Qinghai and Gansu bring together plateau lakes, colorful rock formations and Silk Road culture. From Xining, the lake, Chaka and Qilian stages can connect westwards to Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang. This twelve-day reference itinerary arrives in Xining and departs from Dunhuang; it is not a closed loop returning to Xining. Travelers arriving from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan or overseas should compare connections at both ends before deciding how much time to spend at the lakes and caves.
Use these routes as starting points for a discussion with your adviser. Duration, transport and availability depend on your travel requirements.
Qinghai to Dunhuang: A Silk Road Journey
Travel for twelve days and eleven nights from Xining through Qinghai Lake, Chaka, Qilian, Zhangye and Jiayuguan to Dunhuang. This one-way route combines plateau scenery with Silk Road culture, finishing with Mogao and Dunhuang excursions. Plan departure transport from Dunhuang. This is a reference route; accommodation, tickets, transport and fee coverage are subject to the confirmed quotation and itinerary.
Find inspiration in our tours
Choose priorities from route ideas or sample itineraries, then discuss adjustments around your dates, party size and pace.
Qinghai & Gansu
Qinghai to Dunhuang: A Silk Road Journey
Twelve days from Xining to Dunhuang, with lakes, Danxia scenery and caves
Travel for twelve days and eleven nights from Xining through Qinghai Lake, Chaka, Qilian, Zhangye and Jiayuguan to Dunhuang. This one-way route combines plateau scenery with Silk Road culture, finishing with Mogao and Dunhuang excursions. Plan departure transport from Dunhuang. This is a reference route; accommodation, tickets, transport and fee coverage are subject to the confirmed quotation and itinerary.
Lake areas, grasslands and Dunhuang have different conditions. Check flowering periods, lake reflections and roads for your travel month, and confirm Mogao reservations separately.
Your travel party and pace
Share your party size, the needs of children or older travelers, luggage and room arrangements before confirming transport and accommodation.
Choose stops around daily driving time, walking and rest breaks, and include pickups, drop-offs and transfers between stops in the itinerary.
Travelers from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas should check requirements against their actual travel documents, dates and route, rather than their place of residence or language.
What should you compare in a private tour quote?
A private vehicle booking and a private tour may include different services. Compare written quotes for the same dates, party size and services. The actual price is subject to the written quote confirmed by both parties.
Party size and dates: the number of adults and children, departure date, and whether the quote applies to your trip.
Accommodation and rooms: each night's hotel, occupancy, breakfast, arrangements for children and any single-room supplement.
Vehicle and staff: vehicle type, luggage space, pickup and drop-off coverage, and the separate services of the driver, guide or tour leader.
Cost coverage: confirm admission tickets, transport within attractions, meals, insurance and optional activities individually.
Payment and changes: quote currency, payment methods, possible charges, and cancellation and rescheduling terms.
Yes. Share an approximate month, party size and regions of interest. The itinerary, availability and price need to be checked once your dates and requirements are confirmed.
Can the published itinerary be adjusted?
The published itinerary is a route reference. Tell your adviser where you want to go, your preferred driving limits and rest needs, then confirm transport, accommodation, services and a written quote for the revised plan.
What should travellers from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan or overseas confirm?
Check requirements for the travel documents you hold, your dates and route. Confirm transfer cities, accommodation, payment currency and contact details. Document requirements cannot be determined by residence or language alone.
