Xi'an in a Day: Ancient Capitals & Terracotta Warriors
An Epic Backpacking Adventure from Xi'an to Kashgar
Day 1: Departure from Finland to Xi'an
Begin your independent China tour from Finland, embarking on the ancient Silk Road exploration. Finn Air operates direct flights (AY059 1745/0640+1) from Helsinki to Xi'an on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Alternative routes are available through Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Moscow, or Paris for other departure days. Travelers from Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Rovaniemi, or Espoo can connect through Helsinki.
Day 2: Xi'an Arrival and Exploration
Arrive at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport at 6:40 AM. Check into the recommended 4-star Days Inn City Center, located at the prosperous North Street. After depositing luggage, begin exploration: - Take taxi (CNY10) to Xi'an Railway Station - Catch Tourist Bus Line 5 (306) to Terracotta Army Museum (1-hour ride) - Enjoy lunch at nearby KFC or Dicos - Return to city center and take taxi (CNY15) to South Gate - Explore the Ming Dynasty City Wall (stroll or cycle) - Return to hotel via taxi (CNY10)
Day 3: Xi'an to Dunhuang by Train
After breakfast, take taxi (CNY10) to Xi'an Railway Station. Board train K367 departing around 10:30 AM for the 24-hour journey to Dunhuang. The dining car serves simple Chinese food - consider bringing snacks if unfamiliar with local cuisine.
Day 4: Dunhuang Desert Wonders
Arrive in Dunhuang around 10:20 AM. Check into Grand Sun Hotel on North Shazhou Road. After lunch at Yangguan Middle Road restaurants, begin sightseeing: - Visit Dunhuang Museum (taxi fare under CNY10) - Explore Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake (taxi fare CNY15) - Experience camel-riding and electric sightseeing cars Summer travel tip: Visit Echoing-Sand Mountain after 18:00 to avoid extreme heat and enjoy sunset around 21:00
Day 5: Mogao Caves and Journey to Turpan
Check out but leave heavy luggage at hotel. Visit Mogao Caves: - Take special bus from Dunhuang Hotel (CNY8) or taxi (CNY50) - Evening transfer to Dunhuang Liuyuan Railway Station - Take bus (2 hours) or taxi (CNY120) to station - Board overnight train to Turpan departing around 23:00
Day 6: Turpan Ancient Sites
Arrive in Turpan and check into Huozhou Hotel. Full-day exploration of: - Ancient City of Jiaohe - Karez System - Emin Minaret Transport options: Rent car/taxi (CNY300-400 per day) or carpool (approximately CNY100 per person)
Day 7: Turpan to Kashgar via Urumqi
Check out and travel to Kashgar: - Taxi (CNY7) to Turpan Bus Station - Bus to Urumqi (2.5 hours) - Taxi to Urumqi Airport (CNY50, 30 minutes) - Flight to Kashgar - Check into Qiniwake Hotel (20-minute taxi, CNY30)
Day 8: Kashgar Cultural Immersion
Full-day exploration of Kashgar highlights: - Abakh Khoja Tomb (taxi CNY10) - Id Kah Mosque (bus No. 20 from tomb to People's Square) - Old Town of Kashgar City (walk from mosque via Jiefang Road to Yawage Road) - Sample local delicacies: Nang, roasted mutton, yogurt - Enjoy golden sunset views in the old town
Day 9: Kashgar Bazaar and Return to Urumqi
Morning visit to Kashgar Bazaar (Sunday Market) via taxi (CNY7). Return to hotel, check out before 12:00, and take taxi to airport for flight to Urumqi. Check into Jingu Hotel (taxi CNY30 from airport).
Day 10: Departure from Urumqi
Conclude your Silk Road journey with flight from Urumqi to Finland via Shanghai or Beijing (20+ hour journey). Optional extensions to explore Urumqi attractions: - Heavenly Lake - Red Hill - Southern Mosque and Shaanxi Mosque - Southern Pastures