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18 Day Magnificent China Silk Road Tour

18 Day Fly, Stay & Small Group Tour uncovering China’s legendary Silk Road, from Urumqi to Beijing. Discover ancient cities, desert horizons and hands-on experiences, led by an expert Tour Leader.

  • Low Deposit From $499* pp
  • Bonus Savings | $5000
  • Small Group Tour

Book By 31 July 2026

Select Dates Apr 27 - Oct 27

Product Code: MT-2420

VENTURE FURTHER, SPEND LESS

Unlock $250^ OFF a future touring holiday.

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18 Day Magnificent China Silk Road Tour

18 Day Fly, Stay & Small Group Tour uncovering China’s legendary Silk Road, from Urumqi to Beijing. Discover ancient cities, desert horizons and hands-on experiences, led by an expert Tour Leader.

  • Low Deposit From $499* pp
  • Bonus Savings | $5000
  • Small Group Tour

VENTURE FURTHER, SPEND LESS

Unlock $250^ OFF a future touring holiday.

Explore Deals

Package Inclusions Open All

International flights to Urumqi, returning from Beijing

Embark on an unforgettable journey along China’s legendary Silk Road on this in-depth 18 Day Fly, Stay & Guided Tour from Urumqi to Beijing, guided by an expert Tour Leader. Travelling through vast deserts, ancient trade cities and modern cultural hubs, this immersive itinerary reveals the rich history, dramatic landscapes and enduring traditions that shaped one of the world’s most iconic routes.

Begin in Urumqi with Heavenly Lake and the vibrant Grand Bazaar before journeying through the Flaming Mountains and ruins of Jiaohe Ancient City. Continue to Dunhuang to explore the remarkable Mogao Caves and enjoy a unique desert glamping experience in the greater Gobi Desert area and sleep under the stars.

Hear the singing sand dunes at Mingsha Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring before travelling to Jiayuguan Pass on the edge of the Great Wall. Cross the surreal Rainbow Mountains en route to Lanzhou, where you’ll take part in a hands-on cooking class featuring the city’s famous beef noodle soup.

Continue by high-speed train to Xi’an to witness the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses before concluding in Beijing with a cable car ride at Mutianyu Great Wall.

Tour Inclusions

  • Return international flights
  • 16 nights in hand-selected 3–4 star hotels
  • 1 night glamping on the edge of the Gobi Desert
  • Breakfast daily, 9 lunches and 4 dinners
  • Airport transfers and English-speaking Tour Leader
  • High-speed rail journeys and deluxe coach transport
  • Sightseeing and admissions as per itinerary
  • Small group tour with a maximum of 24 guests
  • BONUS: Tipping in China to the value of $216 AUD per person

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Urumqi’s Heavenly Lake, set against the dramatic Tianshan Mountains
  • Wander the vibrant Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, a colourful Silk Road trading hub
  • Discover the Flaming Mountains and ancient Jiaohe Ruins in Turpan
  • Uncover the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves in Dunhuang
  • Experience a unique glamping experience on the edge of the Gobi Desert
  • Hear the “singing sands” at Mingsha Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring
  • Stand at the historic Jiayuguan Pass, the western gateway of the Great Wall
  • Journey through the surreal landscapes of Zhangye’s Rainbow Mountains
  • Enjoy a BBQ dinner in the spectacular Zhangye Danxia landscape
  • Hands-on cooking class to prepare Lanzhou’s famous beef noodle soup
  • Savour the traditional flavours of Beijing with a Peking Duck meal
  • Travel by high-speed rail through changing Silk Road scenery
  • Discover Xi’an’s world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses
  • Ascend by cable car at Beijing’s incredible Mutianyu Great Wall
Itinerary Map

Your Itinerary

Itinerary Map
Itinerary Map

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Arrive Urumqi Airport

Welcome to Urumqi, the lively capital of Xinjiang.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. As Urumqi is in China’s far west, the daylight hours can feel later than expected. Take the evening to rest, settle in and prepare for the journey ahead.

Note: Due to flight times and schedules, some customers may be required to depart the day prior on an overnight flight from Australia.

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Urumqi or similar
Meals included: None

 
Heavenly Lake & Grand Bazaar

After breakfast, travel to Heavenly Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains. Enjoy the fresh air and scenic views of one of Xinjiang’s most iconic natural attractions.

In the afternoon, return to Urumqi and visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, a vibrant Silk Road trading hub filled with local crafts, dried fruits, spices and regional culture.

This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and get to know your fellow guests.

Join an optional tour of Xinjiang Ethnic Music and Dance Show from RMB 360 per person, this can be booked and paid locally to your Tour Guide.

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Urumqi or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

 
Urumqi - Flaming Mountains - Turpan

Travel by coach from Urumqi to Turpan (3-4hrs), passing desert and mountain landscapes that reflect the vast scale of China’s far west. The journey is broken into comfortable sightseeing stops.

Visit the Flaming Mountains, famous for their dramatic red sandstone formations and their connection to the classic story Journey to the West. Continue to the ancient Karez Well System, an ingenious underground irrigation system that allowed life to thrive in this desert region.

In the afternoon, visit Grape Valley for a local Uyghur family-style experience, where you may enjoy tea, dried fruits or seasonal grapes while learning about oasis life.

Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure or opt to join a Turpan Cultural Performance and Buffet Dinner from RMB 399 per person, booked and paid to your Tour Guide.

Note: Turpan can be very hot during summer. Sun protection, hydration and comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Turpan or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

 
Jiaohe Ancient City Ruins

Visit the Ancient City of Jiaohe, one of the best-preserved earthen cities in the world. Set dramatically on a natural plateau and carved directly into the earth, this former oasis settlement offers a powerful insight into how ancient communities lived, governed and defended themselves in the harsh desert environment over 2,000 years ago.

Continue to the elegant Emin Minaret, the tallest ancient minaret in China. Built in the 18th century, this beautifully preserved Islamic-style tower is admired for its detailed brickwork and reflects the region’s long history of cultural and religious exchange.

Later, you visit a Xinjiang silk and textile workshop to learn about the region’s traditional weaving techniques, natural fibres and the cultural symbolism behind this centuries-old craft. The experience may include an introduction to silk carpets, camel wool and other regional textiles, presented as part of Turpan’s living heritage. This is followed by a visit to a local market or traditional grape-drying house, offering insight into everyday life in the oasis communities where grapes and dried fruits have been cultivated for generations.

Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Turpan or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

 
Turpan - Dunhuang (City of Sands)

Board a high-speed train (5-6hrs) to Dunhuang, an important oasis town on China’s western frontier. Surrounded by desert yet sustained by underground water systems, Dunhuang flourished as a cultural and religious centre where travellers, traders and pilgrims once converged.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to rest after the journey.

This evening, visit Shazhou Night Market, where you can wander through lively streets filled with food stalls, souvenir shops and local specialities. You are free to explore at your own pace, sampling regional snacks or simply soaking up the atmosphere.

Important note: For high-speed rail travel, portable power banks must generally not exceed 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh). Some items, including certain batteries, aerosols, sprays, alcohol, sharp objects and other restricted goods, may be prohibited or subject to quantity limits. You are advised to check your luggage in advance to ensure it meets rail security requirements and to avoid delays during screening. 

Hotel: Fuguo Hotel Dunhuang or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

 
Mogao Caves & Desert Glamping

This morning, visit the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves, one of the world’s greatest collections of Buddhist art. Carved into cliffs overlooking the desert, these caves contain exquisite murals and painted sculptures spanning over a thousand years. They offer a powerful insight into the spiritual, artistic and cultural exchanges that flourished along the Silk Road.

In the afternoon, experience a memorable desert camp stay on the edge of the Gobi Desert. After an introduction to the desert landscape, you will be shown to your premium “glamping” cabin, featuring twin beds, a private bathroom, air conditioning, complimentary bottled water and mini fridge. You may choose to relax before dinner or participate in optional desert activities available for purchase locally, such as short camel rides or ATV buggy rides.

Important Note: In case of extreme weather or unsafe conditions, the desert camp stay will be replaced with hotel accommodation in Dunhuang for guest safety and comfort. Optional activities are at additional cost and paid directly to the camp. All activities are subject to weather and local operating conditions. The sightseeing order across Days 5–7 may be adjusted if required.

Hotel: Dunhuang Desert Camp or hotel in Dunhuang (subject to weather)
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

 
Mingsha Sand Dunes & Crescent Moon Spring

After checkout, return to Dunhuang. This is a relaxed travel day with time to rest before exploring one of the region’s most iconic attractions.

This afternoon, visit the remarkable Mingsha Sand Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring, a natural oasis framed by sweeping sand dunes. Famous for their natural “singing sands”, the dunes emit a soft humming sound when the sand shifts, creating a truly unique sensory experience. The crescent-shaped spring has endured for centuries despite the harsh desert environment, making it one of the region’s most iconic desert sights.

Hotel: Fuguo Hotel Dunhuang or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

 
Dunhuang - Jiayuguan Pass - Jiayuguan

Travel to Jiayuguan, an important frontier city. Today involves a longer scenic drive (5hrs) through desert landscapes, offering a sense of the vast distances once faced by traders, soldiers and travellers.

You will visit Jiayuguan Pass, famously known as the “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven”. This formidable fortress marks the western end of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and offers insight into the military defences that protected China’s borders and controlled Silk Road trade routes.

Hotel: Jiayuguan Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

 
Jiayuguan - Rainbow Mountains – Zhangye

Continue by coach to Zhangye (3-4hrs) to explore the spectacular Rainbow Mountains, renowned for their layered red, orange and gold rock formations created over millions of years. Walking along the viewing platforms reveals one of China’s most visually striking natural landscapes.

In the evening, enjoy a BBQ dinner experience in the illuminated Zhangye Danxia landscape (subject to weather and seasonal conditions).

Note: Due to strong winds or extreme weather, the Danxia-style dinner experience may be replaced with a standard restaurant meal for guest safety and comfort.

Hotel: Hampton by Hilton Zhangye or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

 
Zhangye - Lanzhou (Train)

Travel by high-speed train (3hrs) to Lanzhou, a historic river city set along the banks of the Yellow River and considered one of the gateways between western and central China.

On arrival, visit key landmarks including White Pagoda Mountain, Zhongshan Bridge and the Yellow River Mother Sculpture, a powerful symbol of Chinese civilisation and heritage.

Hotel: Lanzhou Jinjiang Sunshine Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

 
Cooking Class & Free Time

Enjoy a hands-on cooking class preparing Lanzhou’s famous beef noodles. This experience gives you a deeper appreciation of regional flavours and the simple techniques behind one of China’s most iconic comfort foods.

The afternoon is free to relax or explore Lanzhou at your own pace. You may choose to stroll along the Yellow River promenade, visit local markets, or simply unwind after several days of travel.

Hotel: Lanzhou Jinjiang Sunshine Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

 
Lanzhou - Xian (Train)

Travel by high-speed train (3hrs) to Xi’an, one of China’s most important ancient capitals and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road.

This evening, you may choose to join an optional Grand Tang Night & Dinner, where illuminated streets, traditional architecture and cultural performances bring the glory of the Tang Dynasty to life. This optional tour includes Dinner and from RMB 360 per person, booked and paid to your Tour Guide.

Hotel: Xian Ancient Capital Culture Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

 
Terracotta Warriors and Horses

Today, visit one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries — the Terracotta Warriors. This vast underground army, created over 2,000 years ago to guard China’s first emperor, offers an unforgettable insight into ancient Chinese power and craftsmanship.

After lunch, enjoy a visit to a local workshop visit before seeing Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall. One of the best-preserved city walls in China, it provides a tangible sense of the city’s imperial past. The visit is flexible, allowing time to walk sections of the wall depending on group pace.

Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure or join an optional Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with dinner from RMB 380 per person, booked and paid to your Tour Guide.

Hotel: Xian Ancient Capital Culture Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

 
Xian Free Day

Enjoy a full day at leisure or choose from a range of optional tours provided by your Tour Guide.

Popular choices include visits to the Muslim Quarter for local street food, museums showcasing ancient artefacts, temple visits, or guided food walks that highlight regional flavours.

Hotel: Xian Ancient Capital Culture Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

 
Xian - Beijing (Train)

Travel by high-speed train (5hrs) to Beijing, China’s capital and a city where imperial history meets modern life.

Upon arrival, visit the exterior of the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube, iconic structures from the 2008 Olympic Games that symbolise modern China’s global emergence. Continue with a tea culture and calligraphy experience, offering insight into traditional Chinese arts still practised today.

Hotel: Ramada Beijing North or similar
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner

 
Great Wall & Peking Duck

Today, you begin with a short visit to a jade workshop, where you gain insight into the cultural importance of jade in Chinese history and its role as a symbol of status, protection and artistry.

You then travel to one of the world’s most famous landmarks — the Mutianyu Great Wall. Ascend by cable car to this beautifully restored section and enjoy time walking along the wall, where sweeping views highlight the scale and ingenuity of this ancient structure set against the surrounding mountains.

Enjoy a picnic-style lunch near the Great Wall before returning to Beijing this evening for a farewell highlight: a traditional Peking Duck dinner, one of the city’s most celebrated culinary experiences.

Hotel: Ramada Beijing North or similar
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

 
Beijing Free Day

Enjoy a full day at leisure or choose from a range of optional tours provided by your Tour Guide. Optional tours may include the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, traditional Hutong neighbourhoods, or guided food experiences that reveal Beijing’s diverse culinary scene.

Hotel: Ramada Beijing North or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

 
Depart Beijing Airport

After breakfast and hotel checkout, transfer to Beijing Airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your unforgettable Silk Road journey across China.

Meals included: Breakfast

See full itinerary

Important Info Open All

Price based on tours starting:

  • 6 September 2027
  • 13 September 2027
  • 11 October 2027
  • 18 October 2027

Extra charges apply for:

  • 12 April 2027 ($400pp)
  • 19 April 2027 ($400pp)
  • 10 May 2027 ($200pp)
  • 17 May 2027 ($200pp)
  • 24 May 2027 ($200pp)
  • 31 May 2027 ($200pp)

Travel Seasons – Spring & Autumn

This 18 day small group tour operates during early April to early June and early September to late October, widely regarded as the best times to uncover this legendary region.

Spring (April–June) brings mild temperatures, clearer skies and fresh colour to oasis towns, deserts and mountain landscapes. It’s an ideal season for sightseeing, photography and comfortable travel along the historic Silk Road route.

Autumn (September–October) offers crisp days, golden scenery and excellent visibility across desert corridors and dramatic geological formations. With cooler evenings and fewer extremes in temperature, it’s a favourite season for exploring ancient cities, fortress walls and UNESCO-listed sites.

Price based on departing from Melbourne, Sydney

Extra charges apply for:

  • Brisbane ($400pp)
  • Adelaide ($400pp)

Pace

This is a moderate paced tour covering multiple regions of China. You can expect a mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences and scenic travel, with some early starts and longer travel days by coach and high-speed train. Many popular attractions can be busy, particularly at peak times, so it’s important to stay with your dedicated Tour Leader to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the journey.

Fitness

A good level of fitness is required. You should be comfortable moving about unassisted, including boarding and disembarking vehicles, managing luggage at stations, walking for extended periods, and climbing stairs at historical and scenic sites. Sightseeing often involves uneven ground, stone pathways, sand, steps and open viewing areas, with limited handrails in some locations. Activities are mostly outdoors and may take place in warmer temperatures, particularly in desert regions. While the pace is not rushed, travellers must have adequate stamina and be comfortable in warm, outdoor conditions to participate in the full program.

Overnight Desert Glamping Stay

Your overnight desert glamping stay on the edge of the Gobi Desert is a memorable highlight of the tour, offering a rare opportunity to experience the desert landscape in comfort. You’ll stay in a premium cabin featuring twin beds, a private ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, a mini fridge and complimentary bottled water. As this experience takes place in an exposed desert environment, it is subject to weather and safety conditions, including temperature or strong winds. In the event conditions are unsuitable, the overnight stay will be replaced with hotel accommodation in Dunhuang for your comfort and safety. The desert camp may offer a range of optional activities and experiences, which can be booked on site and are payable locally.

Tipping in China (included)

Tipping in China is a well-established custom in the tourism industry. For this tour, the tipping for the English-speaking Tour Leader has been included in the tour price, valued at $216 AUD per person. Any additional tips for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff are at your own discretion.

Visa requirement for China

Ordinary Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter China visa-free for visits of up to 30 days or less as per the visa waiver program for travel up to 31 December 2026. Travellers do not need to complete any pre-departure documents; however, it is advised that you print a copy of your travel documents, including your return flight itinerary, as you may be asked to show this at customs and immigration upon arrival into China.

For eligibility requirements, latest costs and visa types, please see the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Full travel advice for China can be found on Smartraveller.

  • Urumqi – Hilton Garden Inn Urumqi or similar
  • Turpan – Hampton by Hilton Turpan or similar
  • Dunhuang – Fuguo Hotel Dunhuang or similar or similar
  • Desert Glamping – Dunhuang Desert Camp or similar (subject to weather)
  • Jiayuguan – Jiayuguan Hotel or similar
  • Zhangye – Hampton by Hilton Zhangye or similar
  • Lanzhou – Lanzhou Jinjiang Sunshine Hotel or similar
  • Xian – Xian Ancient Capital Culture Hotel or similar
  • Beijing – Ramada Beijing North Hotel or similar

Note: The accommodation mentioned above is subject to change. In case of extreme weather or unsafe conditions, the desert camp stay will be replaced with hotel accommodation in Dunhuang for guest safety and comfort.

Please refer to your confirmed Hotel List provided to you at the time of Final Documentation sent no later than 30 days prior to departure.

Your overnight desert glamping stay on the edge of the Gobi Desert is a memorable highlight of the tour, offering a rare opportunity to experience the vast desert landscape in comfort. Accommodation is in a premium-style cabin featuring twin beds, a private ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, a mini fridge and complimentary bottled water.

As there are several desert camps operating in the Dunhuang region, the final camp location, cabin design and provider will be confirmed closer to departure. Images shown are indicative only and are intended to provide a guide to the style, amenities and standard of accommodation you can expect for this one-night stay. The actual cabin may differ slightly in appearance, layout or décor.

Please note this experience takes place in an exposed desert environment and is subject to weather and safety conditions, including extreme temperatures or strong winds. Should conditions be deemed unsuitable, the overnight desert stay will be replaced with hotel accommodation in Dunhuang to ensure guest comfort and safety.

Optional desert camp activities, where available, can be booked on site and are payable locally.

Enhance your holiday with a range of optional experiences, payable directly to the Tour Guide in local currency (RMB). These cannot be prebooked or prepaid. All optional programs are subject to change based on local conditions, timings, and operational capabilities.

A list of optional tours and programs will be made available to you at time of final travel documentation.

A single supplement from $1200*pp is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy.

 

Exclusions

Meals not stated, beverages, optional tours, travel insurance (strongly recommended), China Visa (if required), personal expenses and anything not explicitly specified are at your own expense.

Payment

A first deposit from $499 per person is required to secure your booking. A second deposit (partial payment) is due 10 months before departure – the amount to be advised at the time of booking. The final balance will be due 5 months before departure. Full payment is due at the time of booking for departures within 5 months.

Pace

This is a moderate paced tour covering multiple regions of China. You can expect a mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences and scenic travel, with some early starts and longer travel days by coach and high-speed train. Many popular attractions can be busy, particularly at peak times, so it’s important to stay with your dedicated Tour Leader to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout the journey.

Fitness

A good level of fitness is required. You should be comfortable moving about unassisted, including boarding and disembarking vehicles, managing luggage at stations, walking for extended periods, and climbing stairs at historical and scenic sites. Sightseeing often involves uneven ground, stone pathways, sand, steps and open viewing areas, with limited handrails in some locations. Activities are mostly outdoors and may take place in warmer temperatures, particularly in desert regions. While the pace is not rushed, travellers must have adequate stamina and be comfortable in warm, outdoor conditions to participate in the full program.

Overnight Desert Glamping Stay

Your overnight desert glamping stay on the edge of the Gobi Desert is a memorable highlight of the tour, offering a rare opportunity to experience the desert landscape in comfort. You’ll stay in a premium cabin featuring twin beds, a private ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, a mini fridge and complimentary bottled water. As this experience takes place in an exposed desert environment, it is subject to weather and safety conditions, including temperature or strong winds. In the event conditions are unsuitable, the overnight stay will be replaced with hotel accommodation in Dunhuang for your comfort and safety. The desert camp may offer a range of optional activities and experiences, which can be booked on site and are payable locally.

Tipping

Tipping in China is a well-established custom in the tourism industry. For this tour, the tipping for the English-speaking Tour Leader has been included in the tour price, valued at $216 AUD per person. Any additional tips for local guides, drivers, and hotel staff are at your own discretion.

Solo Occupancy

A single supplement from $1,200 per person is payable in addition to the twin share price for solo occupancy. Single rooms can sometimes be smaller than twin/double rooms in China.

Triple Share

Triple share is not available.

Child Policy

This tour is best enjoyed to adult travellers and is not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Children 12 years and above are subject to the adult price and must be accompanied by an adult.

Price

Surcharges may apply for select travel periods and departure cities. Prices are correct at time of publication and are subject to availability, change, cancellation or withdrawal without notice. All prices are in Australian dollars per person twin share unless stated otherwise.

Change & Cancellation Fees

Changes for any reason will incur a fee of $110 per person per change in addition to any travel service provider fees. Cancellation for any reason will incur a fee of $550 per person in addition to any travel service provider fees. Travel service provider fees for the tour and air components of the package are dependent on the date of the change or cancellation as follows:

  • 0-29 days before departure 100% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply
  • 30-60 days before departure 65% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply
  • 61-99 days before departure 50% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply
  • 100-180 days before departure 30% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply
  • 181+ days before departure 10% of the tour fee and 100% of the air fee will apply.

Airfares are generally non-refundable but any refundable ticket taxes will be returned. Full details of the change and cancellation fees is outlined in the Terms & Conditions available on our website.

Deviation

Any request to deviate from the original dates or routing, including early arrival and stay behind, is subject to a flight deviation fee from $150 per person plus applicable airfare and tax difference. Packaged tour extensions are not subject to the deviation fee (applicable airfare and tax difference may still apply) if booked according to the original advertised dates and routing.

Passport

For international travel, each customer must provide a copy of the passport photo page at the time of booking. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all names are full names exactly matched to the passport with six months validity beyond trip completion. The customer is liable for all fees due to incorrect names, invalid passport information and expired passports.

Visa

Ordinary Australian and New Zealand passport holders can enter China visa-free for visits of up to 30 days or less as per the visa waiver program for travel up to 31 December 2026. Travellers do not need to complete any pre-departure documents; however, it is advised that you print a copy of your travel documents, including your return flight itinerary, as you may be asked to show this at customs and immigration upon arrival into China.

Travellers entering China on a foreign passport, or any Australian or New Zealand passport holder travelling China for more than 30 days, must apply for a full visa before travelling to China.  For eligibility requirements, latest costs and visa types, please see the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. Full travel advice for China or for travel date extensions to the visa waiver program please visit Smartraveller.

Health

It is the responsibility of the customer to check and comply with the health, vaccination, COVID-19 and immigration requirements of each origin and destination country, and health requirements imposed by air, tour, cruise and accommodation providers. Vaccinations, testing and quarantine costs are the expense of the customer. Comprehensive travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage is strongly recommended. Tap water in China may not be safe to drink. Drink only bottled water with intact seals.

Money

The currency in China is the Renminbi (RMB). ATMs are widely available in major Chinese cities. They accept major credit cards including at international hotels and restaurants. In some smaller cities, using international cards will be limited and local currency is suggested.

Shopping

China is a treasure trove for those looking to shop. From busting markets to large shopping centres. Famously known for silk and jade products, China is also known for its pearl and tea produce, along with traditional Chinese medicine. Your itinerary may allow for stops at English speaking shops where you can browse/purchase products. Any purchase of products are at your own discretion. Please do not make any purchases if you are not comfortable or feel pressured into. Should you require any assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Leader.

Baggage

Each person is entitled to a strict maximum of one bag not exceeding 20kg on tour, superseding any other baggage allowance. Excess baggage is not permitted. You are strongly encouraged to pack lightly. An additional light day bag or backpack is permitted on the coach. Due to high-speed train baggage restrictions, you may wish to pack a separate light bag or backpack containing essentials – your luggage will also be stored in the designated luggage racks located on the train and not easily accessible once the train is moving. All porterage is not included, and you are required to carry your own bags. Luggage and personal effects are your own risk, and we hold no liability for lost or damaged belongings.

Transfers

Seat in coach airport transfers on group tour arrival and departure days are included.

Meals

Breakfasts offered by the Chinese accommodation providers and are typically buffet style, with limited vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options. For meals not included, your Tour Leader will escort you to preferred Western friendly restaurants or suggest dining options nearby. Please notify us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements and allergies. We endeavour to pass on your dietary requirements but cannot guarantee that they can be met as certain choices may be limited or not catered for. You are required to reconfirm dietary requests with your Tour Leader whilst on tour.

Accommodation

All accommodation featured in this itinerary is based on 3.5-4-star hotels. Please note most hotels in China are either self-rated or locally rated based on Chinese standards. All hotel rooms will feature either a twin room (two single beds) or a double room (1 Queen bed). All bedding requests cannot be guaranteed however all special requests should be made known at time of booking. All rooms are lead-in category or run of house unless otherwise specified. All hotel rooms will be requested as non-smoking, however, please be aware that some hotels offer smoking rooms and smoking floors. Hotel names mentioned are indicative and subject to change based, with final group tour hotels being confirmed on your final documentation. The standard check-in time is from 3pm and check-out is prior to 10am.

Overnight Desert Glamping Stay

Your overnight desert glamping stay on the edge of the Gobi Desert is a memorable highlight of the tour, offering a rare opportunity to experience the desert landscape in comfort. You’ll stay in a premium cabin featuring twin beds, a private ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, a mini fridge and complimentary bottled water. As this experience takes place in an exposed desert environment, it is subject to weather and safety conditions, including temperature or strong winds. In the event conditions are unsuitable, the overnight stay will be replaced with hotel accommodation in Dunhuang for your comfort and safety. The desert camp may offer a range of optional activities and experiences, which can be booked on site and are payable locally.

International Flights

The outbound flight may depart one day prior to day 1 shown on the itinerary. The inbound flight may arrive one day after the final day shown on the itinerary. Flights are booked approximately 8 to 10 months prior to departure. The flights included in your package are based on China Southern, Air China or Cathay Pacific with a specific predetermined airfare allowance. Should there be a significant increase in airfares, fuel levies, taxes or government fees at the time of booking flights, then an airfare supplement may be imposed. The flights team will discuss options with you prior to ticketing, should this situation arise.  Flights may not operate daily or directly to your destination. No show of any flight sectors will result in the automatic cancellation of all onward flights by the airline.

Fuel

In the unlikely event of a significant increase in fuel costs levied by third-party air, land and cruise transportation operators before travel, a fuel supplement may be passed on to the customer.

Group Size

You will meet like-minded travellers on tour and may even make lifelong friends. This holiday will proceed with a minimum group size of 15 passengers and a maximum group size of approximately 24 passengers. If the tour does not operate due to minimum numbers, you will be offered a credit or alternative date.

Optional Tours

Optional programs are special unique experiences that you may add to your tour. Optional programs are payable directly to the Tour Leader in the local currency (RMB) and cannot be prepaid. In the event that some programs or venues may not be available, alternative programs may be offered or the Tour Leader. For any passenger not participating in optional programs, they will be directed by the Tour Leader with where to remain until the optional program with other passengers attending is complete.

Itinerary

The operating schedule and itinerary may be impacted without notice by adverse weather, seasonal factors, closures, local conditions, COVID-19 or other factors beyond our control including force majeure. If attractions are not available due to reasons beyond our control such as closures or adverse weather, alternatives will be provided where possible. The itinerary and its order, sightseeing and transportation may be adjusted as deemed appropriate by the operator for optimum safety, enjoyment and operation. Any reference to ‘optional’, ‘not included’ or ‘exclusions/excluded’ means at your own expense.

Train Transportation

All train transportation featured in the itinerary is based on 2nd class seating.

Due to factors outside of our control, such as operational changes, last-minute track maintenance, or unfavourable weather conditions, train travel may be substituted with a flight or coach to maintain the continuity of the itinerary while prioritising the safety of all passengers.

For high-speed rail travel, portable power banks must generally not exceed 100Wh (approximately 27,000mAh). Some items, including certain batteries, aerosols, sprays, alcohol, sharp objects and other restricted goods, may be prohibited or subject to quantity limits. You are advised to check your luggage in advance to ensure it meets rail security requirements and to avoid delays during screening.

Breakaway

Customers must remain with the tour group at all times and must not leave the tour unless written approval is provided before departure.

Documentation

Final documentation will be emailed to you within two to four weeks from departure date.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended. Ask our holiday experts for great coverage options.

Force Majeure

Force majeure means any natural disaster, accident, fire, act of God, act of war, terrorism, legally binding judgment, injunction, action of a court or other relevant authority, emergency, unplanned repairs, maintenance, strike, industrial dispute, work ban, blockade or picketing, travel ban, pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of infectious disease, or other event beyond our reasonable direct or indirect control. In case of force majeure or other extraordinary event that prevents safe travel, the supplier reserves the right to adjust, postpone or cancel the trip.


*
price is per person twin share
*
single traveller surcharge from $1,200*pp

Product Code: MT-2420

From $4,499 *pp Valued at $6999
Book By 31 July 2026

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Total: $4,499.00

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*
price is per person twin share
*
single traveller surcharge from $1,200*pp

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Your Enquiry.

18 Day Magnificent China Silk Road Tour


Enquiry Details.

Days 18

Adults 2

Children 0

Departure Point Sydney

Preferred Departure Date 12-04-2027


From $4,499.00

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