Private, tailor-made journey
Yunnan Highlands
14–16 days
Xi’an → Zhangye → Jiayuguan → Dunhuang → Turpan → Kashgar
Summary
Trace a route through ancient capitals, desert frontiers and oasis cities.
Overview
Follow the Silk Road through places shaped by trade, travel and cultural exchange. Beginning in Xi’an, the journey continues through the Hexi Corridor to Jiayuguan and Dunhuang, then into the oasis landscapes of Turpan and the streets of Kashgar. Along the way, Buddhist art, frontier architecture, local food and artisan traditions offer a closer look at the communities connected by these historic routes.
Highlights
Begin with Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors and Silk Road influences.
See the colourful Danxia landscapes of Zhangye.
Explore Jiayuguan Pass and the Great Wall’s western frontier.
Discover the Mogao Caves, Mingsha Dunes and Crescent Lake in Dunhuang.
Visit Turpan’s ancient ruins, irrigation heritage and vineyards.
Explore Kashgar’s Old City, bazaars and artisan workshops.
Itinerary
Xi’an
Begin among the monuments and neighbourhoods of an ancient capital. The Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter and Tang culture introduce the historical and cultural themes of the journey.
Experiences to consider: Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, Tang culture.
Suggested stay: A central boutique hotel near the City Wall.
Zhangye
Watch the landscape open into the colours and broad horizons of the Hexi Corridor. The Danxia formations provide a striking change of scenery as you travel west.
Experiences to consider: Zhangye Danxia, Hexi Corridor landscapes.
Suggested stay: A comfortable four-star city hotel.
Jiayuguan
Explore the historic pass and Great Wall fortifications against a setting of desert and mountains. This stop brings the frontier history of the route into focus.
Experiences to consider: Jiayuguan Pass, Great Wall, desert frontier landscapes.
Suggested stay: A four-star hotel near the historic district.
Dunhuang
Bring together Buddhist art and desert scenery. Visit the Mogao Caves and spend time among the Mingsha Dunes and around Crescent Lake.
Experiences to consider: Mogao Caves, Mingsha Dunes, Crescent Lake.
Suggested stay: A desert-inspired boutique hotel.
Turpan
Explore an oasis landscape through ancient ruins, vineyards and the karez irrigation system. Local Uyghur food adds another perspective on a place connected to centuries of trade.
Experiences to consider: Jiaohe Ruins, karez irrigation system, vineyards, Uyghur food.
Suggested stay: A hotel with local character or a vineyard-style boutique hotel.
Kashgar
Finish among the lanes, bazaars and workshops of Kashgar. Local food and artisan traditions offer time to look more closely at the everyday life of the Old City.
Experiences to consider: Old City, bazaars, local food, artisan workshops.
Suggested stay: A boutique hotel in or near Kashgar Old City.
