12-Day Silk Road: Beijing, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Xining, Xi’an & Shanghai

Day 1 Arrive Beijing

Destination: Beijing
Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodations: 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown or similar

Upon arrival at the airport, your friendly Muslim expert guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 2 Explore Beijing

Destination: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Niujie Mosque
Accommodations: 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown or similar

Begin your exploration of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. This vast space has seen many pivotal events, including the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. A leisurely stroll leads you to the Forbidden City, the imperial heart of China for over five centuries. This magnificent palace complex served as the residence of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, witnessing the rise and fall of imperial power. After Salat prayer at Niujie Mosque, visit the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved royal garden. Centered around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, the Summer Palace intricately blends political, residential, spiritual, and recreational elements. Our itinerary includes a visit to a freshwater pearl store, offering an opportunity to browse and purchase these lustrous gems cultivated in local waters.

Day 3 Explore Beijing, Fly to Dunhuang

Destination: Beijing, Dunhuang
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Silk Road Dunhuang or similar

Your morning unfolds with an exploration of the iconic Great Wall of China and a visit to a jade carving factory. This colossal fortification, a continuous undertaking from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD, snakes across China’s northern frontier for an astounding 3,750 miles, from the shores of the Bohai Sea to the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert. The Great Wall embodies unparalleled significance as the national symbol for safeguarding the security of the country and Chinese people. An afternoon flight takes you to Dunhuang, a historic city located in the northwestern province of Gansu. Nestled in an oasis at the edge of the Taklamakan Desert, Dunhuang holds a strategic position along the ancient Silk Road, serving as a vital crossroads for trade routes connecting China to Central Asia and beyond. Starting from Dunhuang the Silk Road was split into the northern and southern routes.

Day 4 Explore Dunhuang

Destination: Dunhuang
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Dunhuang Mosque
Accommodations: 4-star Silk Road Dunhuang or similar

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mogao Caves in the morning. Often called the “Art Museum of the East.” These ancient grottoes, carved into sandstone cliffs, house over 1,000 years of Buddhist art, including stunning murals and intricate statues. Marvel at the vibrant depictions of medieval life, religious stories, and breathtaking sculptures, all set against the backdrop of the Silk Road’s rich history. After Salat at Dunhuang Mosque, enjoy a camel ride on the scenic Singing Sand Dunes, called by Marco Polo as the rumbling sands. Then relax at the desert oasis, the Crescent Moon Spring, a small freshwater lake that has been a vital source of water here for thousands of years. As night falls, make your way to the bustling Shazhou Night Market, where an enticing array of local delicacies, unique handcrafted souvenirs, and lively entertainment await, creating a feast for the senses and a celebration of Dunhuang’s rich culture.

Day 5 Transfer to Jiayuguan, Explore Jiayuguan Fortress

Destination: Jiayuguan
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Jiayuguan Mosque
Accommodations: 4-star HATG Jiayu Pearl Hotel or similar

Embark on a 4-hour drive to Jiayuguan, a historic landmark of the ancient Silk Road and the westernmost frontier fortress of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall of China. After performing salat at Jiayuguan Mosque, explore the renowned Jiayuguan Fortress, celebrated as “The First and Greatest Pass under Heaven.” As the best-preserved and most magnificent military structure among the three passes of the Great Wall, it holds a strategic position at the narrowest point of the western Hexi Corridor. From Jiayuguan Pass, enjoy breathtaking views of the expansive Gobi Desert and the snow-capped peaks of the Qilian Mountains.

Day 6 Transfer to Zhangye, Explore Rainbow Mountains

Destination: Zhangye 
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Zhangye Mosque
Accommodations: 4-star Zhangye Xinshengyue International Hotel or similar

Set off on a 2.5 hour drive to Zhangye, where the Rainbow Mountains create a mesmerizing, surreal landscape with vibrant hues that captivate the senses. After performing Salat at Zhangye Mosque, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Rainbow Mountains within Zhangye Danxia Geopark. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, these geological wonders owe their striking colors to the unique, layered rock formations that make this destination truly one-of-a-kind. No one would think of any mountains to take such amazing colors but the Quran mentions the existence of colorful mountains as one of Allah’s creations. Here is the verse of the Quran: “Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby fruits of varying colors? And in the mountains are tracts, white and red of varying shades and [some] extremely black.

Day 7 Transfer to Xining, Explore Qilan Mountains

Destination: Qilian, Xining
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Qilan Mosque
Accommodations: 4-star Park Plaza Hotel Xining or similar

Embark on a scenic drive (approx. 3 hours) to the awe-inspiring Qilian Mountains grassland. This majestic region unfolds before you with breathtaking panoramas: rolling hills, verdant meadows, and snow-capped peaks dominate the horizon. Keep a watchful eye for black yaks and white sheep peacefully grazing across the vast grasslands. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage woven into the landscape, where traditional Tibetan nomad tents dot the horizon amidst the breathtaking natural beauty. Continue your overland journey to Xining (approx. 2 hours), the capital of Qinghai Province nestled on the Tibetan Plateau. Historically significant as both the capital of Qinghai and the heart of Tibet’s Amdo region, Xining flourished as a vital hub on the Silk Road, resulting in a unique cultural tapestry blending Tibetan, Han Chinese, and Muslim influences.

Day 8 Explore Qinghai Lake, Bullet Train to Xi’an

Destination: Xining, Xi’an
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Xining Dongguan Mosque
Accommodations: 5-star Sheraton Xi’an Hotel or similar

Kick off the morning with a 2.5-hour scenic drive to Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake, spanning an impressive 4,317 square kilometers (1,667 square miles). Experience the serenity and breathtaking beauty of Qinghai Lake on an unforgettable boat ride. Glide across its sparkling turquoise waters, mesmerized by panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and lush grasslands stretching towards the horizon. Afterward, perform salat at Dongguan Mosque, the largest mosque in northwest China, and explore the lively Muslim streets nearby. Take a bullet train ride to Xi’an (approx. 3 hours). This historic city, once the ancient capital of China, marks the eastern terminus of the Silk Road, the legendary trade route that connected East and West.

Day 9 Explore Xi’an

Destination: Xi’an
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodations: 5-star Sheraton Xi’an Hotel or similar

Start your day with a wonder of the world – the UNESCO listed Terracotta Army! Discovered by accident in 1974, this 2,000-year-old army of over 8,000 life-sized warriors stands guard over the tomb of Qin Shihuang, China’s first emperor. See some replicas being made nearby and learn the secrets of these ancient figures. Back to the city, stroll along the ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the oldest and best-preserved city wall in China. Walk atop the wall to enjoy panoramic views of the Xi’an skyline. Next, admire the imposing Big Wild Goose Pagoda (outside view), a 1,300-year-old architectural marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conclude your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a captivating recreation of ancient Xi’an, featuring bustling markets, captivating performances, and stunning Tang-style architecture.

Day 10 Explore Xian, Fly to Shanghai

Destination: Xi’an, Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Xi’an Great Mosque
Accommodations: 5-star Artyzen Habitat Taopu Shanghai or similar

Journey back in time to the Tang Dynasty at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a 1,300-year-old architectural masterpiece. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this iconic structure beautifully exemplifies China’s traditional brick pagoda design, offering a glimpse into ancient craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Next, immerse yourself in Xi’an’s history at the Xi’an Museum, which narrates the ancient tales of Xi’an as the capital of 13 dynasties spanning over 1,100 years. Visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an, one of China’s oldest and most renowned mosques. Finally, lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of the Muslim Quarter filled with street food, restaurants, and the vibrant energy of Xi’an’s 60,000-strong Muslim community. Take an afternoon or evening flight to Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis where the echoes of its colonial past seamlessly blend with the awe-inspiring skyline of its modern architectural marvels.

Day 11 Explore Shanghai

Destination: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Xiaotaoyuan Mosque
Accommodations: 5-star Artyzen Habitat Taopu Shanghai or similar

Begin your Shanghai adventure at Yuyuan Garden, a labyrinth of Ming Dynasty pavilions, intricate rockeries, arched bridges, and goldfish ponds, all enveloped by a serpentine dragon wall. Follow this with a shopping spree at the bustling Chenghuangmiao market just outside the garden. After shopping at a silk store, ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Shanghai’s skyline. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s famous 1.6 km waterfront on the west shore of the Huangpu River, and explore the vibrant Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Conclude your day with a walk through the charming French Concession, where tree-lined avenues and elegant old houses evoke the spirit of the “Paris of the East.” Afterwards, savor a delightful tea break and explore the vibrant Tianzifang, a captivating blend of local culture and contemporary art.

Day 12 Depart Shanghai

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel

A private transfer to the airport will be provided for your departure. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we would be delighted to assist you in customizing your itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!