8-Day Qinghai Lake, Zhangye, and Dunhuang Tour

Miraculous Qinghai and Legendary Silk Road Tour

This itinerary includes Qinghai and Gansu, which were two very important regions during the history of the ancient Silk Road. Qinghai is famous for high plateau lakes and grasslands as well as exotic ethnic culture, while Gansu features the Gobi Desert landscapes, Danxia landforms, Buddhist grottoes, and Great Wall culture.

Travel from Xining to dreamlike Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, and then go to Zhangye with its unique Danxia — red sandstone landforms. End the trip at the mysterious city of Dunhuang, where you will enjoy the spectacular desert landscapes and experience unique ancient Silk Road culture.

Tour 'Wow' Points

Feast Your Eyes on the Spectacular Landscapes of Two High Plateau Lakes.

Visit picturesque Qinghai Lake, which was selected as "the Most Beautiful Lake in China" by China's National Geographic, and be amazed by the stunning landscape around it. Also, take a train ride through "the sky mirror" — Chaka Salt Lake.

Trace the Roots of China's Brilliant Buddhist Culture on the Ancient Silk Road.

Admire exquisite architecture in celebrated Ta'er Monastery in Xining and Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye. Appreciate amazing murals, sculptures, and grottoes in the mysterious Mogao Caves.

Enjoy the Stunning Views of Wild China

Explore the famous Zhangye Danxia Geopark and take great photos of the Rainbow Mountains. Capture spectacular desert views of Echoing-Sand Mountain, Crescent Moon Spring, and Devil City — Yadan National Geological Park.

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

Great days in Xian What a great city experience! Few days in Xian, enjoying noodles challenge, the bike ride on the city wall and finally the impressive army of terracotta warriors. Great thanks to our guide Jenny Yang from China Highlights, professional and flexible, helpful on every occasion, the tour was really a great pleasure. more Mar 2025, Gottfried S

A Great 7-day China Trip We were a party of 3, spent a week in China and covered Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. In each town we had 3 great tour guides, Tina, Jenny and Christina and 3 great drivers that drove us around. I highly recommend this agency who looked after us very well down to all the minute details. We enjoyed the trip very much and definitely will come back again!! more Mar 2025, MyLinhP

Outstanding visit to Xian with Ms. Lin and China Highlights We visited Xian for 2 days as part of a multi-city tour through China Highlights. Our guide Ms. Lin was outstanding. A native of Xian, she was highly knowledgeable about the history and cultural aspects of the area. She was extremely attentive and clearly committed to making our time in Xian the best. On the first day, we visited the Terra-cotta Warriors and made our own clay warriors afterwards. We finished the day climbing to the top of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. On the second day, we bicycled on the Xian City Wall, walked through the Muslin Quarter and created our own shadow puppets. Just before departing, Ms. Lin brought us to the Food Gallery of Xian for a truly memorable lunch. A shout out to our driver, Mr. Zhang also. He was a steady and responsible driver. I felt very comfortable and safe in his vehicle. I would highly recommend Ms. Lin and China Highlights for visiting Xian. more Mar 2025, SKHawaii

Tour Map

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.