Silk Road
From Beijing to the Ends of Xinjiang, Following the Millenary Trails of the Silk Caravans
Duration
18 days
From
€2,490/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior, groupe
The spirit of travel
This "Silk Road" circuit allows us to experience authentic adventures through numerous discoveries of Chinese culture, following in the footsteps of ancient merchants and caravanners who once connected the East to the West. We visit some remarkable sites of the capital before exploring the famous Great Wall, a thousand-year-old symbol of Chinese imperial power. The journey includes a stop at Xi'an to admire its attractions and learn about Tai Chi Quan, in a city that was once the historical starting point of the trade route. After visiting Tianshui and its Buddhist caves, veritable sanctuaries carved into the rock itself, we head towards Zhangye to marvel at its enchanting landscapes, including colorful rock formations shaped by millions of years of erosion. The adventure continues at Jiayuguan, an emblematic fortress marking the ancient western frontier of the Empire, then at Dunhuang, an oasis town nestled at the gates of the Gobi Desert, before reaching Turpan and its ancient remains buried beneath scorching dunes. The journey concludes at Kashgar, a multicultural crossroads where Uyghur, Persian and Central Asian influences blend together, offering one last glimpse of adventure before the return. Have a great trip!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Beijing
Welcome upon your arrival (12:25 PM) at Beijing international airport by our driver, and transfer to your hotel.
We will have lunch there before taking a walking tour through a typical hutong neighborhood that overlooks Houhai Lake.
We make a small detour to Beihai Park or "Winter Palace".
At the end of the day, we stroll through the city's shopping street, Wangfujing Street before discovering the night market.
Beijing
We discover the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal park in Chine. The estate with its many temples, gardens, lake and galleries is a model for Chinese horticulture and landscaping.
At the top of Longevity Hill, you will discover the Pavilion of Buddhist Fragrances, and you will have a sumptuous panorama of the entire park, and in particular the Kunming Lake.
Back in the city, we embark on a beautiful getaway to the Tian'Anmen Square or the Gate of Heavenly Peace..
Visit of the Forbidden City of Beijing, one of the country's emblems, overlooking the world's most visited square, Tian An Men Square. A large complex composed of different palaces and apartments, these buildings were constructed during the Ming period in the 15th century. 72 hectares will welcome you for an unparalleled visit at the heart of the power of ancient dynasties. On site we will see numerous imperial treasures, including Chinese artworks such as paintings, bronzes, ceramics and other exceptional creations.
Leaving the site, we head towards the Coal Hill which, from its summit, offers a panoramic view over all of Beijing.
At dinner, we will have the privilege of tasting a Beijing specialty: roasted duck.
Beijing – Great Wall of Chine
Pékin → Grande Muraille À Mutianyu
In the morning, we take the road to what is surely the most symbolic monument of Chine, the Great Wall! We head to the Mutianyu section. Less crowded than the Badaling site, the Mutianyu stretch with its 22 watchtowers is the longest to have been entirely restored. It is also one of the easiest to walk through on foot, and you will be able to stroll along the fortifications that wind through the superb landscapes of the Mountains of Northern Chine, and thus discover the architectural jewel of medieval Chine.
Grande Muraille À Mutianyu → Ming Tombs
We take the cable car up.
Visit of the 13 Ming Tombs. Located 50 km north of Beijing, this vast necropolis of the Ming dynasty imperial family is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It spans 63 km2, making it the largest royal necropolis in the world. It houses the tombs of 13 emperors, as well as many treasures from the Ming dynasty (14th to 17th century).
We return to Beijing via the Olympic Stadium, which allows us to catch a glimpse of the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube created by Herzog and John Pauline.
Beijing – Xi'an
We take an initiation to Tai Chi Quan before heading to the Temple du Ciel, one of the symbols of the Chinese capital, and an example of Chinese religious art. This monument symbolizes the traditional Chinese belief that the earth is square and the sky is round. Admire its beautiful round architecture, as well as its triple roof covered with blue glazed tiles, and take time to stroll through the park paths where many Beijing residents gather every day to dance or play Jianzi.
We are transferred to Beijing railway station to take a high-speed train to Xi'an (14:00 – 18:20).
Upon arrival, a new English-speaking guide welcomes us and transfers us to the hotel.
Xi'an
After breakfast, we treat ourselves to an escape on the oldest ramparts in the country which extends over 14 km.
We head to the famous historical site of the Terracotta Army. Dating from 246 BC, this army has watched over the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang for two millennia. These thousands of life-size soldiers, accompanied by their horses and chariots, cover an impressive area. We take time to discover this mausoleum, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Next, it is time to walk around the Bell Tower and Drum Tower
We must explore the Muslim Quarter which includes a visit to the Great Mosque.
We have dinner with the "dumpling banquet" on the menu.
Xi'an – Tianshui
This morning, we are transferred to the Xi'an train station to take the high-speed train to Tianshui (D2653 08h38 -10h26)
Our new guide welcomes us in Tianshui to visit Maijishan. This is a series of caves carved into the Majishan hillside. We find more than 7,200 Buddhist sculptures with over 1,000 m² of murals.
We take a detour to the Fuxi temple to better understand the beginnings of Chine.
Tianshui – Zhangye
Zhangye
It is time to discover the colored rock formations that constitute a major attraction of Zhangye Danxia.. These wonders are the result of the deposit of layers of sediments of different colors over nearly 24 million years between two tectonic plates. Erosion has contributed to shaping these magical landscapes.
Jiayuguan – Dunhuang
We set off to discover the fortress between the Gobi Desert and the Qilian Mountains. Known as the "Impregnable Pass Under Heaven", this site represented the strategic position and western limit of the country.
The journey continues to Dunhuang for approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving.
We enjoy a wonderful excursion on the giant dunes of the Singing Sands of Mingsha which surrounds the Blue Crescent Lake where the oasis and desert meet.
It is possible for us to practice certain activities such as camel rides, sledding… We make sure to observe the beautiful sunset over the dunes.
Night at the Silk Road hotel, a charming hotel on the edge of the Desert in the style of caravanserais. Its rooms offer a superb view of the desert.
Dunhuang – Mogao Caves – High-speed train to Turpan
Dunhuang → Liuyuan South Railway Station
We head towards the Mogao Caves at the edge of the Gobi Desert. The caves reveal themselves like a honeycomb and record 25 km of galleries. They shelter numerous remains and stand as a reference for the study of ancient Chine history.
Liuyuan South Railway Station → Turpan
Transfer to Liuyuan station to take the high-speed train towards Turpan (approximately 4 hours).
We are welcomed by our guide and driver and transferred to the hotel (30 minutes).
Turpan
We stroll through the heart of the amazing oasis of Turpan, the 2nd lowest place on the planet after the Dead Sea and the hottest place in the country. We then head towards the sublime landscapes of the Flaming Mountains passing through the Grape Valley, a paradisiacal area full of vines and trellises, surrounded by desert.
We explore an old Uyghur village in the Tuyoq Valley. Framed by the fire mountains, this village offers a glimpse of traditional Uyghur culture.
Typical lunch at a local home.
We then set off to discover the Bezeklik Grottoes, in a gorge at the heart of a grandiose landscape of ochre desert and ravined mountains. This is an opportunity to discover the Grape Valley which will delight wine enthusiasts and to stop at the impressive Flaming Mountains.
Turpan – Kashgar
Turpan → Kachgar
In the morning visit of a Karez well, an irrigation system in the Turpan basin consisting of a series of wells connected to each other by underground channels that bring glacial meltwater to the oasis. The survival of the ancient oases was completely dependent on this system.
We then enjoy a stroll through part of the city near the mosque where traditional architectural alleyways are still preserved.
We are then transferred to Turpan railway station for a night train departing at 19:15 to Kashgar. Night on board with soft sleeper berths.
Kashgar
We have breakfast on board.
At 10:38 am, we arrive in Kashgar and visit the Abakh Hoja Mausoleum, a miniature version of the Taj Mahal.
Lunch with a local family.
We stroll through the city, a true meeting point with Uyghur, Tajik, Kyrgyz and Uzbek populations.
We then pass by the Id Kah Mosque which appears to come straight out of Afghanistan or Pakistan.
Kashgar
We are heading towards the Karakul Lake, a magnificent lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks, passing through the famous Karakorum Road located between the Ghez Gorges and the Pamir Plateau which hosts the highest mountains in the world.
We continue through the picturesque landscapes of high alpine meadows where camels and yaks graze.
We take a short hike around the lake before returning to Kashgar.
Kashgar – Chengdu
In the morning, we stroll through the Sunday bazaar, near the flower market as well as the livestock market, the largest market in all of Central Asia. It is the place where the transits and merchandise exchanges of the Silk Road took place for centuries.
We are then transferred to Kashgar airport to take the flight to Chengdu (CA4242 4:45 PM – 9:05 PM).
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Flights Paris / Beijing – Shanghai / Paris + 1 domestic flight with Air China (€850 per person)
- Tips for guides and drivers (€40 per person for the entire stay)
- Travel insurance, complementary activities, personal expenses
- Single room supplement of €485 (our cost price)
- Chinese visa fees for single travelers (€160 per person)
Included
- The charming hotels mentioned with breakfast every day
- English-speaking local guide at each stage
- All private vehicle transportation
- Entrance tickets for all visits and activities mentioned
- Meals from lunch on the first day to the last day meal with one drink per person
- Payment by credit card in France, to benefit from your travel insurance offered
- Guarantees of our French travel agency (professional insurance, deposit guarantee)
- The procedures for obtaining and fees for the Chinese visa online (for a minimum of 2 travelers)
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Chine dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Chine, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins deux pages vierges pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
La Chine a étendu son programme d'exemption de visa unilatérale à de nombreux pays. Les ressortissants de la plupart des pays de l'Espace économique européen, ainsi que de la Suisse, bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques. Les ressortissants canadiens, quant à eux, sont également éligibles à cette exemption depuis l'élargissement récent du programme.
À ce jour, cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 15 jours lors de l'entrée sur le territoire, dans le cadre d'un transit ou d'un séjour touristique. La durée exacte et les conditions peuvent varier selon la nationalité ; il convient de vérifier les dispositions applicables à votre passeport avant le départ.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de réservation d'hébergement pour la durée du séjour,
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes.
Visa touristique (type L)
Pour les voyageurs ne bénéficiant pas de l'exemption de visa, ou souhaitant effectuer un séjour de plus longue durée, il est nécessaire d'obtenir un visa touristique de type L auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Chine compétent avant le départ.
Le dossier de demande comprend généralement :
le formulaire de demande de visa dûment complété,
une photo d'identité récente conforme aux exigences,
le passeport original valide,
les justificatifs de réservation de vol et d'hébergement,
tout document attestant des ressources financières suffisantes.
Les délais de traitement peuvent varier ; il est recommandé d'effectuer la demande plusieurs semaines avant le départ.
Carte d'enregistrement d'entrée
À l'arrivée sur le territoire chinois, les voyageurs étrangers doivent remplir une carte d'enregistrement d'entrée remise à bord de l'avion ou disponible aux postes frontières. Ce document est à présenter aux services d'immigration lors du passage au contrôle des passeports.
Par ailleurs, tout étranger séjournant en Chine doit s'enregistrer auprès des autorités locales dans les 24 heures suivant son arrivée :
dans un hôtel, l'enregistrement est effectué automatiquement par l'établissement,
en cas d'hébergement chez un particulier, le voyageur doit se présenter au bureau de police local pour effectuer cet enregistrement.
Santé et vaccinations
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Chine pour les voyageurs en provenance de l'EEE, de la Suisse ou du Canada. Cependant, certaines vaccinations sont recommandées selon les régions visitées et la durée du séjour :
hépatites A et B,
typhoïde,
encéphalite japonaise (pour les séjours en zones rurales),
rage (pour les séjours prolongés ou aventuriers).
Il est conseillé de consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccination internationale au moins quatre à six semaines avant le départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Chine de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Les ressortissants français bénéficient depuis 2024 d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques de moins de 30 jours. Passeport valide au moins 6 mois après l'entrée requis. Au-delà, un visa touristique classique s'obtient auprès du consulat de Chine. Les conditions évoluent : vérifiez avant le départ.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 160 et 260 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, transports internes et guide francophone. Les vols internationaux (700-1100 euros A/R) sont en supplément. Les trains à grande vitesse chinois sont une expérience à part entière.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
Let's talk about your adventure — Imperial North
Explorer of a Plural China, based in Yunnan
China impresses with its vastness, but it's often the details that leave the deepest mark: a forgotten village, an encounter, a market, a light over the mountains of Yunnan.
— Paul
