Journey through China’s trade route, from Urumqi to Xi’an, exploring desert oases, Buddhist grottoes and colourful Danxia mountains on this unforgettable Silk Road adventure.
| Depature Date | Return Date | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Fri 22nd May 2026 | Sun 7th Jun 2026 | 17 Days |
| Tue 25th Aug 2026 | Thu 10th Sep 2026 | 17 Days |
| Wed 14th Oct 2026 | Fri 30th Oct 2026 | 17 Days |
New Zealand - Shanghai
Depart from New Zealand and arrive in Shanghai, China.
Shanghai - Urumqi
Arrive in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, and begin your journey along the ancient Silk Road.
Hotel Accommodation: Luolan Hotel Urumqi or equivalent 4-star hotel
Urumqi - Heavenly Lake
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Visit Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) in the Tianshan Mountains, where you can admire the stunning alpine scenery and enjoy the serenity of nature.
Hotel Accommodation: Luolan Hotel Urumqi or equivalent 4-star hotel
Urumqi - Turpan
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Travel to Turpan. Visit Emin Minaret, Jiaohe Ancient City, and the Karez Irrigation System to learn about local history and water management.
Hotel Accommodation: Mercure Huozhou Turpan Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel
Turpan - Flaming Mountains & Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Explore the legendary Flaming Mountains and feel their intense heat. Visit Bezeklik Caves to appreciate ancient Buddhist murals.
Hotel Accommodation: Mercure Huozhou Turpan Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel
Turpan (High-Speed Train) – Liuyuan / Dunhuang
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Take high-speed train D2708 from Turpan North to Liuyuan (09:15–12:43, approx. 3h48m) or similar, 2nd class. Transfer by coach to Dunhuang with scenic views en route.
Hotel Accommodation: Tianrun International Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel
Dunhuang – Mogao Caves, Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Visit the world-famous Mogao Caves, admire exquisite murals and Buddhist statues. Then explore the Singing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake – a stunning desert oasis.
Hotel Accommodation: Tianrun International Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel
Dunhuang – Jiayuguan
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Head to Jiayuguan to visit the Hanging Great Wall and Jiayuguan Fortress, key parts of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.
Hotel Accommodation: Jiugang Hotel (West Wing) or equivalent 4-star hotel
Jiayuguan – Zhangye
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Drive to Zhangye and visit the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park to admire its colourful, layered mountain formations.
Hotel Accommodation: Puyue Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel
Zhangye – Wuwei
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Travel to Wuwei to visit Leitai Han Tomb and Confucian Temple, and learn about the region’s rich history.
Hotel Accommodation: Jinwu International Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel
Wuwei – Lanzhou
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Drive to Lanzhou. Visit the Yellow River Scenic Route and enjoy views of China’s mother river.
Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Lanzhou Jianlan or equivalent 4-star hotel
Lanzhou – Bingling Temple Grottoes
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Take a boat to the Bingling Temple Grottoes, home to 1,700 years of Buddhist art carved into cliffside caves.
Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Lanzhou Jianlan or equivalent 4-star hotel
Lanzhou – Xi’an (High-Speed Train)
Breakfast
Dinner
Take high-speed train D2658 from Lanzhou West to Xi’an North (09:19–12:30, approx. 3h11m) or similar, 2nd class. Check in and rest upon arrival.
Hotel Accommodation: Mercure Bell Tower Xi’an or equivalent 4-star hotel
Xi'an
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Visit the world-renowned Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of ancient Buddhist heritage.
Hotel Accommodation: Mercure Bell Tower Xi’an or equivalent 4-star hotel
Xi'an
Breakfast
Enjoy free time to explore Xi’an on your own: taste local delicacies, shop, or join optional activities.
Hotel Accommodation: Mercure Bell Tower Xi’an or equivalent 4-star hotel
Xi’an – Shanghai
Breakfast
Fly back to Shanghai and prepare for your return journey to New Zealand.
Shanghai - New Zealand
Depart from China and arrive back in New Zealand, ending your memorable Silk Road adventure.
| Twin Share | Single | |
|---|---|---|
| Per Person | 4899 | 895 |
*Itinerary and costs subject to change. Airline, fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
Please note that special promotional fares are non-refundable and non-cancellable for personal reasons. NZD1000.00 per person is required at the time of booking and the balance to be paid 3 months prior to departure. Passport details must be provided immediately to secure your reservation.
