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Silk Road Explorer

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Flights Included New Release Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach Small Group Off The Beaten Track Scenic
Our Price From 9,781 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 699 Per Person
 Trip Length
28 Days
 Trip Starts
Xian
 Trip Finishes
Beijing
28 Day Silk Road Explorer Itinerary (Wendy Wu)
Countries Explored: China
Trip Style
Go Beyond Tours
Departures
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
18
Pace
Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
SRE28

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Wendy Wu's 28 Day Silk Road Explorer. Follow in the footsteps of adventurers by journeying along one of the world's most famous trading routes, the Silk Road. Beginning in ancient Xian, venture across this vast land to reach the fascinating outpost of Kashgar and its famous Sunday market. Return international flights are included between Australia and the start & end point of your trip. Surcharges may apply.

Itinerary

Fly overnight to Xian, the ancient former capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. (D)

Gaze over the ranks of warriors and horses, each one unique, whilst your guide introduces you to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Later, enjoy a gentle cycle ride that will take you the nine miles around the ancient city wall and take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the Muslim Quarter. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dumpling dinner and take an optional 'Xian by night' tour. (B/L/D)

Start the day with a visit to Xian Museum and the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Later, board the bullet train to Lanzhou. (B/L/D)

Begin today with a leisurely walk along the Yellow River and then head to the hilltop Baita Temple for a moment of tranquillity. Along the river and in Baita Park you can see locals practising tai chi.

Later, tuck into some delicious Lanzhou-style noodles made with hand stretched dough. The next day, cross Liujiaxia Lake by speed boat and head into the green hills around Liujiaxia to explore the extraordinary Thousand Buddha Caves of Bingling Temple and their wealth of Buddhist murals, statues and sculptures. Also visit the statue of Maitreya. (B/L/D)

Conquer the scenic Jishi Mountain Pass to arrive at Tibetan Xiahe and spend time acclimatising to the altitude. (B/L/D)

Giving a taste of the mysteries of Tibet, Labrang Monastery is a fascinating maze of prayer wheels, chapels and chortens. Dine on traditional Tibetan food for lunch, including Tibetan dumplings, known as momos. (B/L/D)

Return to Lanzhou and take the speedy bullet train to Zhangye, once an important commercial town along the Silk Road. (B/L/D)

Rise early this morning to witness the sunrise over the kaleidoscopic mountains in Danxia National Park. Return to Zhangye and visit the Giant Buddha Temple before boarding your bullet train to Jiayuguan. (B/L/D)

Seen as China's western gateway, Jiayuguan is the perfect place to get to grips with your Silk Road history. Visit the Jiayu Fortress and take a walk on the western extremes of the magnificent Great Wall for panoramic views over the starkly beautiful Gobi Desert. (B/L/D)

Drive to Dunhuang. Located on a major trade and cultural crossroads, Dunhuang, known as the 'City of the Sands', sits in a verdant oasis on the edge of the Taklamakan Desert. Visit the Shazhou Night Market where you can wander amongst the stalls. (B/L/D)

A system of temples and sanctuaries, visit the Mogao Grottoes that exhibit wonderful examples of Buddhist paintings and statues that span thousands of years. (B/L/D)

Visit Crescent Moon Spring, nestled amongst rolling dunes and the famous Singing Sand Dunes, a phenomenon produced by the wind blowing through grains of sand. (B/L/D)

Take the bullet train to Turpan, a lush green oasis set in a barren landscape. An easy-going town famed for its grapes, its pleasant streets are lined with lush vine trellises. (B/L/D)

Visit the ruins of ancient Jiaohe and see the elegant Emin Minaret, the tallest in China. (B/L/D)

Learn about the fascinating 2000-year-old Kerez irrigation canals and drive to Kurla. (B/L/D)

Over the next 3 days travel along the original Silk Road through the Xinjian Region, viewing ruins and sights largely unvisited by tourists. Today, drive to Kuqa where you will visit the Subashi Ruins, a lost city of the Silk Road. (B/L/D)

Drive to Aksu, stopping en-route at the Kyzil Thousand Buddha Caves, a spectacular caves built between 3rd and 8th centuries. (B/L/D)

The journey continues through the Taklamakan Desert, along the ancient Silk Road, all the way to Kashgar. (B/L/D)

Its skyline punctured by minarets, Kashgar feels a million miles from China – in fact, it feels a million miles from anywhere! Although now a modern city, the sights and sounds of Kashgar's bazaar have remained unchanged for millennia. Sightseeing today includes a visit to Abakh Hoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque and stroll through the narrow atmospheric alleyways around Id Kah Square. (B/L/D)

Dive headlong into Central Asia's largest bazaar. Within this riot of textures, vivid colours and traditional dress, you can browse hundreds of stalls selling anything from spices and carpets to boots and blenders. Later, fly to Urumqi. (B/L/D)

Escape to the tranquillity of Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), formed in a crater. Visit a Kazak minority family in their yurt and spend some time learning about their way of life. (B/L/D)

Make a short visit to the Xinjiang Museum before flying to Beijing, China's historic capital. (B/L/D)

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and see the exquisite architecture. (B/L/D)

Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial treasures. Soak up the ambience of the Temple of Heaven before visiting Yandaixiejie, where you will have some free time to wander the hutongs. This evening, dine on Peking duck and enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show. (B/L/D)

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Visit Kashgar Sunday Bazaar
  • Admire Jiayu Fortress
  • Explore Tibetan Xiahe
  • See the Rainbow Mountains
  • Discover Magao Grottoes
  • Experience the Taklamakan Desert

  • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
  • Domestic transportation
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees
  • 3 - 4 star accommodation
  • Visa fees for Australian passport holders
  • 25 Breakfasts, 24 Lunches, 25 Dinners

  • Dajing Castle Hotel, Xian (4 star): Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi'an's Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.
  • Changxin International Hotel, Lanzhou (4 star): Located in the centre of Huzhou City, Changxing International Hotel Lanzhou offers cosy rooms with air conditioning, safety deposit box, minibar and satellite television. It features an indoor swimming pool, a spa and a gym, as well as 2 onsite restaurants offering both Chinese and Western cuisine.
  • Xiahe Labuleng Civil Aviation Hotel, Xiahe (3 star): Centrally located opposite the main square, the 3-star Labuleng Civil Aviation Hotel offers traditional and comfortable accommodation. Each room features complimentary Wi-Fi along with air-conditioning, a TV and private bathroom. The hotel's restaurant offers guests a Chinese style buffet breakfast to enjoy.
  • Diamond International Hotel, Zhangye (4 star): Positioned 5km from the Zhangye West Railway Station, the Diamond International Hotel offers 4-star modern accommodation with great transport links. It is conveniently situated for exploring the city and natural beauty of the surrounding areas as well as uncovering the history of the Silk Road. Hotel amenities include a gym, restaurant and room service, with each room being well-equipped with a TV and Wi-Fi.
  • ChenFeng Grand Hotel , Jiayuguan (4 star): Perfectly located just a short drive from the Jiayuguan Pass, the 4-star ChenFeng Grand Hotel is an ideal option providing guests with comfortable accommodation. Opening in 2020, each of the 130 bright and airy rooms offer a fresh and contemporary feel, and feature a flat-screen TV, while the hotel restaurant provides a great buffet breakfast serving Western and Chinese options.
  • Dunhuang Shazhou Jinghua Hotel, Dunhuang (4 star): Having recently opened in 2023, the 4-star Dunhuang Shazhou Jinghua Hotel offers a comfortable stay, located within easy reach of the key attractions. The rooms are tastefully appointed, boasting an elegant and modern décor with Wi-Fi, a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The spacious private bathroom features a walk-in shower and comes well-equipped with a toothbrush and toiletries for your convenience.
  • Mercure Hotel Turpan Downton, Turpan (4 star): Set in the heart of Turpan, the 4-star Mercure Hotel Turpan Downtown offers a stylish place to stay. The rooms are elegant and spacious, and come well-appointed with Wi-Fi, a refrigerator and flat-screen TV, as well as a sleek and contemporary en-suite. There is a buffet restaurant offering a Chinese and Western breakfast, along with the expansive yet inviting lobby bar with its welcoming atmosphere.
  • Pear City Garden Hotel, Korle (4 star): Situated on the Peacock river front, and just a short drive from the airport, the 4-star Pear City Garden Hotel is well located for uncovering the delights of Bayingol. The hotels modern architecture blends seamlessly with the warm interiors that also draw on some classical local influences. There is a Western and Chinese buffet breakfast on offer, and the hotels café and teahouse make for a relaxing spot to unwind. Enjoy the in-room facilities on offer including Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and flat-screen TV.
  • Ku Che Hotel, Kuqa (4 star): The 4-star clean and modern Ku Che Hotel is located close by to the local sights, including the Old City of Kuche. Each room is well-appointed with free Wi-Fi and air- conditioning, while the large windows ensure the rooms feel bright and airy. Other hotel facilities include a fitness rooms and restaurant serving Chinese cuisine.
  • Minghua Hotel, Aksu (4 star): A short distance from the main sights and landscapes of Aksu, the 4-star Minghua Hotel offers guests a comfortable stay with a wide inclusion of amenities. Each room is bright and airy with large and windows and is equipped with Wi-Fi, cable TV, air-conditioning and black out curtains for your convenience. The well-appointed en-suite provides slippers and bathrobes for added comfort.
  • Qinibagh Hotel, Kashgar (3 star): Positioned a short walk from the Kashgar Old City, the 3-star Qinibagh Hotel offers guests a clean stay. Although the interior isn't grand, each room is decorated in traditional Chinese style with a TV, twin beds and bathroom.
  • Oasis Grand Hotel, Urumuqi (Xinjiang) (4 star): The 4-star clean and comfortable Oasis Grand Hotel is located in the city centre and offers views of the Red Mountain. The hotel features a sauna, fitness facilities and tea room, with the rooms offering a minibar, refrigerator and Wi-Fi for your convenience.
  • Mercure Beijing Downtown, Beijing (4 star): The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guests rooms offer free internet access and satelite TV.

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 August 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
  • Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB1,360pp (AU$302pp) is paid locally in China.
  • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Go Beyond Tours
Go Beyond Tours

Wendy Wu's Go Beyond touring range are characterised by engaging cultural experiences, active adventures and getting off the beaten track. Read more

Airfares Included
Airfares Included

Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more

Our Tour Guides
Our Tour Guides

On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more

Brochure

Wendy Wu River Cruises & Tours (2025-26) Brochure

Wendy Wu River Cruises & Tours (2025-26)

When you cruise the waters of famous and historic rivers with Wendy Wu, you’ll see a side of a destination that is usually missed. Each river cruise is combined with one of our signature tours, filled with activities and experiences, offering an exciting in-depth exploration of a country’s culture, history, and sights.

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Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Wendy Wu. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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