and surprisingly maybe our favourite activity? Thank you thank you Jenny! more
Mar 2025, Susan t
|
Xian
![]() Helen was our tour guid and we very much enjoyed Xian and wished we could have spent more time as we only had a day. Our guide made sure we experienced all that we needed to see while out there even with our limited time. I would highly recommend visiting Xian and staying a few days to further explore the history. more
Mar 2025, Hooten Jessica Lynn 647623828
|
Tour Map
Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Railway station or airport transfer. Saty overnight at Dunhuang.
Mogao Caves, Singing Sand Mountains, Crescent Moon Spring, and camel riding. Stay over night at Dunhuang.
Great Wall Museum, Jiayuguan Fort. Stay overnight at Jiayuguan.
The Black City, Strange Forest sunset shoot.Stay overnight at Ejina Qi.
Visit Poplar Forest National Nature Reserve, immerse yourself in the fabulous fall views.Stay overnight at Ejina Qi.
Juyan Lake sunrise shoot. The Rainbow Mountains sunset shoot.Stay overnight at Zhangye.
Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple.Zhangye Railway station or Zhangye Airport transfer.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.


Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: gs-2