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.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to China for tourism purposes. Since entry rules may change, we recommend verifying information with official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter China, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your entry date and contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
China has extended its unilateral visa exemption program to numerous countries. Nationals of most European Economic Area countries, as well as Switzerland, benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays. Canadian nationals are also eligible for this exemption following the recent expansion of the program.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 15 days upon entry to the territory, for transit or tourism purposes. The exact duration and conditions may vary depending on nationality; it is advisable to verify the provisions applicable to your passport before departure.
Authorities may also request:
an outbound ticket (return or onward flight),
proof of accommodation booking for the duration of your stay,
proof of sufficient financial resources.
Tourist visa (type L)
For travelers not eligible for visa exemption, or wishing to stay for a longer period, you must obtain a type L tourist visa from the competent Chinese embassy or consulate before departure.
The application file generally includes:
the completed visa application form,
a recent identity photograph meeting requirements,
the valid original passport,
proof of flight and accommodation booking,
any document evidencing sufficient financial resources.
Processing times may vary; it is recommended to submit your application several weeks before departure.
Entry registration card
Upon arrival in Chinese territory, foreign travelers must complete an entry registration card provided on board the aircraft or available at border posts. This document must be presented to immigration services when passing through passport control.
Furthermore, any foreigner staying in China must register with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival:
at a hotel, registration is completed automatically by the establishment,
if staying with a private individual, the traveler must visit the local police station to complete this registration.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccines are mandatory to enter China for travelers from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the regions visited and length of stay:
hepatitis A and B,
typhoid,
Japanese encephalitis (for stays in rural areas),
rabies (for extended or adventure stays).
It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of their country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire at the Chinese embassy or consulate of their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the detailed policy outlining all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
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
Visitors benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays, provided they hold a valid passport for at least 6 months after entry. Beyond exemption periods, a standard tourist visa can be obtained from the consulate. Conditions change regularly: check with your country's consular authorities for the rules applicable to your nationality before departure.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 160 and 260 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Chinese high-speed trains are an experience in their own right.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to suit our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
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
