Explore from Xi’an to Xining

Day 1 : Arrival Xian 

We kick start this eight day adventure from Xi’an to Xining with a day to settle into a city that is draped in history.

Upon arrival at Xi’an Airport, we transfer to the hotel to check-in, with the rest of the day free torest after our flight, or the option exists to start some solo exploration.

Like a history book, Xi'an records the great changes in China over the centuries. Originally called Chang’an, which means ‘eternal city’, it is one of the birthplaces of the ancient Chinese civilization in the Yellow River Basin area. As the eastern terminal of the Silk Road and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors created during the Qin Dynasty, Xi’an has a global reputation as a destination rich in age-old attractions. Over 3,000 years of history, including over 1,100 years as the capital of ancient dynasties, has formed an amazing ancient heritage.

Overnight in Xi’an Grand Mercure Renmin Square 4*.

Day 2 : Xian (B / L / -)

Delve into Xi’an’s treasured history at the Terracotta Army Museum, striking Big Wild Goose Pagoda and impressive Great Mosque.

After breakfast, we meet our guide and drive to the Terracotta Army Museum, which is recognised as the Eighth Wonder of the World. This was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is estimated to house over 8,000 terracotta warriors, 130 chariots, 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses. Be amazed by the incredible life-size formations that replicate battle scenes in ancient China.

After lunch, we continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of China’s most treasured Buddhist structures due to its religious and historical relevance. It was built in 652 A.D. during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five levels. Our final stop of the day is the Great Mosque, China’s largest Muslim place of worship. This itinerary provides a great introduction to Xi’an’s rich historical heritage.

Overnight in Xi’an Grand Mercure Renmin Square 4*.

Day 3 : Xian - Tianshui (B / - / -)

We board the train for Tianshui and embark on a cultural adventure.

In the morning, we head to the station to board a high-speed train to Tianshui which was an important stop on the Silk Road. Our first port of call is Hu Family Folk House. As we stroll through the sprawling grounds, we can get a glimpse into life in ancient China as we admire the intricate architecture, decor and well-manicured gardens.

Next, we explore Fuxi Temple which dates back to 1483. This religious structure was built in honour of Fuxi, the father and emperor of the Chinese people. He was also the first person to have a surname in Chinese history. In 2018, the temple was listed as one of the ‘100 Wonders in NorthWest China’.

Dinner is at our leisure. This cultural tour takes us back in time to reveal life in ancient China.

Overnight in Tianshui Sunshine Hotel 5*.

Day 4 : Tianshui - Lanzhou (B / L / -)

Marvel at the incredible sculptures carved into the face of Maiji Mountain before we head to Lanzhou.

After breakfast, we drive to the mountain, which is one of the area’s prized attractions. Standing at 142 metres high, its unique shape resembles a stack of wheat after which it is named. It is home to an intricate network of grottoes on the cliff-face. In an incredible feat as the caves were constructed at heady heights and connected by plank paths built along the face of the cliff.

We have time to explore the site and soak up the surrounding scenery as well as the incredible range of sculptures, statues, temples and religious carvings that led to it being dubbed a ‘world art treasure house’.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we hit the road for Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu province and check-in to the hotel. This adventure combines culture and heritage with outstanding natural beauty.

Overnight in Lanzhou Legend Hotel 4*.

Day 5 : Lanzhou - Xiahe (B / L / D)

Cruise back in time to the historic Binglingsi Caves before basking in Sangke Grassland’s verdant scenes.

In the morning, we set off on a 90-minute drive to Liujiaxia Dam to board a boat and cruise along the iconic Yellow River to the caves. The impressive series of grottoes are filled with Buddhist sculptures carved into caverns in the canyon. The caves were crafted over 1,500 years. There are 216 cave niches, more than 800 images and about abundant mural paintings.

We then drive to Xiahe via Linxia city. Keep your camera ready when we stop at Sangke Grassland, a vast highland meadow surrounded by mountains. We then continue to Xiahe and check-in to the hotel.

Lunch and dinner are at local restaurants. This is an exciting way to marvel at the area’s outstanding heritage and pristine rural landscapes.

Overnight in Xiahe Aviation Hotel 4*.

Day 6 : Xiahe - Tongren (B / L / D)

Delve into Tibetan Buddhism and bask in breath-taking natural beauty on this road trip to Tongren.

In the morning, we visit Labrang Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan monasteries outside of Tibet. Holding a special place in the hearts of worshippers, the site is renowned for its rich culture, imposing Buddhist structures, unique Tibetan food and a long corridor of prayer wheels. It also boasts a vista that stretches across forested hills and mountains.

Next, we drive to Ganjia Grassland and visit Bajiao Cheng, a historic Han Dynasty walled village that played a key role in the Silk Road. We continue to Tongren, passing through spectacular scenery.

In the afternoon, we visit Longwu Lamasery to continue our study into Tibetan Buddhism. At Wuton Lamasery, we admire the large collection of Regong art works, wall paintings, embroideries and sculptures. Get crafty and try painting, sculpture and wood carving. Lunch and dinner are at local restaurants.

Today’s adventure offers an interesting insight into Tibetan Buddhism without leaving China.

Overnight in Tongren Hongfengde Hotel 3*.

Day 7 : Tongren - Xining (B / L / -)

Bask in breath-taking beauty as we drive to Xining to discover its rich Tibetan heritage.

After breakfast, we set off on our road trip, stopping to enjoy panoramic views of the Yellow River. We break for lunch at a local restaurant and continue to Xining to start our sight-seeing adventure. At Kumbum Monastery, we soak up over 400 years of Tibetan Buddhist history. Located in Xining's Huangzhong County, this monastery belongs to the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. The entire complex is filled with an enchanting collection of buildings, rich treasures and artwork.

Highlights include the Grand Hall of Golden Tiles, home to an 11-metre Tibetan stupa that marks the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa sect.

We then continue to Ma Bufang Mansion, the residence of Chinese Muslim warlord and General Ma Bufang. This site also houses an informative minority museum.

Dinner is at leisure. Today’s exciting itinerary delivers more stunning scenery and historical culture.

Overnight in Xining Earton Hotel 4*+.

Day 8 : Xining (B / - / -)

All good things must come to an end and today we bid a fond farewell to our guide.

After breakfast at the hotel, we may have time to explore Xining ahead of our departure. The capital of Qinghai province is the largest city on the Tibetan Plateau and home to striking temples, mosques, shops and markets. We then check-out and transfer to the airport or train station for the next leg of our journey.

We leave full of ever-lasting memories of our eight-day adventure that has seen us travel from Xi’an to Xining. Along the way, we have stood in awe of the magnificent Terracotta Army in Xi’an, taken a glimpse into ancient China in historic Tianshui, marvelled at incredible cliff-side carvings at Maiji Grottoes and the Binglingsi Caves, cruised along the iconic Yellow River and delved deep into Tibetan Buddhism. This tour ticks all the boxes for history and culture fans.

End of the Tour.