Shanghai is China’s prosperous international metropolis and a historic node of the Maritime Silk Road. Land at Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao International Airport. Your private guide and driver greet you and transfer you to your downtown luxury hotel. After check-in, take a leisure stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the iconic Bund waterfront.

Attraction Highlights

1. The Bund: A world-famous 1.5-kilometer riverside landmark featuring 52 well-preserved century-old European-style buildings. It stands as a witness to Shanghai’s century-long prosperity. Separated by the Huangpu River, these historic early-20th-century monuments stand face-to-face with contemporary Pudong skyscrapers, forming one of the world’s most spectacular night vistas.

2. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: One of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks. If time permits, you may ride the vintage sightseeing tram along the pedestrian street for a relaxed experience.

Continue exploring Shanghai’s ancient maritime Islamic heritage. Depart early for Tianma Mountain to visit the renowned thousand-year Huzhu Leaning Pagoda. Climb the mountain to appreciate this unique ancient architectural miracle. Afterwards, visit Songjiang Mosque, the oldest Islamic heritage in Shanghai area. Spend the whole afternoon exploring Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park. Before returning to downtown Shanghai, enjoy a genuine local halal dinner on the way.

Attraction Highlights

1. Huzhu Pagoda: A rare Northern Song Dynasty leaning pagoda with over 1,000 years of history. Tilting naturally for centuries yet still standing firmly, it is praised as “Shanghai’s Leaning Tower of Pisa”. It represents superb ancient Chinese masonry techniques and profound Jiangnan ancient culture.

2. Songjiang Mosque: The oldest existing mosque in Shanghai, built in the Yuan Dynasty. It features a perfect fusion of traditional Chinese courtyard architecture and simple Islamic religious style, recording the early spread of Islamic culture along the Yangtze River estuary.

3. Guangfulin Relics Park: Known as the origin of Shanghai civilization. It integrates prehistoric ruins, Jiangnan ancient architecture and wetland scenery, displaying the earliest human settlement and cultural roots of Shanghai region.

In the morning, drive to Liuhe Ancient Town, one of the two major ancient departure ports of China’s Maritime Silk Road, together with Qinglong Town. This historic harbour served as the official departure site for Zheng He’s seven grand ocean voyages, facilitating massive Sino-foreign maritime trade and Islamic cultural communication between the Yangtze Delta and overseas regions. Continue to visit the historic Taicang Mosque. Return to downtown Shanghai in the afternoon to wander Shanghai Old Street and City God Temple.

Attraction Highlights

1. Liuhe Ancient Town and Zhenhe Park A vital hub of the Maritime Silk Road located at the mouth of the Yangtze River. As the departure port of Zheng He’s famous fleets, it witnessed prosperous ancient overseas trade, diplomatic missions and cross-border religious and cultural exchanges, serving as a key link between inland Jiangnan civilization and global maritime civilization.

2. Taicang Mosque: An ancient Hui Muslim temple with standard Chinese courtyard layout and Islamic decorative features. It witnesses the long-term settlement of Muslim merchants and religious inheritance along the Yangtze River estuary maritime trade belt.

3. Shanghai Old Street: Preserves complete Ming and Qing ancient street scenery, gathering traditional handicrafts, ancient commerce and local folk culture, representing the authentic old Shanghai port town style.

Hangzhou was the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty and a vital cultural exchange centre on the Maritime Silk Road. Take high-speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou. Explore West Lake, UNESCO World Heritage Site and the symbol of Jiangnan classical aesthetics. Visit the legendary Phoenix Mosque, one of China’s Four Great Ancient Mosques and a core Islamic heritage of the Maritime Silk Road. Leisure city walk in the evening.

Attraction Highlights

1. West Lake: The most iconic classical landscape lake in China, featuring layered mountains, misty water, ancient pagodas and poetic gardens, embodying the peak of Chinese traditional landscape art.

2. Phoenix Mosque: A 1,300-year-old Tang Dynasty ancient mosque, the most well-preserved Sino-Arab architectural fusion monument in southern China, recording prosperous religious and trade exchanges on the ancient Maritime Silk Road.

Enjoy a full exclusive day exploring Hangzhou’s inland Silk Road heritage. Visit the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the world’s longest ancient artificial waterway and a crucial inland Silk Road transportation hub. Tour the grand modern New Hangzhou Mosque, one of the largest and most magnificent Islamic architectural complexes in East China. Wander traditional tea villages to experience authentic Jiangnan tea culture and ancient street tea houses. In the afternoon, visit Songcheng Scenic Area to immerse in prosperous Song Dynasty maritime and civilian culture.

Attraction Highlights

1. Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal: A UNESCO World Heritage waterway connecting northern and southern China. As an important inland branch of the Silk Road, it enabled massive ancient cargo transportation, cultural integration and religious spreading between regions.

2. New Hangzhou Mosque: A grand modern Islamic complex with stunning contemporary Islamic architecture and spacious prayer halls. It represents the inheritance and development of Muslim culture in modern Jiangnan region.

3. Hangzhou Tea Village & Ancient Streets: Reflecting peaceful Jiangnan rural civilization and traditional slow lifestyle, matching the elegant cultural temperament of the southern Silk Road.

4. Songcheng Scenic Area: Restores the prosperous urban scenery of the Song Dynasty, reproducing the thriving business, folklore and cultural atmosphere of ancient Hangzhou, a core southern Silk Road city.

Xi’an is one of China’s most celebrated ancient capitals and the starting point of the Overland Silk Road. Take direct flight from Hangzhou to Xi’an. Visit Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of Chang’an Silk Road prosperity. Explore Huajue Lane Great Mosque, the largest palace-style ancient mosque in northern China, and stroll the Muslim Quarter at night.

Attraction Highlights

1. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Iconic Tang Dynasty Buddhist architecture built to preserve Silk Road ancient scriptures, representing the golden age of Overland Silk Road cultural exchange.

2. Huajue Lane Great Mosque: A 1,300-year-old grand mosque integrating Chinese imperial courtyard layout and Islamic art, the supreme representative of Sino-Islamic architecture in northern China.

Visit the world-famous Terracotta Army, known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. In the morning or evening, cycle on the well-preserved Xi’an Ancient City Wall to overlook the entire ancient Chang’an city layout.

Attraction Highlights

1. Terracotta Army: UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of life-sized pottery soldiers, showcasing powerful Qin Dynasty military civilization and ancient Silk Road national strength.

2. Xi’an Ancient City Wall: The largest and most complete Ming Dynasty city wall in the world, offering panoramic ancient city views and profound Overland Silk Road urban heritage.

Yinchuan is widely known as “South of the Yangtze beyond the Great Wall (Sai Shang Jiang Nan)”, an oasis city nurtured by the Yellow River amid arid northwest land. Take high-speed rail from Xi’an to Yinchuan. Explore Yinchuan Sino-Arab Cultural Complex, the top international exchange platform for Chinese and Islamic civilizations. Visit Nanguan Grand Mosque, one of the four major grand mosques in Northwest China.

Attraction Highlights

1. Sino-Arab Cultural Expo Park: Contains exhibition halls of 57 Islamic countries, displaying comprehensive Islamic culture, art and customs from across the Middle East and Arab world.

2. Nanguan Grand Mosque: A grand local religious landmark with magnificent northwest Islamic architectural style, representing the core Muslim culture of Ningxia region. Nestled in Yinchuan, the “South of the Yangtze beyond the Great Wall”, this oasis city boasts abundant irrigation from the Yellow River, creating lush farmland and green wetlands amid arid northwest terrain.

Discover the mysterious Western Xia Imperial Tombs known as “Oriental Pyramids”. Explore Helan Mountain ancient rock paintings left by ancient nomadic tribes, recording early Silk Road frontier civilization.

Attraction Highlights

1. Western Xia Imperial Tombs: Large-scale imperial mausoleum complex of ancient Western Xia regime, presenting unique frontier national culture along the ancient Silk Road.

2. Helan Mountain Rock Paintings: Thousands of prehistoric rock carvings reflecting nomadic life, hunting scenes and ancient frontier cultural features of Northwest China.

Lanzhou is the key nodal city along the Yellow River. Take high-speed rail from Yinchuan to Lanzhou. Visit Zhongshan Yellow River Bridge, the iconic symbol of Lanzhou. Tour Qiaomen Grand Mosque and Gansu Provincial Museum to explore Yellow River civilization relics.

Attraction Highlights

1. Zhongshan Yellow River Bridge: Known as “the First Bridge of the Yellow River”, witnessing the thousand-year Yellow River basin transportation and civilization evolution.

2. Qiaomen Grand Mosque: One of the four famous grand mosques in Northwest China, carrying long-standing Muslim heritage along the Yellow River corridor.

3. Gansu Provincial Museum: Preserves massive precious Silk Road cultural relics including the national treasure Bronze Galloping Horse.

Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Take domestic flight from Lanzhou to Urumqi. After airport pickup and hotel check-in, wander the bustling night market to taste authentic Xinjiang halal food and experience local Uyghur folk culture.

Attraction Highlights

1. Urumqi Night Market: Vibrant market full of local snacks, handicrafts and folk performances, a perfect place to immerse yourself in Xinjiang’s diverse ethnic and Islamic influenced culture.

Depart early for Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, the famous alpine lake of Xinjiang. Return to Urumqi in the afternoon and visit the International Grand Bazaar, the largest Islamic-style bazaar in China.

Attraction Highlights

1. Heavenly Lake of Tianshan: Nestled at an altitude of 1,910 meters above sea level, the lake covers an area of 4.9 square kilometres. Fed by meltwater from permanent snow and glaciers on Tianshan Mountains, it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense coniferous forests, showcasing the breathtaking natural scenery of Xinjiang.

2. Urumqi International Grand Bazaar: Built with classic Uyghur-Islamic architectural features, it is China’s largest Islamic bazaar. Wander the lanes to browse spices, carpets and ethnic handicrafts. You may also sample local non-alcoholic beer, a suitable refreshing drink for Muslim travellers.

Private transfer from Urumqi to Turpan, the ancient oasis city on the Overland Silk Road. Visit the ingenious Karez Wells irrigation system, Emin Minaret and Grape Valley.

Attraction Highlights

1. Karez Wells: One of China’s three great ancient engineering wonders. The system collects snowmelt from the Tianshan Mountains, transporting water entirely through underground tunnels to avoid evaporation under the scorching desert sun. Historically, it irrigated vast oasis farmland across Turpan, sustaining thousands of years of desert civilisation.

2. Emin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda): The largest Islamic tower in Xinjiang, a masterpiece combining Uyghur and Chinese architectural styles.

3. Grape Valley: A fertile oasis valley famous for sweet seedless grapes, representing Turpan’s unique desert oasis agriculture.

Explore Jiaohe Ruins, the world’s largest preserved earthen ancient city. Visit the legendary Flaming Mountain. After sightseeing, transfer back to Urumqi. BASE TOUR CONCLUSION: Tour concludes in Urumqi. Private transfer to Urumqi airport for departure.

Attraction Highlights

1. Jiaohe Ruins: A ruined ancient Silk Road city built on a loess plateau, an exceptionally well-preserved example of frontier urban civilisation.

2. Flaming Mountain: Immortalised in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, the iconic red rocky mountain of Turpan.

Take domestic flight from Urumqi to Kashgar. Private pickup and hotel check-in. Wander Kashgar Old Town, the legendary trading heart of the Overland Silk Road.

Attraction Highlights

1. Kashgar Ancient City: The bustling commercial hub of the ancient Overland Silk Road. For millennia, merchants, diplomats and pilgrims converged here, exchanging goods, faith and art between China, Central Asia and the Middle East. Its well-preserved earthen alleys, Uyghur residences and local bazaar retain the authentic atmosphere of this crossroads of civilisations.

Drive along the famous Pamir Highway into the Pamir Plateau, known as the Roof of the World. First stop at White Sand Lake, a dreamlike landscape reminiscent of traditional Chinese ink painting, with pale sand dunes framing calm blue waters against distant snow peaks. Continue to Karakul Lake, sitting beneath Muztagh Ata, Father of the Ice Mountains. The turquoise lake mirrors the massive snow glacier peak, delivering one of Central Asia’s most spectacular views.

Attraction Highlights

1. White Sand Lake: A breathtaking highland lake celebrated for its poetic ink-painting aesthetic. Pale creamy sand hills line the lakeshore, paired with crystal water and rolling snow-capped mountains, creating a serene, timeless scene.

2. Karakul Lake: Nestled at the foot of Muztagh Ata, the Father of Glaciers. Its deep turquoise glacial waters reflect the huge permanent snow massif; the mountain and lake form the signature landmark of the Pamir Plateau.

Visit Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China. Explore the lively local bazaar nearby for handicrafts and souvenirs. Afterwards, private transfer to Kashgar airport for your outbound flight. EXTENSION CONCLUSION: End of the 3-day Kashgar & Pamir extension.

Attraction Highlights

1. Id Kah Mosque: China’s biggest mosque, a masterpiece of Uyghur Islamic architecture. It has long been the spiritual centre of Kashgar, witnessing centuries of religious and cultural life along the Silk Road.

2. Kashgar Local Bazaar: A vibrant traditional market full of local spices, textiles and handmade crafts, capturing the authentic daily life of Kashgar residents.

Arrive at Quanzhou, once known as Zayton, the greatest port of the medieval Maritime Silk Road. Private transfer and hotel check-in. Evening stroll in the old town.

Attraction Highlights

1. Quanzhou Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site, home to multiple ancient Islamic relics left by Arab and Persian merchants during the Song and Yuan dynasties.

Visit Qingjing Mosque, one of China’s oldest Arab-style mosques. Explore ancient port relics, stone steles and tombs of Muslim merchants.

Attraction Highlights

1. Qingjing Mosque: Built in the Song Dynasty, modelled after Arabic architectural style. It is one of the most important Islamic heritage sites on the Maritime Silk Road.

2. Ancient Port Relics & Islamic Tombs: Preserve stone inscriptions recording the arrival of Muslim traders, demonstrating Quanzhou’s status as a global multicultural port.

High-speed train to Guangzhou. Visit Huaisheng Mosque, one of China’s earliest mosques founded by Arab missionaries. Explore the old port area.

Attraction Highlights

1. Huaisheng Mosque: Dating back to the Tang Dynasty, it is one of China’s oldest mosques, an iconic landmark of early Islamic spread via southern sea routes.

2. Ancient Port Area: Remnants of Guangzhou’s prosperous maritime trade with the Middle East.

High-speed train from Guangzhou to Shanghai, journey duration around 6 hours, seamlessly connecting to the main tour starting on Day1.

Attraction Highlights

1. Enjoy comfortable high-speed rail travel across southern China, witnessing the transition from Lingnan culture to Jiangnan regions before your main tour kicks off in Shanghai.