Your private driver will greet you at your Beijing hotel lobby with a name sign, then transfer you to the airport for your 2-hour flight to Xi’an—the ancient capital of China and a key Silk Road hub. On arrival, your local guide will be waiting at the arrival hall exit to whisk you away in a private vehicle to the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Your guide will share vivid stories of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and the army’s dramatic discovery en route—feel free to ask questions anytime!

Wander through the museum’s three iconic pits, where thousands of life-sized clay soldiers (each with a unique face) stand in perfect battle formation. Marvel at the intricate details of their armor and weapons, and learn how this “Eighth Wonder of the World” was buried to guard the emperor in the afterlife.

Historical Fact: Discovered in 1974 by local farmers drilling a well, the Terracotta Warriors were crafted in the 3rd century BC for Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, serving as his eternal imperial guard.

Refuel with a flavorful local lunch at a cozy restaurant, then head to the Xi’an City Wall—a 600-year-old fortification that’s the most complete ancient city wall in China. Climb to the top and stroll along the ramparts, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Xi’an’s blend of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers. You can even rent a bike to cycle the wall’s full perimeter if you’re feeling adventurous!

Historical Fact: First built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty, Xi’an City Wall was expanded from the original Tang Dynasty wall, acting as a critical defense system for the Silk Road’s eastern terminus.

End your day with a visit to the bustling Muslim Quarter—the cultural heart of Xi’an’s Muslim community. Wander through narrow lanes filled with the aroma of sizzling lamb skewers, crispy Roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers), and sweet persimmon cakes. Browse souvenir stalls selling handcrafted lanterns and traditional textiles, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this centuries-old market.

Historical Fact: The Muslim Quarter dates back over 1,300 years to the Tang Dynasty, when Muslim merchants and travelers settled in Xi’an along the Silk Road.

After the tour, your driver will transfer you to your Xi’an hotel for the night.

Meals Included: Lunch

Start your visit at the Mogao Grottoes Digital Exhibition Center, where you’ll watch two immersive documentaries to learn about the grottoes’ history, art, and cultural significance. Then, follow a professional site guide to explore 7–9 carefully selected caves (access is limited to protect the fragile art). Step into these ancient rock-cut temples and marvel at the vibrant murals and delicate painted sculptures that cover every wall—depicting Buddhist stories, Silk Road trade scenes, and medieval daily life in western China.

Historical Fact: Carved into cliffs starting in 366 AD and expanded over 1,000 years, the Mogao Grottoes are the world’s largest and best-preserved treasure trove of Buddhist art, standing at a critical crossroads of Silk Road culture and trade.

As the sun sets, head to Shazhou Night Market—Dunhuang’s iconic nightlife spot, often called a “living museum of local culture”. Wander through rows of stalls selling Dunhuang specialties: succulent roasted whole lamb, sweet camel milk ice cream, and hand-painted silk scarves. Listen to street musicians play traditional instruments, and pick up unique souvenirs like sand paintings and jade carvings to remember your Silk Road adventure.

Historical Fact: Shazhou Night Market is rooted in Dunhuang’s 2,000-year history as a Silk Road trading post, where merchants from East and West once bartered goods and shared stories under the stars.

Return to your Dunhuang hotel for a restful night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Meet your guide at your hotel lobby bright and early for a 1.5-hour drive to Yumen Pass—a legendary Silk Road fortress that once guarded the western frontier of China 2,000 years ago. Your guide will share tales of caravans loaded with silk and spices passing through this gate, and the soldiers who defended it against invaders. Take a scenic battery bus ride to explore the ruins: the square earthen castle standing proud in the Gobi desert, the nearby Hecang City (an ancient grain storage facility), and the weathered remains of watchtowers. Climb to the top of the pass and gaze out at the endless desert—you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the golden age of the Silk Road.

Historical Fact: Built during the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), Yumen Pass was a vital checkpoint on the Northern Silk Road, controlling trade and travel between China and Central Asia.

Continue your journey to the Han Dynasty Great Wall Ruins—a 2,000-year-old defensive structure that stretches over 1,000 kilometers across western China. Unlike the stone-and-brick Ming Great Wall, this ancient barrier was built with local materials: reeds, branches, and sand gravel, layered to withstand the harsh desert winds. Walk along the weathered ramparts and admire the ingenuity of the Han engineers, who created a sturdy wall using nothing but what the Gobi desert provided.

Historical Fact: Constructed between 121–101 BC during the Han Dynasty, this Great Wall section protected Silk Road caravans from nomadic raids, enabling the safe exchange of goods and ideas between East and West.

After a tasty lunch, head to Yadan National Geological Park—also known as “Yadan Devil City” for its eerie desert landscapes and the howling sounds of wind rushing through rock formations. This is one of the largest Yardang landform areas in the world, shaped by millions of years of wind erosion into surreal rock sculptures. Hop on a battery bus to explore four main sites, where you’ll spot rocks that look like giant camels, peacocks, and even miniatures of the Potala Palace and Temple of Heaven. Let your imagination run wild as you snap photos of these natural wonders. Stay late for a spectacular desert sunset (extra cost applies) if you want to witness the rocks glow red and gold in the fading light.

Historical Fact: Formed over 700,000 years by wind and water erosion on ancient lakebed sediments, Yadan National Geological Park’s unique landforms are a window into Dunhuang’s prehistoric past as a lush lake region.

Return to your Dunhuang hotel in the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel between 6–7 am for an early morning trip to Mingsha Shan (Singing Dunes)—a range of sand dunes famous for the melodic sound they make when wind blows over them. The dunes glow in stunning hues of red, yellow, green, black, and white as the sun rises. Climb to the top of a dune (you can rent a sandboard for extra fun!) and enjoy panoramic views of the desert and the nearby Crescent Moon Spring. Listen closely—when the wind picks up, you’ll hear the sand “sing” a soft, rumbling tune.

Historical Fact: Mingsha Shan has been a Silk Road landmark for centuries, with travelers writing about the dunes’ “singing” phenomenon as early as the Tang Dynasty.

Next, visit Crescent Moon Spring—a tiny, crystal-clear oasis nestled in the heart of the Singing Dunes. Shaped like a crescent moon, this spring has defied the desert for hundreds of years, never drying up or being buried by sand. Walk along the spring’s banks, admire the ancient willow trees that line its shores, and snap photos of the surreal sight of blue water surrounded by golden sand dunes. Locals call it “the first spring in the desert” for its miraculous survival.

Historical Fact: First recorded in historical texts over 2,000 years ago, Crescent Moon Spring has been a vital water source for Silk Road travelers, monks, and traders crossing the harsh Gobi Desert.

If you choose to head back to Beijing, your driver will transfer you to Dunhuang Airport around 12:30 pm for your connecting flight via Xi’an.

Note: No lunch is provided for this option.

Visit the Western Thousand-Buddha Caves—a lesser-known sister site to the Mogao Grottoes, carved into cliffs along the Dang River. Follow a professional guide to explore 5 caves, where you’ll find well-preserved murals and sculptures that mirror the Mogao Grottoes’ artistic style. This is a quiet alternative to the crowded main site, perfect for deepening your understanding of Dunhuang’s Buddhist art.

Historical Fact: Carved between the 5th and 14th centuries, the Western Thousand-Buddha Caves are an important part of Dunhuang’s Buddhist heritage, reflecting the cultural exchange between China and Central Asia.

Explore the Dunhuang Museum, a treasure trove of Silk Road artifacts with over 10,000 items spanning from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty. Admire replicas of Mogao Grottoes murals (you can take photos here, unlike the real caves!), ancient silk fabrics, and pottery from Silk Road caravans. Your guide will walk you through the museum’s five exhibition halls, bringing Dunhuang’s 2,000-year history to life.

Historical Fact: Founded in 1979, the Dunhuang Museum houses one of China’s most comprehensive collections of Silk Road artifacts, preserving the legacy of this ancient oasis city.