7-Day Silk Road Discovery: From Ancient Capital to Rainbow Mountains

Day 1 Arrive Xi’an

Destination: Xi’an
Meals Included: No
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Xi’an Ancient Town West or similar

Arrive in Xi’an around 23:15 (local time) on an AirAsia flight or a similar late-night flight. 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 City Highlights

Destination: Xi’an
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Xi’an Ancient Town West or similar

Kick off your morning with a leisurely stroll along the ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the oldest and best-preserved city wall in China. Walking atop the Wall to get the panorama of Xian skyline. Next, visit the eighth 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, admire the imposing Big Wild Goose Pagoda (outside view), a 1,300-year-old architectural marvel. 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 Bullet Train to Xining, Dongguan Mosque, Muslim Quarter

Destination: Xining
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Dongguan Mosque
Accommodations: Xining Grand Hotel or similar

Take a bullet train to Xining (approx. 3 hours), the capital of Qinghai Province nestled on the Tibetan Plateau. Historically significant as both the capital of Qinghai and the heart of Tibet’s Amdo region, Xining flourished as a vital hub on the Silk Road, resulting in a unique cultural tapestry blending Tibetan, Han Chinese, and Muslim influences. After lunch, perform salat at Xining Dongguan Mosque, the largest mosque in Northwest China with a history spanning over 600 years. Originally built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty, this mosque is not only a crucial place of worship but also a major center for Islamic education and study in Qinghai Province. Afterward, delve into the vibrant and bustling “Muslim Quarter” located just outside the mosque. Here, vendors offer an array of goods, from traditional Muslim attire to fresh produce, spices, and household essentials. The aroma of street food is almost constant, with numerous stalls and small eateries offering delicious local specialties.

Day 4 Qinghai Lake

Destination: Xining
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodations: Xining Grand Hotel or similar

After breakfast, embark on a 2.5-hour scenic drive to Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake, spanning an impressive 4,317 square kilometers (1,667 sq mi), roughly 6 times the size of Singapore. Along the way, take in views of the Sun Moon Mountains (Riyue Mountain) from the bus. Rising to an elevation of over 3,500 meters (11,500 feet), this mountain marks the geographical divide between the Loess Plateau and the vast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. According to legend, Princess Wencheng, on her journey to Tibet in 641 AD, cast her Sun and Moon mirrors here, inspiring the mountain’s evocative name. Upon arrival at Qinghai Lake, experience the serenity and breathtaking beauty of Qinghai Lake on an unforgettable boat ride. Glide across its sparkling turquoise waters, mesmerized by panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and lush grasslands stretching towards the horizon.

Day 5 Qilian Mountains Grassland, Transfer to Zhangye

Destination: Xining, Zhangye
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurant
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodations: Zhangye Xinshengyue International Hotel or similar

Embark on a scenic drive (approx. 3 hours) to the awe-inspiring Qilian Mountains grassland. This majestic region unfolds before you with breathtaking panoramas: rolling hills, verdant meadows, and snow-capped peaks dominate the horizon. Keep a watchful eye for black yaks and white sheep peacefully grazing across the vast grasslands. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage woven into the landscape, where traditional Tibetan nomad tents dot the horizon amidst the breathtaking natural beauty. Each season paints a unique and captivating portrait of these grasslands: vibrant spring blooms give way to lush summer meadows, followed by the fiery hues of autumn. Winter blankets the mountains in pristine snow, creating a serene and magical atmosphere. Continue your overland journey to Zhangye (approx. 2 hours), a crucial outpost on the historic Silk Road. 

Please note that the itinerary outlined above applies to groups of ten passengers or more. For groups smaller than ten, the morning will be dedicated to visiting the iconic Kumbum Monastery, followed by an afternoon high-speed train journey to Zhangye (approx. 2 hours). Constructed in 1560 AD, the Kumbum Monastery is among the six most renowned Buddhist Monasteries in Tibet. The term ‘Kumbum’ in Tibetan translates to a magnificent place that houses 100,000 Buddha. It was initially erected on the birthplace of Tsong Khapa, the founder of the Gelukpa Sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism. Two of his disciples went on to become famous in the Buddhist world, one becoming Dalai Lama, the other the Panchen Lama.

Day 6 Zhangye National Desert Sports Park, Rainbow Mountains

Destination: Zhangye
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Zhangye Mosque
Accommodations: Zhangye Xinshengyue International Hotel or similar

Start your adventurous day at the Zhangye National Desert Sports Park! Nestled amidst vast sand dunes and endless skies, this park offers an adrenaline-packed morning. Experience thrilling adventures, including camel riding (included in the package), and optional activities like sandboarding and dune bashing. After your desert adventure, head to the spectacular Rainbow Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking display of multi-colored rock formations. 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 7 Bullet Train to Lanzhou, Lanzhou City Highlights

Destination: Lanzhou
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a halal restaurant
Salat Prayer: Xiguan Mosque
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express Lanzhou Zhengning Road or similar

Take a bullet train to Lanzhou (approx. 3 hours), the capital of Gansu province, located on the banks of the Yellow River. Historically, Lanzhou served as a vital link on the ancient Silk Road and is poised to become a key hub on the modern-day New Eurasian Land Bridge. Begin your Lanzhou tour with a cable car ride to the top of White Pagoda Mountain for a sweeping panoramic view of the city skyline. Next, take a leisurely walk along the historic Iron Bridge of the Yellow River, the first permanent bridge spanning this mighty river, built in 1909. Afterward, explore the Water Wheel Park, an intriguing site showcases Lanzhou’s ancient irrigation techniques. As night falls, head to Zhengning Road Night Market, famous for its wide array of local delicacies, such as Lanzhou beef noodles, grilled lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and delicious pastries.

Day 8 Bullet Train to Xi’an, Great Mosque, Muslim Quarter, Depart Xi’an

Destination: Xi’an
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Meals Included: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a halal restaurant

Whizz over to Xi’an on a 3-hour bullet train ride from Lanzhou. 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 of Xi’an, 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!