Journey along China's ancient Silk Road from Xi'an to Urumqi across 18 days — exploring the Terracotta Warriors, Bingling Temple grottoes, colourful Danxia mountains, Mogao Caves, the Flaming Mountains, and Heavenly Lake.
Next Departure
13 May 2027
Returns 30 May 2027
All departure dates
Dates refer to scheduled group departures — confirm at booking.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · speak to a real person, no form needed
I built our Silk Road journey for travellers who want the history of the trade routes without sacrificing comfort — the pacing lets you absorb Xi'an's Terracotta Army, Dunhuang's caves, and the landscapes in between. This is the China I keep going back to myself.
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Depart Auckland on your flight to Shanghai.
Journey along China's ancient Silk Road from Xi'an to Urumqi across 18 days — exploring the Terracotta Warriors, Bingling Temple grottoes, colourful Danxia mountains, Mogao Caves, the Flaming Mountains, and Heavenly Lake.
Single supplement: NZD $1,488
Most China tours stop at the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an and turn back east. The Silk Road begins where they end — 4,000 kilometres of desert oases, Buddhist grottoes, and Tianshan snowmelt stretching west to Xinjiang.
The extra 8 days beyond a standard China tour give you:
Visit Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) in the Tianshan Mountains
Explore Turpan's ancient Jiaohe Ruins and Karez Irrigation System
See the dramatic Flaming Mountains and Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Marvel at the world-famous Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
Experience the desert oasis of Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring
Walk along the Hanging Great Wall and Jiayuguan Fortress
Photograph the colourful Zhangye Danxia rock formations
Take a boat trip to the Bingling Temple Grottoes
Visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
Enjoy a free day to explore Xi'an at your own pace
Included meals (38)
15
Breakfasts
11
Lunches
12
Dinners
Accommodation (15 nights)
8 carefully selected properties
Sample hotels detailed below — final selection confirmed at booking.
Representative properties for this tour — actual hotels may vary by departure date and are confirmed at booking.
Crowne Plaza Xi'an Weiyang or similar 5-star
Wyndham Garden Lanzhou or similar 5-star
Jinling Grand Hotel or similar 5-star
Zhangye Hotel or similar 5-star
Jiayu Mingzhu Hotel or similar 5-star
Tianhe Hotel or similar 5-star
Hengze Hotel Turpan or similar 5-star
Universal International Hotel Urumqi or similar 5-star
Official guides and destination hubs to help you prepare—visa timing, seasons, and places on this route.
Interested in China Signature — Silk Road? We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Cherie Fairley
21 Jun 2026
“We went on a recent trip to Dali and Lijiang from 19th to 30th May 2026. Well, what amazing places they are. Plus the nearby city of Shangrila. We both had an amazing time walking and exploring with only our phone app to translate, since little or no English was spoken or written. Contrary to what the Lonely Planet guidebook said! Everything worked out well which is why we want to thank Baker at CTS personally for an awesome trip, the trip of a lifetime. If any other tours, guided or unguided come up please let us know. This is Mikes second time holidaying with CTS and we will certainly highly recommend your company to friends. Mike Brooker & Cherie Fairley”
GReview from GoogleMaryam Absh
6 Jul 2026
“The china journey was well‑organized, I actually enjoyed all the moments without worrying about anything. Highly recommend the tour of tale of two cities china”
GReview from GoogleMurray Middendorf
16 Jun 2026
“Just came back from a tour of Xinjiang and a stopover in Xian. We had a fantastic time, the culture and scenery in Xinjiang is stunning and the tour was led by an experienced guide with excellent English. Highly recommended.”
GReview from GoogleGroup departures from New Zealand (dates as published). Contact us to reserve a seat or request a private departure.
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