China Adventure With the Silk Road

/5 935 Latest reviews

Tour Code: ODY-CN-2460

Destination:Beijing, Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Xi'an, Luoyang, Shanghai

Duration

15 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

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About This Trip

Embark on a 15-day cultural and historical adventure to discover the timeless China and the ancient Silk Road. Starting in Beijing, check out the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Journey west to Lanzhou to visit Bingling Temple Grottoes and admire the majestic Yellow River. Continue to Dunhuang to explore the ancient Mogao Grottoes with their preserved murals and Buddha statues. Discover Xi'an, home to the Terracotta Warriors, a testament to China's ancient civilization. Next, visit Luoyang for the Longmen Grottoes and the legendary Shaolin Temple. Conclude in Shanghai, admiring the cosmopolitan skyline along the Bund and experiencing the tranquility of Yu Garden's classical Jiangnan charm.

Itinerary Summary

DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 4 Beijing Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
5 - 6 Lanzhou The Yellow River, The Bingling Temple Grottoes
7 - 9 Dunhuang The Mogao Caves, Singing Sand Dune & Crescent Spring, The Western Thousand Buddha Caves
10 - 11 Xi'an Terracotta Warriors & Bronze Chariots, Muslim Street
12 - 13 Luoyang Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes
14 - 15 Shanghai The Bund, Yu Gargen, Frech Concession
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Itinerary

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Day 1: Beijing, Arrival

Upon arrival in Beijing, be greeted by your guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel for rest. The following day marks the beginning of your journey through China.

Beijing

Day 2: Beijing, Forbidden City

Begin your exploration of Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Adjacent lies the grand Forbidden City, a vast wooden palace complex that housed 24 Chinese emperors and their families for over 500 years. Guided by our learned guide, you'll delve into the imperial history and gain insights into royal life in ancient China.

Following it, embark on a rickshaw ride through narrow lanes to discover the historic Hutongs. These ancient alleys, adorned with traditional courtyard homes, offer a glimpse into centuries-old Beijing life. Visit a local family and experience their daily routines and traditions.

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Beijing

Day 3: Beijing, Great Wall

Visit the world-famous Great Wall today, approximately two hours from the city center. Mutianyu, known for its friendly atmosphere, offers convenient round-trip cable car rides for easy and safe access to the wall. Once there, enjoy a moderate hike along the wall to experience its breathtaking vistas and magnificent scenery.

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Beijing

Day 4: Temple of Heaven & Tai Chi, Beijing - Lanzhou

Enjoy Beijing's morning at the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors prayed for good harvests. It is now a beloved park where locals engage in daily activities. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture by learning Tai Chi from a master or participating in other exercise routines.

After that, be transferred to the airport for your journey to Lanzhou. Upon arrival, be picked up and transferred to your hotel.

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Lanzhou

Day 5: Lanzhou, the Bingling Temple Grottoes

Begin your journey with a visit to the Bingling Temple Grottoes, an extraordinary site housing ancient Buddhist art treasures. Your adventure starts with a scenic boat ride, offering breathtaking views of the Yellow River and the tranquil waters of the Liujiaxia reservoir.

Upon arrival, explore the labyrinth of cliffside caves, each adorned with intricate sculptures and vibrant murals that have withstood the test of time. Wander through the serene grottoes, allowing the detailed depictions of Buddhist deities, mythical creatures, and historical figures to transport you to a bygone era.

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Lanzhou

Day 6: Lanzhou - Dunhuang

Take the morning to browse the city of Lanzhou. Stand on the Yellow River Iron Bridge and overlook the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River. Visit the Mother Yellow River Statue, a 6-meter-tall sculpture symbolizing the maternal image and significance of the Yellow River in Chinese culture. Then, stroll through Bai Ta Shan Park to admire ancient temples and natural landscapes.

In the afternoon, shift your journey towards Dunhuang by taking a high-speed train.

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Dunhuang

Day 7: Dunhuang, the Mogao Grottoes

Today's journey in Dunhuang promises a rich tapestry of experiences. Begin by exploring the intricate murals in the Mogao Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient Buddhist cave art.

Next, venture to Singing Sand Dune and consider a camel ride for a memorable experience amidst the vast landscape. Beneath it, discover the serene beauty of Crescent Spring and learn about its significance as a natural wonder in the desert.

Conclude the day with an evening stroll through Dunhuang's replica of the Song Dynasty city, a filming base offering a sense of being transported back to ancient times.

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Dunhuang

Day 8: Dunhuang, Local Family Visit & the West Thousand Buddha Caves

Start the tour today from the Dunhuang Museum, where you can immerse yourself in millennia of history and artifacts from the Silk Road.

On the way to the next destination, visit a local family. You can follow the host to the farm field, do some simple farm work, pick vegetables, and try making noodles before enjoying lunch there.

Afterward, venture to the Western Thousand Buddha Caves and appreciate ancient Buddhist art and sculptures depicting life and teachings from centuries past.

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Dunhuang

Day 9: Dunhuang - Xi'an

Have the morning at leisure, exploring Dunhuang's charming local markets at your own pace.

In the afternoon, catch a flight to Xi'an, the historic starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and assist with your transfer and check-in to the hotel.

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Xi'an

Day 10: Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors

Focus the day on the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological marvel preserving thousands of life-sized clay soldiers and horses. Learn about China's ancient Qin Dynasty and the Emperor's elaborate afterlife army. Delve into the intricate craftsmanship of the Bronze Chariots at the nearby museum, marveling at these ancient chariots and their cultural significance.

In the afternoon, wander through the bustling alleys of Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, where you'll encounter aromatic street food stalls, traditional handicrafts, and the ornate architecture of the Great Mosque. This vibrant neighborhood offers a glimpse into Xi'an's diverse cultural heritage and centuries-old Islamic influence.

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Xi'an

Day 11: Xi'an - Luoyang

Head to the railway station to catch your high-speed train to Luoyang.

Upon arrival, be escorted to the Longmen Grottoes, reading its thousands of Buddha statues and intricate carvings on the cliffs along the Yi River. Next, visit the Luoyang Folk Museum to delve into the local customs and traditions of the region. Learn about the history of the ancient capital of Luoyang at the Emperor's Chariot and Six Horses Museum.

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Luoyang

Day 12: Luoyang, Shaolin Temple & Kung Fu

Embark on a meticulously planned itinerary to the renowned Shaolin Temple, taking in its distinctive Zen culture and enjoying an exhilarating Shaolin Kung Fu performance showcasing impressive martial arts prowess.

Nearby, explore Songyue Pagoda, admired for its unique architectural styles. Visit Songyang Academy, a revered cultural institution with rich academic traditions and exquisite architecture.

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Luoyang

Day 13: Luoyang - Shanghai

Following your breakfast, board the flight to Shanghai for your next journey.

Upon your arrival, be greeted and taken to your hotel. The charm of Shanghai fills every corner of the city. Just explore at your own pace and then have a restful night.

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Shanghai

Day 14: Shanghai, The Bund

Start your discovery of Shanghai at the Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront, where historic colonial buildings stand tall against the modern skyline of Pudong. Then, witness the city's urban development at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. Experience the tranquility of Yu Garden, with its traditional Chinese architecture and serene landscapes, followed by a delightful lunch sampling Shanghai's renowned cuisine.

Continue to Xintiandi, where you can wander through narrow alleys lined with beautifully preserved Shikumen houses, now housing stylish boutiques and cafes. Explore the rest of the former French Concession, known for its leafy streets, historic architecture, and vibrant arts scene. Finally, unwind at Fuxing Park, a peaceful oasis blending Chinese and Western influences.

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Shanghai

Day 15: Shanghai, Departure

Farewell, China! When you are ready, your guide and driver will take you to the airport for your home-bound flight. Looking forward to your next travel to China!

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What Our Clients Say

"Great Customized Service", "Trip of A Lifetime", "Exceed All Expectations"

Richee Family Adventures

05 Aug 2025

Second Honeymoon My wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary by spending a few weeks touring around Asia. We loved how Odynovo worked with us to craft a tour of what we wanted to see and how we wanted to see it. This was our first time traveling with a private tour guide, and it was truly amazing. they took care of all transportation, tickets, and everywhere we went we had someone who not only spoke our language, but was also very well-versed in the places we were visiting. We saw Beijing and then took a bullet train to Xi'an. In both cities we had tour guides who had done this "a thousand times," and as a result knew all the tricks on where to take the best pictures, what lines to stand in, where to eat, and what not to waste your time seeing. At one point our guide pulled out ponchos from her backpack when it started to rain, while another helped us haggle for a good price on a new suitcase. We were surprised by how much we loved China, and it is safe to say that is because of the quality of service we got from Odynovo. Oh, and the hotels were great, too! In our first hotel my wife fell in love with her breakfast soup that she had to have every morning, while in Xi'an we were right around the corner from the Muslim Night Market and were able to get to it in less than 5 minutes of walking.We are already looking to see what tours we will be doing next through Odynovo, as the service was amazing, the quality was remarkable, and the cost was very worth it for what we received.
Shannon V

05 Aug 2025

Fabulous! We had a fabulous experience with our guide and Odynovo walking the Great Wall of China, and all other sites in Beijing. We loved our Peking duck dinner. It was fabulous. Thank you, Sammie/Jing for a great experience.
domotic d

05 Aug 2025

Beijing Beauty It started off with a friendly face at the airport, with Roy, our tour guide.The week has been such a pleasure and a treat. From adventures to The Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, to local markets, delicious Beijing food and roof top tea houses.Roy and our driver, Mr. Zhou, were prompt in picking us up and driving us around safely.The knowledge and fact about history and Beijing that Roy knows and explains is amazing and the fact he could answer my weird and inquisitive history questionsnwoth ease was a treat.He made it so easy to enjoy ourselves and absorb all that was around us, he even takes great photos too! 😊Polite, kind and thoughtful and ever patient in letting us take our time with things that interested us.I would highly recommend this tour and Roy again and again.
Zarah B

05 Aug 2025

Amazing travel experience My name is Zarah M. Babangida a Nigerian and i visited Beijing with my colleagues from the office. During our 5 day stay in Beijing, Ms. Eva Ma, was our Tour guide and from the minute we came through the Arrival Gate of the Airport, we were embraced by her alluring smile and warm welcome. She remained consistent with her warmth, a kind and intelligent professional who exuded unique passion not just for her job as a tour guide but, even more so as a proud Chinese woman. Her outstanding insight and knowledge of the sweet Chinese history and heritage left us in awe. I couldn't be more proud and thankful that she was assigned to our group and she made our stay exciting, fun-filled effortless and knowledge packed. I absolutely commend her dedication to work which she depicted throughout our stay. I recommend her to every visiting tourist because to know Eva, is to love her. If it were up to me, i will increase her bonuses or upgrade her salary as i am sure most tourists would want or revisit for her sake first and then perhaps other reasons.Thank you Eva and keep the passion up🙌.

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