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.

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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
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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
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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
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Tour Map
Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Airport or railway station pick-up
Ta'er Monastery, Erlangjian Scenic Area, and Qinghai Lake boat ride
Qinghai Lake sunrise, Chaka Salt Lake
Zhangye Danxia Geological Park
Giant Buddha Temple, Wooden Tower
The Mogao Caves, the Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Moon Spring, Camel Riding
Dunhuang Museum, Yadan National Geological Park, Yumen Pass, the Great Wall of the Han Dynasty
Airport or railway station drop-off
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 and hotels listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: gq-1