Language and currency
Private route · 9 days
Silk Road: 9-Day Private Tour (2027)
Trace the Silk Road from Xi'an across the desert to Dunhuang and the Ming-dynasty fort at Jiayuguan Pass, with rest built into every day.
- Duration
- 9 days · 8 nights
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Xi'an → Dunhuang → Jiayuguan
- Best for
- Families with teenagers curious about the Silk Road
- Best months
- May–Oct
Who it's for
This route suits families travelling with teenagers who want hands-on history and desert landscapes with balanced days. Mornings cover landmark sites while afternoon rest blocks keep everyone refreshed in the dry climate. Children under 2 travel free; ages 2-11 pay 70% of the adult price; ages 12 and over pay the adult price.
The route
- 1. Xi'an3 nights
- 2. Dunhuang3 nights
- 3. Jiayuguan2 nights
- Days 1–3Xi'an3 nightsDomestic flight
- Days 4–6Dunhuang3 nightsHigh-speed rail
- Days 7–9Jiayuguan2 nights
Highlights
- Standing before the Terracotta Army in Lintong
- A bike ride or walk along the top of the Xi'an City Wall
- The Buddhist cave temples and murals at the Mogao Caves
- The desert ramparts of Jiayuguan Pass near the western end of the Great Wall
Day by day
- Morning
Arrive at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport and transfer to your hotel near the city wall by private car with age-appropriate child seats included.
AfternoonTake an afternoon rest block at the hotel, giving everyone time to unpack and settle in after the journey.
EveningAn easy walk around the Bell and Drum Tower plazas and the Muslim Quarter food street before an early night.
- Morning
Private car with age-appropriate child seats included to the Terracotta Army museum site in Lintong, starting with Pit 1.
AfternoonReturn to the city for a long rest block at the hotel to recharge after walking through the excavation pits.
EveningAn optional evening stroll around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda square, or dinner nearby and an early rest.
- Morning
Enjoy a slow morning and a quiet rest block at the hotel to recharge after the Terracotta Army excursion.
AfternoonSpend the afternoon on the Xi'an City Wall for a bike ride or walk, or choose the Shaanxi History Museum instead, subject to an advance reservation with your passport.
EveningA simple dinner nearby, then time to pack and rest ahead of tomorrow's flight.
- Morning
Fly from Xi'an to Dunhuang, then meet your driver and transfer to the hotel by private car with age-appropriate child seats included.
AfternoonTake a quiet rest block at the hotel to unwind and adjust to the dry desert air.
EveningStroll through the Shazhou Night Market, sampling local flatbreads and noodle dishes at your own pace.
- Morning
Travel by private car with age-appropriate child seats included to the Mogao Caves (timed tickets booked in advance with your passport), starting with the Digital Display Center films followed by the cave visit.
AfternoonReturn to the hotel for a long afternoon rest block out of the desert sun and dry air, keeping well hydrated.
EveningA quiet family dinner near the hotel and a relaxed evening with no scheduled activities.
- Morning
Enjoy a slow morning and a generous rest block at the hotel or pool, letting teenagers sleep in.
AfternoonHead out by private car with age-appropriate child seats included to Mingsha Shan dunes and Crescent Moon Spring to walk up the sand, with an optional camel ride run by the scenic area's own camel teams.
EveningStay for the evening light if the weather allows, then return to the hotel for a late dinner nearby.
- Morning
Board the train from Dunhuang to Jiayuguan South, then transfer to your hotel by private car with age-appropriate child seats included.
AfternoonA dedicated rest block at the hotel to unpack and take an easy break after the journey.
EveningTake a short, casual walk around the neighbourhood before an early dinner.
- Morning
Private car with age-appropriate child seats included to Jiayuguan Pass, the Ming-dynasty fort, to walk the ramparts and inner courtyards.
AfternoonRest at the hotel after lunch, with an optional late-afternoon outing by private car with age-appropriate child seats included to either the steep Overhanging Great Wall or the First Beacon Tower above the Taolai River gorge, subject to opening hours.
EveningReturn to the hotel neighbourhood for dinner and an easy evening.
- Morning
A slow morning at the hotel, depending on your departure time.
AfternoonTransfer by private car with age-appropriate child seats included to Jiayuguan airport or Jiayuguan South station, timed to your onward flight or train.
EveningNo sightseeing beyond the transfer.
When to go
May to October is usually the most comfortable window for Dunhuang and Jiayuguan, though summer days can be hot with strong desert sun. Pack breathable layers, sun protection and plenty of water for desert days.
“I plan the caves for the morning and the dunes for late afternoon, so teenagers miss the hottest hours. Bring refillable water bottles and a light layer for desert wind.”
Two ways to take this route
Same route. Travel on your own, or with a guide every day.
Independent
From $2,600 per person
We book hotels, high-speed trains and tickets, and you travel on your own with the LocalKey app. Add a private guide for the days you choose.
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $4,200 per person
Your own guide and private car throughout, so sights, meals and transfers are handled with you.
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Shorter or longer
Drop a stop for a shorter trip, or add a city or extra nights where you want more time.
Different hotels
Boutique, international brand or family rooms, in the area that suits your days.
Slower pace
An extra night in a city and fewer early starts.
Your interests
Food, photography, museums or kung fu, swapped into the free time.
Related itineraries
A few more starting points.
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Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Upgraded hotels, extra car or guide time and special requests can raise the price. Your consultant sends a written quote before you pay anything. Reference prices for 2027 trips.
Start planning
Where would you like to begin in China?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A specialist replies within 24 hours with questions, then a written proposal; nothing is booked until you approve it.