Miraculous Qinghai and Legendary Silk Road Tour
This itinerary includes Qinghai and Gansu, which were two very important regions during the history of the ancient Silk Road. Qinghai is famous for high plateau lakes and grasslands as well as exotic ethnic culture, while Gansu features the Gobi Desert landscapes, Danxia landforms, Buddhist grottoes, and Great Wall culture.
Travel from Xining to dreamlike Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, and then go to Zhangye with its unique Danxia — red sandstone landforms. End the trip at the mysterious city of Dunhuang, where you will enjoy the spectacular desert landscapes and experience unique ancient Silk Road culture.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Feast Your Eyes on the Spectacular Landscapes of Two High Plateau Lakes.
Visit picturesque Qinghai Lake, which was selected as "the Most Beautiful Lake in China" by China's National Geographic, and be amazed by the stunning landscape around it. Also, take a train ride through "the sky mirror" — Chaka Salt Lake.


Trace the Roots of China's Brilliant Buddhist Culture on the Ancient Silk Road.
Admire exquisite architecture in celebrated Ta'er Monastery in Xining and Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye. Appreciate amazing murals, sculptures, and grottoes in the mysterious Mogao Caves.


Enjoy the Stunning Views of Wild China
Explore the famous Zhangye Danxia Geopark and take great photos of the Rainbow Mountains. Capture spectacular desert views of Echoing-Sand Mountain, Crescent Moon Spring, and Devil City — Yadan National Geological Park.


Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

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Outstanding Tour of Xi’an with Crystal, The Best Guide!
![]() We loved our tour of Xi’an with Crystal. She is a top-notch guide and we are so happy and grateful she was our guide. She speaks excellent English and she taught us to say phrases in Mandarin. She is so knowledgeable about the city of Xi’an and all its historic and cultural places. Crystal taught us all about the city of Xi’an, its history, and the important dynasties here. We loved seeing the Terracotta Army, it was incredible. We will always remember riding bikes on the city walls. Crystal brought us to the most delicious restaurants and we ate very delicious food! We are vegetarians and Crystal ordered for us and made sure all the dishes aligned with our dietary needs. The Dumpling Banquet was so tasty! She also bought us local fruit to taste as well as sweets and treats wherever we went. Crystal took great care of us and really taught us a lot about China. We loved our time with her. Crystal is a remarkable guide because she is friendly, warm, flexible and helpful. The best thing about her is she has a sense of humor and loves to make sure her guests are having fun. Thank you, Crystal! more
Mar 2025, TeamDufortio Connecticut
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2 great days in Xi’an
![]() We spent two days in Xi’an with China Highlights. Our guide Lin was wonderful. She was extremely knowledgeable about her city and its history and very helpful and kind. Her dining suggestions were excellent and enabled us to try many delicious foods. We also enjoyed her company! more
Mar 2025, Sara M
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Xi’an with Jennie
![]() Jennie was a terrific guide. Her knowledge of China is extensive and delivered with excellent English. We really liked how friendly she was and how she took such good care of us. We enjoyed the restaurants and especially liked the evening performance she recommended. We’ve traveled to 45 different countries and she is definitely one of the best guides we’ve experienced more
Mar 2025, susangendron60
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Tour Map
Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Airport or railway station pick-up
Ta'er Monastery, Erlangjian Scenic Area, and Qinghai Lake boat ride
Qinghai Lake sunrise, Chaka Salt Lake
Zhangye Danxia Geological Park
Giant Buddha Temple, Wooden Tower
The Mogao Caves, the Singing Sand Mountains and Crescent Moon Spring, Camel Riding
Dunhuang Museum, Yadan National Geological Park, Yumen Pass, the Great Wall of the Han Dynasty
Airport or railway station drop-off
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.


Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities and hotels listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: gq-1