This 10-day premium private journey traces the ancient Silk Road, linking Xi’an’s imperial legacy and Dunhuang’s wild desert charm. Enjoy VIP access, expert historians and bespoke experiences. Explore terracotta warriors, grotto murals and boundless desert landscapes. Savour Tang-style feasts and starry desert dinners. Every arrangement is carefully crafted for discerning travellers seeking profound history and magnificent wilderness.
VIP Terracotta Army Expert Tour
Skip crowds with exclusive VIP access to the Terracotta Army. A seasoned cultural historian guides you through pits and bronze chariots over 3–3.5 hours, revealing the glorious stories of the Qin Dynasty beyond regular group tours.
Desert Private Dinner & Star Gazing
Unwind in a secluded desert camp. Enjoy an exclusive private dinner featuring western regional flavours. After nightfall, join private stargazing. Free of urban light pollution, you view the brilliant desert Milky Way.
Western Silk Road Wilderness Expedition
Travel along the ancient western Silk Road to Yumen Pass, Yangguan and Yardan landforms. Roam empty desert roads, take custom wilderness photos and witness spectacular sunset over the vast Gobi landscape.
Yulin Grottoes Special Cave Visit
Discover Yulin Grottoes, the lesser-known counterpart to Mogao Grottoes. Admire breathtaking murals in special caves (availability subject to daily notice). Explore Suoyang ruins and Earth Son sculpture for unique high-end cultural discovery.
Ancient City Wall Private Cart Tour
Tour Xi’an City Wall by private electric cart, stopping at carefully selected sites. Learn about its military defence and ancient urban planning from a specialist. End the day with an authentic Tang-style private feast.
DAY 1 Departure
Land in Xi’an and check into a downtown luxury hotel to adapt to the northwest climate. Wander old town lanes at dusk and soak up the timeless charm of this ancient capital, kicking off your Silk Road exploration.
DAY 2 Terracotta Army & Song of Everlasting Sorrow
Enjoy skip-the-line VIP entry to the Terracotta Army with a specialist historian. Spend 3–3.5 hours exploring pits and bronze chariots to learn about Qin civilisation. In the evening, watch the grand outdoor show Song of Everlasting Sorrow.
Day 3 City Wall & Tang Feast
Ride a private electric cart along the ancient city wall. Stop at key viewpoints for expert explanation of its military design. Admire Chang’an night views and enjoy an exclusive Tang-style private banquet with authentic Chang’an flavours.
DAY 4 Travel to Dunhuang
Take private transport to Dunhuang, leaving the ancient capital behind for vast desert landscapes. Settle into a luxury desert resort, acclimatise to the arid environment and get ready for your desert adventure.
DAY 5 Western Dunhuang Desert Route
Visit the western Silk Road landmarks: Yumen Pass, Yangguan and the ruins of Han Great Wall. Explore the remote Yardan landform. Enjoy custom desert photoshoots and wait for stunning sunset over the boundless wilderness.
DAY 6 Yulin Grottoes & Ancient Ruins
Head to Guazhou to visit Yulin Grottoes, the sister caves of Mogao Grottoes. View special caves (subject to daily availability). Explore Suoyang City ruins and the Earth Son sculpture for high-end lesser-known Dunhuang experiences.
DAY 7 Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring
Visit Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring at off-peak hours. Ride private camels deep into the dunes away from crowds. Optional sand sliding and desert SUV rides bring diverse fun amid the sea of golden sand.
DAY 8 Desert Camp & Star Gazing
Unwind at the desert camp in the afternoon. Savour an exclusive private desert dinner with local flavours after dark. Enjoy private stargazing far from city lights, admiring the brilliant pure desert starry sky.
DAY 9 Dunhuang Culture & Performance
Stroll Dunhuang old town or visit ancient Western Jin tombs. Try traditional intangible heritage handcrafts. In the evening, watch the immersive epic show Seeing Dunhuang and travel through thousands of years of Silk Road history.
DAY 10 Warm home
Spend relaxed time downtown picking Silk Road souvenirs. Private airport transfer will be arranged according to your flight schedule, concluding this 10-day premium journey across Chang’an and the desert.
