7-Day Mini Silk Road & China’s Little Mecca: Xi’an, Linxia, Lanzhou, Zhangye & Xining

Day 1 Arrive Xi’an

Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: Local 4-star Holiday Inn Express Xi’an Daxing or similar

Welcome to Xi’an, China’s ancient capital and a vibrant modern metropolis in northwestern Shaanxi Province. As the eastern terminus of the legendary Silk Road and one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, Xi’an seamlessly bridges thousands of years of imperial heritage with dynamic contemporary life. Upon arrival at the airport, your friendly Muslim expert guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel.

Day 2 Xi’an | Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Highlights 

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodation: Local 4-star Holiday Inn Express Xi’an Daxing or similar

Start your day with a wonder of the world – the Terracotta Army! Discovered by accident in 1974, this 2,000-year-old army of over 8,000 life-sized warriors stands guard over the tomb of Qin Shihuang, China’s first emperor. See some replicas being made nearby and learn the secrets of these ancient figures. Back to the city, stroll along the ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the oldest and best-preserved city wall in China. Walk atop the wall to enjoy panoramic views of the Xi’an skyline. Next, view the magnificent Big Wild Goose Pagoda from the outside, a 1,300-year-old architectural masterpiece. Conclude your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a captivating recreation of ancient Xi’an, featuring bustling markets, captivating performances, and stunning Tang-style architecture.

Day 3 Xi’an – Lanzhou | High-Speed Train to Lanzhou, Lanzhou City Highlights

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a halal restaurant
Salat Prayer: Lanzhou Xiguan Mosque
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Lanzhou Zhenning Road (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Board a high-speed train (approx. 3 hours) in the morning for a journey to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province positioned along the upper stretches of the Yellow River and a legendary crossroads of the ancient Silk Road. Following a savory Lanzhou beef noodle lunch and salat at Xiguan Mosque, embark on a scenic exploration along the banks of the Yellow River. Ride the return cable car up White Pagoda Hill for breathtaking panorama views before walking through the Waterwheel Park and crossing the iconic Yellow River Iron Bridge. End your day amidst the bustling stalls and rich flavors of the Muslim Food Night Market, where you can enjoy dinner on your own while sampling an array of delicious local street foods.

Day 4 Lanzhou – Linxia – Lanzhou | Liujiaxia Reservoir, Eight Lanes and Thirteen Alleys

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local masjid
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Lanzhou Zhenning Road (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Embark on a captivating day trip from Lanzhou to Linxia, the historic heartland of Hui culture often known as China’s “Little Mecca.” After lunch and salat at a prominent local mosque, wander through the beautifully restored Eight Lanes and Thirteen Alleys, admiring its Qing-dynasty courtyards, intricate brick and wood relief carvings, and lively traditional street markets. Next, marvel at the engineering of the Liujiaxia Reservoir Bridge, where sweeping views of turquoise Yellow River waters framed by dramatic red canyon cliffs offer a spectacular finale to your journey before returning to Lanzhou.

Day 5 Lanzhou – Zhangye | High-Speed Train to Zhangye, Rainbow Mountains

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Salat Prayer: Zhangye Masjid
Accommodation: Local 4-star Xinshengyue International Hotel or similar

Board a 3-hour high-speed train to Zhangye, an iconic Silk Road oasis city famous for its surreal geological marvels. Its crowning highlight is the Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, world-famous for its multi-colored “Rainbow Mountains” framed by vibrant, striped sandstone rock formations. After lunch, head to the spectacular Rainbow Mountains. This natural wonder, a feast for the eyes, has captivated photographers and filmmakers worldwide, including the creators of Disney’s ‘Mulan.’ It is believed that the Rainbow Mountains are one of the creations of Allah as mentioned in the holy Quran. Here is the verse of the Quran: “Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby fruits of varying colors? And in the mountains are tracts, white and red of varying shades and [some] extremely black.”

Day 6 Zhangye – Xining | Qilian Mountain Grassland, Xining Muslim Street

Distance: Approx. 350 kilometers
Estimated Travel Time: Around 6.5 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Xining Dongguan Mosque
Accommodation: Local 4-star Xining Mansion Hotel (Muslim- Friendly) or similar

Set off on a picturesque journey from Zhangye to Xining, traversing the breathtaking alpine landscapes of the Qilian Mountains. Along the way, stop at the sprawling Qilian Mountain Grassland to feast on a hearty, warming hot pot before immersing yourself in local culture with fun activities, including dressing in traditional Tibetan attire and optional horseback riding across the open steppe. Continuing south through dramatic mountain passes, arrive in Xining to perform salat at the magnificent Dongguan Mosque, one of Northwest China’s largest and most historic Islamic centers, before rounding out your day wandering through the vibrant nearby Muslim quarter to enjoy bustling local street life and savory halal treats.

Important: During the winter season (November through March), the highway from Zhangye to Xining may close due to snowfall or landslide. Should this occur, the standard bus transfer will be substituted with a second-class bullet train from Zhangye to Xining to ensure passenger safety and Qilian Mountain Grassland will be skipped!

Day 7 Xining – Xi’an | High-Speed Train to Xi’an, Xi’an City Highlights, Depart Xi’an 

Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a halal restaurant
Salat Prayer: The Great Mosque of Xi’an

Whizz over to Xi’an on a 4-hour bullet train ride from Xining. After lunch, indulge in a shopping spree at the Northwest Commercial and Trading Center. This expansive shopping center offers a diverse selection of retail options, catering to every shopper’s desires. Next, delve into the rich history and cultural tapestry of Xi’an with a salat prayer at the Great Mosque, one of China’s oldest and most renowned mosques. Explore the intricate architecture, a captivating blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic styles, as you wander through the series of pavilions, halls, and prayer spaces adorned with exquisite calligraphy and artistic details. Conclude your day with an immersive experience in the Muslim Quarter, a bustling neighborhood famous for its lively street markets, rich cultural heritage, and, of course, its mouth-watering food scene. Indulge in the vibrant street food scene before transferring to the airport for your late-night departure. Have a wonderful trip!