Your dedicated driver will greet you at your Shanghai hotel lobby. They’ll hold a personalized name sign and escort you to the airport for a 2-hour flight to Xi’an, China’s ancient capital.

Upon landing, your English-speaking guide will wait at the arrival hall exit with your name sign. Hop aboard your private air-conditioned vehicle for a direct ride to the Terracotta Army Museum. The guide will share fascinating historical anecdotes along the way. Feel free to ask questions anytime!

One-sentence history recap: Hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the Terracotta Army Museum was discovered by four farmers drilling a well in 1974. Divided into three pits, it’s now Xi’an’s most iconic attraction.

Wander through the museum halls. Let the guide’s vivid explanations bring this 2,000-year-old underground army to life. Discover secrets of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum complex.

Enjoy a satisfying local lunch first. Then head to the 600-year-old Xi’an City Wall, one of China’s best-preserved ancient city walls. Climb the steep steps to the top. Stroll along the wide ramparts and soak in panoramic city views—blending ancient architecture and modern skyline.

Next, venture into the bustling Muslim Quarter, the heart of Xi’an’s Muslim community. Follow your guide through narrow alleys lined with food stalls and souvenir shops. The air smells of spicy cumin lamb, crispy persimmon cakes and sweet hawthorn candies. Sample snacks at your own expense. The guide will recommend the most authentic spots. After the tour, you’ll be transferred to your Xi’an hotel for the night.

Your driver will meet you at your Xi’an hotel lobby early. They’ll hold your name sign and take you to the airport. Catch a 2.5-hour flight to Jiayuguan, the western gateway of the Great Wall.

Upon arrival in Jiayuguan, your local guide will wait at the arrival hall exit. Board your private air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy a scenic drive straight to the Jiayuguan Heritage Scenic Resort, the day’s highlight.

Start with a visit to the Great Wall Museum. Learn the epic history of the Great Wall and its link to Jiayuguan Fortress.

One-sentence history recap: Known as the “Impregnable Pass under Heaven”, Jiayuguan Fortress is the Great Wall’s most magnificent, best-preserved pass. It was a critical Silk Road trade and military hub, linking China, Central Asia and Europe.

Walk through the fortress’s towering gates. Explore its watchtowers and barracks. Imagine soldiers guarding this strategic outpost against desert invaders.

Have a hearty lunch at a local restaurant first. In the afternoon, head to Xuanbi Great Wall (Hanging Wall).

One-sentence history recap: Built in 1539 as Jiayuguan Fortress’s northern extension, Xuanbi Great Wall is a key defense site. It was constructed with local gravel and loess for quick, sturdy fortification.

Accompany your guide to hike up the wall’s rugged steps. It clings to a steep cliff edge. From the top, enjoy breathtaking views of desert landscapes and distant snow-capped mountains. After the hike, take a 4-hour scenic drive to Dunhuang.

Your guide will pick you up at your Dunhuang hotel lobby with your name sign. Take a 1.5-hour drive to Yumen Pass, a legendary Silk Road landmark. The guide will share stories of ancient merchants and soldiers passing through.

One-sentence history recap: Built over 2,000 years ago, Yumen Pass was a vital Silk Road stronghold, protecting Dunhuang from western invasions. Its square castle ruins now stand alone in the Gobi desert.

Take the scenic battery bus around the site. Explore well-preserved ruins of Hecang City, Han Dynasty Great Wall remains and Yumen Pass itself. Climb to the pass tower top. Enjoy panoramic views of endless deserts, wind-swept dunes and towering poplars.

Continue to the Han Dynasty Great Wall Ruins, a lesser-known ancient defense gem.

One-sentence history recap: Constructed between 121 BC and 101 BC, the Han Great Wall stretched 1,000 kilometers west. Built with local branches, reeds and gravel, it protected Silk Road trade from northern invaders.

Walk along the weathered ruins, eroded by wind and sand for 2,000 years. Even in dilapidated state, you can see the ancient builders’ ingenuity. Imagine the wall’s former grandeur.

Enjoy a delicious lunch near Yumen Pass first. Then head to Yadan National Geological Park, also called “Yadan Devil City”.

One-sentence history recap: Known as Yadan Devil City for eerie howling winds, this park has China’s largest Yardang landform, shaped by millions of years of wind erosion.

It’s a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Wind has carved sandstone into bizarre shapes—Mongolian yurts, stone birds, peacocks and even the Potala Palace. Take the park’s battery bus to four main spots. Enjoy free time to shoot photos of the otherworldly landscape. Want to stay for the unforgettable desert sunset? Just tell your guide (additional cost applies). After the tour, return to your Dunhuang hotel for the night.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby early to avoid crowds. Head to Mogao Caves, one of the world’s greatest Buddhist art treasures. Start at the Mogao Caves Digital Exhibition Center. Watch two immersive documentaries to learn about the caves’ history, art and conservation.

One-sentence history recap: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mogao Caves were carved from a cliff in 366 AD and expanded for 1,000 years. 492 preserved caves hold 45,000 sqm of murals and 2,000 sculptures, making it the world’s largest Buddhist art treasure trove.

Follow a professional local guide to explore 7–9 carefully selected caves (the number varies for protection). Marvel at vibrant murals depicting medieval politics, culture, religion and daily life. Listen to stories of how these masterpieces survived war and desert winds.

Next, head to Mingsha Shan, a stunning desert mountain. Its sand glows in red, yellow, green, black and white hues. When strong winds blow, sand grains rub together to make a loud, melodious sound. That’s why it’s called “Echoing-Sand Mountain”. Stroll along the dunes. Or climb to the top for sweeping views of the desert and nearby Crescent Moon Pool.

Visit Crescent Moon Pool, a magical oasis at Mingsha Shan’s foot.

One-sentence history recap: Shaped like a half-moon and surrounded by sand dunes, Crescent Moon Pool is called the “First Spring in the Desert”. It has existed for hundreds of years without being buried by sand, serving as a vital Silk Road water source.

Take a moment to admire its crystal-clear water. It reflects the dunes like a mirror. If you’re returning to Shanghai, you’ll be transferred to the airport at noon for a connecting flight via Xi’an (no time for lunch).

If you’re ending your tour in Dunhuang, spend the evening at Shazhou Night Market Commercial Street. It’s the best place to experience Dunhuang’s vibrant nightlife. The bustling market is a tourist favorite. Stalls sell local noodles, camel milk ice cream and handcrafted souvenirs like silk scarves and desert jade. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Taste snacks and pick up unique gifts. After the market, you’ll be transferred back to your Dunhuang hotel (accommodation not included).