Culture & craft · PRIVATE JOURNEY
From Chang’an to Dunhuang
Follow ideas, art and people across the Silk Road.
THE ROUTE AT A GLANCE
Time to get
to know a place.
Route sequence, not a geographic map. Transport is chosen after checking schedules and your preferred pace.
Your journey, day by day
A proposed private programme. The final order, transport and participation details are confirmed in your written proposal.
DAY 01Arrive in Xi’an
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Settle into the former capital. Discuss the route and the physical demands of western China with your guide.
OVERNIGHT · Xi’an
DAY 02The capital and its connections
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Explore the Terracotta Warriors or a historical collection selected around your interests. Focus on people, material culture and the questions you want to follow west.
OVERNIGHT · Xi’an
DAY 03The city as a meeting place
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Explore the old city and its food traditions. Choose an appropriate craft activity, leaving time before the longer journey ahead.
OVERNIGHT · Xi’an
DAY 04Travel to Lanzhou
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Continue on a confirmed rail connection. A short riverside orientation introduces the city after check-in.
OVERNIGHT · Lanzhou
DAY 05River, city & food
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Explore the Yellow River setting and regional food culture. A museum visit is proposed only after opening, reservations and guiding arrangements are checked.
OVERNIGHT · Lanzhou
DAY 06Into the Hexi Corridor
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Travel toward Zhangye and settle in. Keep the afternoon flexible for rest and an introduction to the corridor’s geography.
OVERNIGHT · Zhangye
DAY 07Landscape in changing light
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Visit a suitable Danxia scenic area. Walking routes and timing depend on weather and local operating conditions.
OVERNIGHT · Zhangye
DAY 08A day for regional history
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Explore a selected historic site or collection. Discuss the balance between an additional excursion and a slower day.
OVERNIGHT · Zhangye
DAY 09A frontier landscape
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Continue to Jiayuguan and explore the fortress setting. Allow for the real journey time rather than adding multiple distant stops.
OVERNIGHT · Jiayuguan
DAY 10Onward to Dunhuang
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Transfer by the most practical confirmed service. After check-in, take a gentle town walk if time permits.
OVERNIGHT · Dunhuang
DAY 11Read the cave art
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Visit the Mogao Caves under the applicable booking and guiding arrangements. Which caves are open and the visit format depend on the official programme.
OVERNIGHT · Dunhuang
DAY 12Your own colours, a desert evening
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Join a mural-inspired workshop in a teaching venue. Later, consider a desert visit for changing light and possible stargazing, subject to weather and operating conditions.
OVERNIGHT · Dunhuang
DAY 13Departure from Dunhuang
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Leave time for your onward connection. An extra day can be useful where flight or rail schedules do not align.
ONWARD TRAVEL · ARRANGED AROUND YOUR CONNECTION
Make it your own
Change the pace, add a rest day or choose a different experience. Tell us about children’s ages, dietary needs and any access requirements.
Browse experiences ↗
Comfort, pace & practical details
Accommodation is selected after your dates, preferred style and room arrangements are known. Train seats or berths, cruise cabins, luggage transfers and guiding languages are specified in the quote. We explain who leads each workshop and what you can actually take part in.
Before you decide
What is included?
A written quote will specify accommodation, transport, guiding language, admissions, meals and each experience. International flights, purchases and optional activities are not included unless explicitly listed.
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on dates, group size, room arrangements, accommodation and selected activities. Request a written proposal rather than relying on an unconfirmed starting price.
Is this right for our family?
We assess children’s ages, activity suitability, journey times and room arrangements before proposing a family itinerary. Cycling, altitude, workshops and cruise facilities have individual conditions.
Can we choose another language?
Tell us your preferred guiding language. Availability and any supplements must be confirmed in your proposal. This website’s current edition is English.