Epic Silk Road & Southwest China Heritage Tour (18 Nights/19 Days)-Top China | International and domestic tourism business

White Horse Pagoda is a quiet Buddhist heritage site in Dunhuang, built to commemorate the legendary white horse of the great monk Kumarajiva during his journey along the Silk Road. A lesser-known historical gem with deep religious and cultural significance, it offers a peaceful experience away from busy, commercial attractions.

Dunhuang Night Market officially known as Shazhou Night Market, this lively hub in central Dunhuang brings together Silk Road street food, handmade crafts, and authentic local life, best experienced between 7 pm and 10 pm. A vibrant contrast to the quiet heritage sites, it offers a genuine taste of Dunhuang’s evening culture—head to the inner lanes to avoid tourist-centric stalls and find better value.

Day 3 Dunhuang (Breakfast)

Visit Mogao Grottoes and Yulin Grottoes.

*Mogao Grottoes (Thousand Buddha Caves), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, is a magnificent 1,600-year-old Buddhist art complex in Dunhuang, boasting 492 decorated caves, 45,000 m² of murals and thousands of painted sculptures.

*Yulin Grottoes known as Mogao Grottoes’ “sister caves”, Yulin Grottoes (Ten-Thousand-Buddha Gorge) is a hidden Buddhist art treasure in the Yulin River Canyon, boasting well-preserved Tang, Western Xia and Yuan-era murals and sculptures since the Northern Wei Dynasty.

*Evening recommendation (self-arrangement if interested): Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring: In the desert, golden sands mirror a clear spring, a millennial wonder grows side by side. Sands never bury the spring, nor does the spring ever dry up — the finest spectacle.

Day 4 Dunhuang–Zhangye by Train (Breakfast)

Arrange train transfer and pick-up service in both Dunhuang and Zhangye. High speed train (D2739/0840-1246, suggestion only, it is subject to the time of booking).

Visit Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple.

2 nights at Wangshan International Hotel Zhangye (Hotel recommended by our local supplier).

*Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple, a grand Western Xia imperial Buddhist complex founded in 1098, is home to Asia’s largest indoor wood-framed clay reclining Buddha (34.5m long) and pre-novel Journey to the West murals.

A must-visit on the ancient Silk Road route through Gansu, this well-preserved heritage site blends 900 years of architectural styles, housing rare imperial Buddhist scriptures alongside stunning Tangut-era sculptures and wall paintings.

*Wangshan International Hotel, is better for scenic trips—closer to the station & expressway, with villa/garden rooms & mountain views, and faster access to the Danxia. Huachen is better if you prefer downtown shopping & urban amenities.

Day 5 Zhangye (Breakfast)

Visit Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park and Pingshan Grand Canyon.

*Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, known worldwide as the “Rainbow Mountains,” is the crown jewel of arid-region Danxia landscapes in China and a UNESCO Global Geopark. Its surreal, striped hills—painted in vivid reds, golds, and purples by mineral-rich rock layers—are best admired at sunrise or sunset, when the light transforms the valleys into a living oil painting.

*Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon, often praised as “China’s Colorado Grand Canyon” and “Zhangjiajie of the Northwest”, is a striking 4A scenic area on the ancient Silk Road, just a 50-minute drive from central Zhangye. Carved by millions of years of erosion, its towering red sandstone cliffs, labyrinthine gorges, and unique rock pillars present a surreal landscape that shines most vividly at sunrise and sunset. Beyond the natural grandeur, nearby Mongolian communities offer authentic cultural experiences, making this canyon a perfect blend of geological wonder and ethnic heritage for discerning travelers.

Day 6 Zhangye–Tianshui by Train (Breakfast)

Arrange train transfer and pick-up service in both Zhangye and Tianshui. High speed train (D2682/0908-1401 suggestion only, it is subject to the time of booking).

2 nights at Jiafu Hotel.

*Note. Our recommended Tianshui Jiafu Hotel features 101 spacious guest rooms equipped with central air conditioning, in-room safes, high-speed Wi-Fi, and 42-inch LCD TVs. It offers a 588㎡ banquet hall with professional audio and LED screens, a Chinese restaurant with private dining rooms and teppanyaki, plus a lobby bar, cigar lounge, tea house, and free parking.

Day 7 Tianshui (Breakfast)

Visit Maijishan Grottoes, Fuxi Temple and Hu’s Ancient Residence.

*Maijishan Grottoes, a UNESCO-listed gem on the ancient Silk Road and one of China’s Four Great Buddhist Grottoes, stands as a peerless showcase of Chinese clay sculpture art spanning 16 centuries. Perched on a wheat-stack-shaped cliff in the Qinling foothills, its winding steel plank roads lead to caves filled with exquisitely painted Buddhist figures—from tiny, delicate disciples to towering 15-meter Buddhas. The gentle “Oriental Smile” of Cave 44 and the dynamic “Whispering Bodhisattvas” of Cave 121 offer profound insight into the humanistic spirit of medieval Chinese Buddhism, making Maijishan an unmissable cultural stop for discerning Silk Road travelers.

*Fuxi Temple is a historic and sacred complex dedicated to Fuxi, the legendary ancestor of Chinese civilization. It features classic ancient Chinese architecture and is an important place for exploring traditional Chinese culture.

*Hu‘s Ancient Residence (South & North Mansions) is an exceptionally well-preserved Ming Dynasty official residence complex in northwest China, located in Tianshui, Gansu.

It boasts classic Chinese courtyard architecture with intricate carvings and offers fascinating insights into traditional local culture and folk customs.

Day 8 Tianshui–Luoyang by Train (Breakfast)

Arrange train transfer and pick-up service in both Tianshui and Luoyang. High speed train (G1714/1128-1443 suggestion only, it is subject to the time of booking).

Upon arrival, visit Longmen Grottoes.

*Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Luoyang, Henan, is one of China’s greatest Buddhist stone-carving complexes with over 1,500 years of history. It features magnificent Tang-dynasty statues (notably the Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple) and precious calligraphic inscriptions, offering profound insights into ancient Chinese art and culture.

1 night at Christian’s Hotel.

Day 9 Luoyang–Shaolinshi via Dengfeng by Vehicle (Breakfast)

Travel from Luoyang to Shaolinshi via Dengfeng (75km/1h). Visit Shaolin Temple (including Pagoda Forest and Kung Fu Show).

1 night at Zhongzhou Shaolin International Hotel.

*Shaolin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Song Mountains of Henan, is the legendary birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu, founded in 495 CE.

Immerse in its ancient halls, the iconic Pagoda Forest, and watch authentic martial arts performances by warrior monks for a unique blend of spirituality and martial heritage.

*Zhongzhou Shaolin International Hotel: A brand‑new, five‑diamond Zen‑themed resort at the foot of Mount Song, blending Shaolin culture with modern comfort. Just 12 minutes’ drive to Shaolin Temple, with mountain views, Shaolin vegetarian dining, and spacious Zen‑style rooms.

Day 10 Zhengzhou–Zhangjiajie by Train (Breakfast)

Travel from Dengfeng to Zhengzhou (75km/1.5h), then take 8 hours high speed train to Zhangjiajie (G3649/1410-2224 suggestion only, it is subject to the time of booking). Upon arrival in Zhangjiajie, transfer to the hotel.

3 nights at Neodalle Hotel.

Day 11 Zhangjiajie (Breakfast)

Full day tour Huangshizhai and Golden Whip Stream.

*Huangshizhai: The largest and most iconic viewing platform in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, offering panoramic views of towering quartz sandstone peaks.

*Golden Whip Stream: A picturesque canyon trail with crystal-clear streams, lush forests and uniquely shaped peaks, known as the most beautiful walk in Zhangjiajie.

Day 12 Zhangjiajie (Breakfast)

Full day tour Tianzishan and Yuanjiajie including taking Bailong Elevator & seeing Airborne Garden.

*Tianzishan: The essence of Zhangjiajie’s quartz sandstone peak forest landform, showcasing otherworldly, fairyland-like peaks and vast panoramic views.

*Yuanjiajie: World-famous as the filming location for Avatar, it boasts spectacular quartz sandstone peaks that resemble a magical, floating mountain landscape.

*Note. Huanglong Cave has to be deleted, as it is not close to our visits in the area!

Day 13 Zhangjiajie–Tongren by Train–Jiangkou by Vehicle (Breakfast)

Tianmen Mountain with Glass Plank Road before transferring to the railway station. Travel from Zhangjiajie to Tongren via Huaihua South by high-speed train (1st Train: G3375/1528-1644 accompany by the guide, —2nd Train G2131/17:35-19:01, clients take the train themselves, suggestion only, it is subject to the time of booking), then proceed to Jiangkou (50km/1h approx.).

1 night at Scholars Hotel.

*Tianmen Mountain is renowned for its unique karst landscape and iconic naturally formed Tianmen Cave, offering breathtaking views and extraordinary sightseeing experiences.

*Glass Plank Road: A thrilling cliffside glass walkway hanging high on the mountainside, providing an exciting walking experience with incredible valley views.

*Note. Scholars Hotel (Jiangkou, Fanjingshan) – cultural-themed 4-star stay with free breakfast & parking, 5-min drive to Fanjingshan main area, ideal base for Fanjingshan hiking & local Tujia culture exploration.

Day 14 Fanjingshan–Zhenyuan by Vehicle (Breakfast)

Visit Fanjingshan Mountain (Notes are important to be known in advance, maybe they take the halfway!).

Travel to Zhenyuan (150km/3.5h).

1 night at Fucheng Hotel, Zhenyuan.

*Fanjingshan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s sacred Buddhist mountains, is renowned for its stunning red cloud peaks and unique “golden summit” temples. It offers a spectacular hiking experience through primeval forests, home to the rare Guizhou snub-nosed monkey and breathtaking sunrise views above the clouds.

Note. Fucheng Hotel is a centrally located, antique-style hotel in Zhenyuan Ancient Town, steps from Wuyang River and Qinglong Cave, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to all key attractions.

Day 15 Zhenyuan–Zhaoxing by Vehicle (Breakfast)

Visit Zhenyuan Ancient Town, before travel to Zhaoxing (230km/3h) and explore Dong Village at Zhaoxing.

*Zhenyuan Ancient Town is a millennia-old strategic and commercial hub in southeastern Guizhou, defined by the Wuyang River’s S-curve that splits the old prefectural and garrison towns into a striking Tai Chi landscape. Home to the UNESCO-listed Qinglong Cave (a rare fusion of Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist cliff-top architecture) and historic Zhusheng Bridge, it retains an uncommercialized vibe perfect for slow cultural exploration.

*Dong Village, one of China’s largest Dong settlements in Guizhou, is famed for its five iconic drum towers, traditional wind-and-rain bridges and UNESCO-listed Dong Grand Choirs (polyphonic, a cappella folk music). Nestled among lush mountains with a stream winding through its heart, this ancient village offers an authentic cultural immersion—from stilted wooden houses to local Dong cuisine and peaceful views of the Tang’an Terraces.

1 night at Bulahupan Hotel Zhaoxing (Hotel recommended by our local supplier).

Day 16 Zhaoxing–Kaili by Vehicle (Breakfast)

Transfer to Kaili by vehicle with 190kms, en route visit Langde Miao Village, enjoy welcome ceremony and ethnic singing & dancing performance. And also see Matang to watch batik making.

1 night at Heaven Sent Resort.

*Langde Miao Village, Nestled at the foot of Leigong Mountain, (split into Upper & Lower, only Upper Langde open to tourists) is one of Guizhou’s earliest ethnic cultural villages open to visitors. Known as the ‘Home of Chinese Folk Song and Dance Art’, it offers an authentic Long Skirt Miao experience—including the grand Twelve Gates Block-the-way Wine, traditional embroidery/wax work workshops and Qing-era wooden stilt houses lining the hillside.

*Matang Gejia Village is a hidden gem about 21 km north of Kaili City, home to the Gejia people—an ethnic subgroup officially classified as Miao but with a distinct identity. Renowned as the “Hometown of Batik,” it’s celebrated for intricate hand-drawn wax patterns, red-tasseled headdresses shaped like bows and arrows, and deep connections to the legendary archer Hou Yi.

*Note. Heaven Sent Resort offers well-appointed guest rooms with modern amenities, designed for comfort and a peaceful night’s stay. Nestled in a tranquil setting, it provides a relaxing base for guests to explore local ethnic villages and cultural attractions.

Day 17 Kaili–Guiyang by Vehicle – Shanghai by Flight (Breakfast)

Short visit Kaili Old Street before travel to Guiyang Airport (200kms, 3hrs approx. including the mountain road), Late evening flight (CA4223/1750-2045, suggestion only, it is subject to the time of booking).

Transfer to the hotel upon arrival in Shanghai.

2 nights at URBN Hotel Shanghai.

*Kaili Old Street, is the original heart of Kaili City, consisting of Dongmen Street, Ximen Street and connected lanes with Ming-Qing heritage buildings including Wanshou Palace and Kuixing Pavilion. It offers an unpolished, authentic taste of local life—daily snacks like sour soup noodles & glutinous rice cakes, family-run workshops for Miao embroidery/silverware/batik, and bustling weekly markets where villagers trade fresh produce and handcrafts.