Details
Nationwide → Xi’an (Gathering Day)
Welcome to Xi’an, one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of the world alongside Athens, Rome, and Cairo. From the 11th century BC to the 10th century AD, 13 dynasties established their capitals or political centers here, spanning over 1,100 years. The Western Zhou, Qin, Western Han, and Tang Dynasties marked the city’s most prosperous eras.
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Lanxi International Hotel or Yidun Novotel Hotel or equivalent
Muslim Quarter
campanile
Xi’an → Xi’an City Wall → (High-Speed Train) → Xining
Xi’an Ancient City Wall (Visit)
Built during the early Ming Dynasty on the foundations of the Tang Imperial City, the Xi’an City Wall is one of the most complete and largest ancient defensive walls still standing in China. Its immense scale and preservation make it one of the most impressive city fortifications of the medieval era.
Transfer to the train station for a high-speed train to Xining.
Reference train: D2731 (14:35–18:45)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sanyu Hotel (or similar)
Xi’an City Wall
Xi’an City Wall
Xining → Qinghai Lake (Er Lang Jian Scenic Area) → Chaka
Qinghai Lake (Visit)
Qinghai Lake is a tectonic fault-formed lake—the largest saltwater lake in China. During its early formation 200,000–20,000 years ago, it was a freshwater outflow lake connected to the Yellow River. About 130,000 years ago, tectonic uplift blocked the outlets, creating today’s enclosed lake system with various sub-lakes.
Altitude: approx. 3,200m
Er Lang Jian Scenic Area (Eco Shuttle Included)
Known for its dramatic geological formations, Er Lang Jian features rock ridges rising like a giant sword pointing toward the sky. The area combines natural wonder with deep cultural legends, making it a must-see viewpoint along Qinghai Lake.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Jinhengji Hotel (or similar)
Qinghai Lake
Erlang Sword
Chaka → Chaka Salt Lake → Dachaidan (Emerald Lake)
Chaka Salt Lake (Round-trip mini train included)
With over 3,000 years of history, Chaka Salt Lake is hailed as “The Mirror of the Sky in China.” The pure white salt crust perfectly reflects blue skies, clouds, and distant mountains. Visitors can walk barefoot across the salt surface, enjoying surreal mirror-like reflections—perfect for photography.
The lake also features beautiful salt sculptures and an old railway extending deep into the lake—you may ride the vintage mini train to enjoy even more spectacular views.
Altitude: approx. 3,000m
Emerald Lake (Sightseeing Shuttle Included)
Located northwest of Dachaidan, Emerald Lake is named for its jewel-like colors. When the wind is calm, the lake is as clear as a mirror, reflecting snow-covered mountains, blue skies, and white clouds—creating breathtaking natural scenery.
Altitude: approx. 3,000m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Meihau Hotel (or similar)
Chaka Salt Lake
Emerald Lake
Dachaidan → 315 “U-Shaped National Highway” → Water Yadan → Dachaidan
315 National Highway “U-Shaped Road” (Drive-by sightseeing)
A famous internet landmark known for its dramatic curves and desert landscape. Often called the “Chinese Route 66,” this stretch of highway delivers incredible visual impact.
Wusute (Water) Yadan Scenic Area (Visit)
Also known as Water Yadan National Geopark, this unique landscape combines Yadan formations with vast lake surfaces. Formed by millions of years of wind and water erosion, the area is home to reed wetlands, unique plateau fish, and thousands of migratory birds in summer and autumn.
Altitude: approx. 2,800m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Meihau Hotel (or similar)
U-shaped highway
Water Yadan
Dachaidan → Dunhuang (Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake)
(Camel riding + one-way shuttle + shoe covers included)
Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake (Visit)
Mingsha Mountain, formed entirely by golden sand dunes, is famous for its “singing sands”—when the wind blows or when people slide on the dunes, the sand produces a humming sound. Crescent Lake, shaped like a delicate half-moon, lies quietly among the dunes and has never dried up for thousands of years.
Experience:
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Camel riding through the desert dunes
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One-way eco-shuttle ride for comfortable sightseeing
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Shoe covers to keep sand out during your walk
Meals: Not included
Accommodation: Tianrun Yibo Hotel or Shazhou Jinghua Hotel (or similar)
Mingsha Mountain
Crescent Lake
Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Jiayuguan
Mogao Caves (Visit + Shuttle + Audio Guide + 3D Film)
The Mogao Caves, founded during the Eastern Jin period, feature over a thousand years of Buddhist art—including murals, sculptures, and precious cultural relics. Visitors will first watch a digital film introducing Dunhuang’s history before shuttling to the caves. A professional guide will lead you through 8–10 grottoes, explaining the art, murals, and Buddhist culture.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Far East Warren Hotel or Chenfeng Hotel (or similar)
Mogao Caves
Mogao Caves
Jiayuguan → Jiayuguan Pass → Jiuquan Spring Lake Park → Zhangye
Jiayuguan Pass (Visit + Shuttle)
The westernmost end of the Great Wall, this massive fortress exemplifies ancient China’s military defense system. Beyond the pass lies the historic “Western Regions.” Its strategic landscape inspired countless poems and stories throughout Chinese history.
Jiuquan Spring Lake Park (Visit)
Named after the ancient “Wine Spring,” the park has over 2,000 years of history and features gardens, lakes, and cultural sites.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Xinshengyue International Hotel or Mingjiale Hotel (or similar)
Jiayuguan
Jiuquan
Zhangye → Rainbow Mountains → Wuwei (Leitai Park)
Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains (Visit + Shuttle)
One of China’s most spectacular Danxia landform areas, featuring vividly colored rock formations stretching across hills and valleys—a natural geological masterpiece.
Leitai Park (Exterior Visit, Tomb not included)
Famous for the discovery of the Bronze Galloping Horse, now a symbol of Chinese tourism. The site features an ancient altar historically used for sacrifices to the Thunder God.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Tianma Mingzhu Hotel (or similar)
Colorful Danxia
Arena Cemetery
Wuwei → Jingyuan (Yellow River Stone Forest + Cruise + Shuttle) → Lanzhou
(Passing by Yellow River Mother Sculpture & Zhongshan Bridge)
Yellow River Stone Forest Scenic Area (Visit)
Located in Jingyuan County, the Yellow River Stone Forest features towering stone pillars shaped by millions of years of water and wind erosion. Visitors can enjoy a river cruise and explore the formations via scenic shuttle.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zhongshan Lin Mao Yu Hotel or equivalent
Yellow River Mother Statue
Yellow River Stone Forest Scenic Area
Lanzhou → (High-Speed Train Second Class, Reference Train: D2654 08:55–11:59) → Xi’an
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda · Daci’en Temple Ruins Park · Great Tang Everbright City**
Take a high-speed train from Lanzhou to Xi’an.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Located in Daci’en Temple, this iconic Tang-dynasty pagoda was built under the supervision of Monk Xuanzang to store the Buddhist scriptures he brought back from India.
Daci’en Temple Ruins Park
A tranquil Zen-themed garden built on the original Tang-dynasty temple site. Sculptures and landscapes reflect peaceful Buddhist aesthetics.
Great Tang Everbright City
A lively cultural district featuring Tang-style architecture, themed squares, shops, restaurants, performances, and nightlife.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Lanxi International / Novotel Xi’an or similar
Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Xi’an → Terracotta Warriors → Departure
Terracotta Warriors
Part of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s vast mausoleum (246–208 BC). The site features thousands of life-size clay soldiers guarding the unexcavated imperial tomb.
After lunch, transfer to the airport to end your wonderful Silk Road journey.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Home
Terracotta Warriors and Horses
Terracotta Warriors and Horses
Dates & Prices
| Month | Date | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2026-01 | $ 2899 | Book now |
| Feb | 2026-02 | $ 2899 | Book now |
| Mar | 2026-03 | $ 2899 | Book now |
| Apr | 2026-04 | $ 2899 | Book now |
| May | 2026-05 | $ 2899 | Book now |
You are consulting 2025-04-12 Silk Road Wonderland: Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop 12-Day Tour
Fee Description
Travel Reminders
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Minimum group size: 16 travelers; maximum: 40 travelers. A certified tour leader from Taiwan will accompany the group.
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Please inform us when registering if any of the following apply, so we can make proper arrangements. Requests made within 3 working days before departure may incur additional fees:
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Travelers aged 70+, with mobility issues, or traveling without companions
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Travelers under 18 not accompanied by a legal guardian (a signed travel contract is required)
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Pregnant travelers: must declare pregnancy week and carry a doctor’s certificate. Airlines have strict rules (generally no boarding after 36 weeks for single pregnancy / 32 weeks for multiples). Additional forms and approvals may be needed.
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Travelers with infants
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Travelers with special meal requirements (e.g., vegetarian). Meals abroad may be simpler—please bring extra food if needed.
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Solo travelers: rooms are twin-share. We will try to arrange same-gender roommates; single-room supplement applies if solo occupancy is required.
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Special room requests (connecting rooms, non-corner rooms, certain floors, etc.) cannot be guaranteed.
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ROC military personnel must obtain exit permission.
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Non-ROC passport holders: please check visa/entry rules for your nationality.
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This is a group tour; please follow the meeting times.
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For safety reasons, leaving the group mid-tour is not permitted.
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Itinerary order may be adjusted based on local conditions (traffic, weather, etc.) while keeping all included attractions.
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Entrance tickets are based on group rates and cannot be refunded or discounted.
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Restaurants and rest areas in Mainland China may sell local products; these are not designated shopping stops.
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Please familiarize yourself with local customs and travel conditions for a smoother experience.
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High-speed rail in China prohibits carrying knives, weapons, and restricted items; violations may result in fines or confiscation.
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For China entry, travelers must present a valid Taiwan Compatriot Permit (Mainland Travel Permit).
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After receiving your passport, please check all documents inside immediately.
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Prohibited items when crossing borders: fruits, meat products. Avoid political discussions during group travel.
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This tour does not apply to local Taiwan businesspeople residing in China or Mainland Chinese passport holders.
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Distances in Xinjiang, Silk Road, Ningxia, Qinghai, and Gansu are long. Please be prepared for extended drives. Accommodation in remote areas may be more basic than in major cities.
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Meals in minority regions may be simpler. Vegetarians should prepare additional food (instant meals, canned items, etc.).
Booking Notes
To ensure a smooth trip, please read these points carefully before registering:
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Due to real-name booking requirements in mainland China (hotels, attractions, etc.), please provide a valid copy of your Taiwan Compatriot Permit when paying the deposit.
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If reservations are full, the itinerary order may be adjusted accordingly.
