13-Day Silk Road: Beijing, Urumqi, Kashgar, Turpan, Zhangye, Xi’an, Xining & 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 Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Niujie Mosque, Summer Palace

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 Great Wall of China, Fly to Urumqi

Destination: Beijing, Urumqi
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Hantang Hotel Urumqi 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. An afternoon flight takes you to Urumqi, the present-day capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China’s far northwest. Rich in history, Urumqi flourished as a major Silk Road center during the Tang dynasty and later became a leading cultural and commercial hub in the 19th-century Qing dynasty.

Day 4 Explore Urumqi, Fly to Kashgar

Destination: Urumqi, Kashgar
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Mercure Kashgar Downtown or similar

Start your exploration of Urumqi with a visit to the breathtaking Heavenly Lake. Nestled in the majestic Tianshan Mountains, this alpine lake is a true natural wonder. The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Take a leisurely walk along the lake’s shore, breathe in the fresh mountain air, enjoy a boat ride on the lake and observe local Kazakh nomads herding their sheep. Next, immerse yourself in the bustling Urumqi International Bazaar, a sensory kaleidoscope of colorful textiles, aromatic spices, and lively traditional music, offering an authentic taste of local culture. An afternoon flight brings you to Kashgar, historically a significant oasis city at the base of the Pamir Mountains, positioned between a vast desert and immense mountain ranges. As a major hub on the ancient Silk Road, where the northern and southern routes intersected, Kashgar was a bustling departure point for caravans heading to Central Asia, India, Pakistan, and ancient Persia (now Iran).

Day 5 Explore Kashgar, Fly to Turpan

Destination: Kashgar, Turpan
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Mercure Kashgar Downtown or similar

Visit Abakh Hoja Mausoleum in the morning. This mausoleum is one of the best examples of Islamic architecture in China. It is an ancient Islamic building complex and a cemetery where five generations of a famous Islamic master were buried. Next, visit the 15th-century Id-Kah Mosque, the largest in Xinjiang. Proceed to Kashgar Old Town, which boasts over 2,000 years of history. Enjoy a stroll, meet Uyghur locals, and observe coppersmiths and cobblers using traditional tools, immersing yourself in their rich culture. If your visit to Kashgar falls on a Sunday, prepare to be captivated by the bustling Grand Bazaar. This weekly spectacle draws a fascinating array of ethnic groups – Uyghur, Tajik, Kyrgyz, and Kazakh – who converge upon Kashgar. Observe their diverse modes of transport, from foot and bicycle to horseback, motorcycle, and donkey cart, all testament to the bustling trade of goods ranging from everyday scissors to impressive camels. Fly to Turpan at night.

Day 6 Explore Turpan

Destination: Turpan
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Accommodations: 4-star Mercure Kashgar Downtown or similar

Head to the UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Jiaohe. Situated on an island between two rivers, Jiaohe was a thriving trade center along the Silk Road over 2,000 years ago. Wander through the ruins of this ancient city, marveling at the remnants of temples, residential buildings, and the impressive city walls. Next, visit the legendary Flaming Mountain, known for its surreal reddish hues that resemble flames under the sun. Then, head to the serene Tuyoq Valley, a charming village that offers a glimpse into Uyghur daily life. Afterward, visit the iconic Emin Minaret, the tallest minaret in China, standing at 44 meters high. Built in the 18th century, the minaret showcases intricate brickwork and Islamic architectural design. Conclude your tour with a visit to the remarkable Karez Wells, an ingenious ancient irrigation system that has sustained the agricultural life of Turpan for centuries.

Day 7 Bullet Train to Zhangye, Explore Zhangye

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

Take a bullet train to Zhangye (approx. 6.5 hours) where the Rainbow Mountains’ vibrant hues paint a surreal landscape that’s a feast for the eyes, offering an otherworldly spectacle you won’t find anywhere else. This natural wonder has captivated photographers and filmmakers alike, including Disney’s “Mulan.” In 2010, Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park (Rainbow Mountains) earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Upon arrival, explore Zhangye National Desert Sports Park. Nestled amidst vast sand dunes and endless skies, this park offers an adrenaline-packed morning. Experience thrilling adventures, including camel riding, and optional activities like sandboarding and dune bashing.

Day 8 Explore Zhangye, Bullet Train to Xining

Destination: Zhangye, Xining
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Zhangye Mosque
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Xining Railway Station or similar

Head to the spectacular Rainbow Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking display of multi-colored rock formations. This natural wonder, a feast for the eyes, has captivated photographers and filmmakers worldwide, including the creators of Disney’s ‘Mulan.’ It is believed that the Rainbow Mountains are one of the creations of Allah as mentioned in the holy Quran. 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.” After salat at Zhangye Mosque, ride a bullet train to Xining. Situated in the Tibetan Plateau, Xining serves as the capital of Qinghai province and also the capital of Tibet’s Amdo region. As a historical hub on the Silk Road, Xining offers a unique blend of Tibetan, Han Chinese, and Muslim cultures. 

Day 9 Explore Xining, Bullet Train to Xi’an

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

Discover the majesty of Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake, spanning an impressive 4,186 square kilometers, roughly 6 times the size of Singapore. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of turquoise waters, snow-capped peaks, and lush grasslands and experience the serenity and breathtaking beauty of Qinghai Lake on an unforgettable boat ride. After salat at Dongguan Mosque, visit the iconic Kumbum Monastery. Constructed in 1560 AD, the Kumbum Monastery is among the six most renowned Buddhist Monasteries in Tibet. The term ‘Kumbum’ in Tibetan translates to a magnificent place that houses 100,000 Buddha. It was initially erected on the birthplace of Tsong Khapa, the founder of the Gelukpa Sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism. Two of his disciples went on to become famous in the Buddhist world, one becoming Dalai Lama, the other the Panchen Lama. Take a bulet train to Xi’an.

Day 10 Explore Xian

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

Start your day with a wonder of the world – the 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. After lunch, perform salat at the Great Mosque of Xi’an, one of China’s oldest and most renowned mosques. Next, 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. 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 11 Explore Xi’an, Fly to Shanghai

Destination: Xi’an, Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local 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 marvel showcasing China’s traditional brick pagodas. 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. Next, 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. Fly to Shanghai in the afternoon.

Day 12 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 13 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!