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Sun shafts across the Terracotta Warriors, Xian, China
Home Group Tours

China

China: A Silk Road Journey

From Shanghai to Xian and the Buddhist heartlands of China’s historic Silk Route…

  • EXPERT-LED GROUP TOUR
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Start date End date Days
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ex. flights
Single Supplement Tour Expert Group Size Status
07/09/26 19/09/26 13 days £5,495 pp £945 Diana Driscoll 15 Max LIMITED Reserve place
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This 13-day small group tour follows the ancient Silk Route across China’s vast landscapes. Connecting the cosmopolitan buzz of Shanghai with the historic riches of Xian, long viewed as the Silk Routes’ eastern gateway, before continuing to Xining, Jiayuguan and the UNESCO listed desert cave art of Dunhuang.

This thoughtfully crafted route traces a legacy of trade, faith and empire, with access to cultural treasures along one of history’s greatest arteries.

Travelling with silk road specialist Diana Driscoll adds further depth. Her long experience in the region will bring context to the sites, from Buddhist art in remote desert caves to the architectural influences carried by merchants and pilgrims. With a blend of expert guiding, considered pacing and time to absorb each place, this journey offers a clear understanding of how the Silk Road shaped China’s story and, in many ways, the wider world.

Introducing your expert

Diana Driscoll

Diana Driscoll

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Diana is a leading Islamic world guide and lecturer with an emphasis on Central Asia. Educated at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Diana has over 30 years of experience studying and exploring Ancient Near and Middle East history, languages, religion and culture.

She is now an Independent Researcher in the Asia Dept of the British Museum (BM) with a special emphasis on the Silk Road. She covers 2,500 years of history from 6th century BC to 19th century AD which spans almost 7000 miles from Morocco to China. She gives regular gallery talks on the Silk Road at the BM, and has previously guided tours for Steppes Travel in China, across Central Asia and Iran.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Coourful Buddhist cave mural, Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, China 1

Silk Road Heritage

Follow the Silk Road from Xi’an to Dunhuang, where the Terracotta Warriors and Mogao Caves reflect a legacy of empire and faith.

View of crescent lake amidst desert dunes, Dunhuang, China 2

City to Desert

From Shanghai’s skyline to Suzhou’s gardens and desert dunes, experience China’s remarkable contrasts in landscape and history.

Tibetan woman with silver prayer wheel, Gansu Province, China 3

Sacred Spaces

Discover the Great Mosque of Xi’an and the monasteries of Ta’er in Xining, where art and devotion reflect centuries of human connection.

Diana Driscoll 4

Exceptional Guiding

Gain a deeper understanding of China through the insight of local guides and the specialist knowledge of Diana Driscoll.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Map View List View

  • Day 1

    Arrive Shanghai (Longemont Hotel)

  • Day 2

    Shanghai

  • Day 3

    Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai

  • Day 4

    Shanghai - Xian (Sofitel on Renmin Square)

  • Day 5

    Xian (Sofitel on Renmin Square)

  • Day 6

    Xian - Xining (Hampton by Hilton Xining Kunlun Road)

  • Day 7

    Xining

  • Day 8

    Xining - Jiayuguan (Nuojin International Hotel)

  • Day 9

    Jiayuguan - Dunhuang (The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel)

  • Day 10

    Dunhuang (The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel)

  • Day 11

    Dunhuang - Shanghai (Longemont Hotel)

  • Day 12

    Shanghai (Longemont Hotel)

  • Day 13

    Depart Shanghai

Day 1

Arrive Shanghai (Longemont Hotel)

Arrive Shanghai and transfer to your hotel for immediate check in and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 2

Shanghai

Enjoy a morning walk along the Bund, taking in its architectural mix and views across the Huangpu River. Continue through the former French Concession before visiting the Jade Buddha Temple, home to a remarkable white jade statue. After lunch, tour the Shanghai Museum’s superb collections.

Day 3

Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai

Travel to Suzhou today, celebrated for its classical gardens and silk heritage. Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, followed by the Suzhou Silk Museum. Walk along atmospheric Pingjiang Road beside canals and traditional houses before returning to Shanghai for dinner.

Day 4

Shanghai - Xian (Sofitel on Renmin Square)

Transfer to the airport for flights to Xian. On arrival visit the Han Jing Tomb. Its glass walkways reveal miniature figures and ongoing excavations, offering insight into daily life under Emperor Jingdi. Transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 5

Xian (Sofitel on Renmin Square)

This morning, explore the Great Mosque and wander through the surrounding Hui quarter. Continue to Xian’s impressive city walls. After lunch, visit the Terracotta Warriors, including the vast Pit 1 and the museum’s bronze chariots. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 6

Xian - Xining (Hampton by Hilton Xining Kunlun Road)

Visit the Xian Museum, whose collection spans the region’s long history. After lunch, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train to Xining. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Day 7

Xining

Discover the Tibetan Medicine and Culture Museum, then visit the Ta’er Monastery, known for its rich art and vibrant monastic life. After lunch, tour the Dongguan Mosque, an important centre of worship blending Chinese and Islamic design.

Day 8

Xining - Jiayuguan (Nuojin International Hotel)

Travel by train today to Jiayuguan. Visit Jiayuguan Fort, the westernmost point of the Great Wall, then continue to the Overhanging Great Wall for sweeping desert views. Check in to your hotel before dinner.

Day 9

Jiayuguan - Dunhuang (The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel)

Visit the Wei-Jin Tombs and their vivid murals before travelling overland to Dunhuang. This evening, attend the Encore Dunhuang Show, a performance inspired by local history and desert culture.

Day 10

Dunhuang (The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel)

Explore the Mogao Caves this morning, a remarkable complex filled with Buddhist murals and sculpture. After lunch, visit the Mingsha Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Lake. Weather permitting, take in the sunset from the ridge before dinner.

Day 11

Dunhuang - Shanghai (Longemont Hotel)

Visit the Western Thousand Buddha Caves, before continuing to the White Horse Pagoda. Enjoy an early dinner before transferring to the airport to fly to Shanghai.

Day 12

Shanghai (Longemont Hotel)

Arrive early and transfer to your hotel for immediate check in. Enjoy a free morning. In the afternoon, visit the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, followed by M50, Shanghai’s contemporary arts district. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner.

Day 13

Depart Shanghai

Transfer to the airport for your onward flights.

Entrance to Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, China
Entrance to the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang,
An Ancient Desert Gallery

The Mogao Caves

The Mogao Caves form one of the world’s most important collections of Buddhist art. Carved into the cliffs above the old Silk Road, they once welcomed monks, merchants and pilgrims who sponsored murals and sculpture as acts of devotion. Their walls record a thousand years of artistic exchange, where Chinese, Indian and Central Asian influences sit side by side. Hidden for centuries by shifting sand, the caves survived remarkably intact. Today, they offer a window into the beliefs, trade routes and cultural meetings that shaped life on the edge of the Gobi Desert.

Terracotta Warrior, Xian, China
Terracotta Warrior in Xian
Power, Ambition and the Afterlife

The Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Warriors reflect the scale of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s ambition. Created over 2,000 years ago, the vast underground army was designed to protect him in the afterlife and mirrors the structure of his military command. Each soldier has distinct features, suggesting individual modelling and a remarkable level of craftsmanship. Seen alongside the more intimate Han Jing Tombs, the contrast reveals much about changing views of power, burial and the emperor’s place within society. Together, these sites help chart the evolution of early imperial China and its enduring influence.

Includes / Excludes

Important Information

Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Single Supplement

Travelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.

Flexibility

To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.

What is included

  • Accommodation as detailed
  • Early check in on Day 1
  • Accompanied by Diana Driscoll throughout
  • Accompanied by local guides throughout
  • All transfers and transportation
  • Entrance to all sites mentioned
  • First class train travel
  • Internal flights in economy class
  • Most meals
  • Late checkout on Day 11
  • Evening show in Dunhuang

What is excluded

  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Drinks with meals
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers and porters
  • Visas

Other available dates

For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 880 980

Start date End date Days
Prices from
ex. flights
Tour Expert Group Size Status
07/09/26 19/09/26 13 days £5,495 pp Diana Driscoll 15 Max LIMITED Reserve place

Reserve your place on this group tour

Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.

01285 880 980

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