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In the capable hands of Dr Ye Wa, co-director of the International Field School of Archaeology at Yangguanzhai and one of the foremost experts on ethno-archeological approaches and Neolithic settlement patterns, embark on an archaeological exploration like no other, picking the brains of experts and getting hands-on with digs throughout central China.
Begin the journey at the most easterly point of the Silk Road, Xi’an. Leave the ancient capital behind and discover Yangguanzhai, one of the largest Neolithic sites in China, while discovering fascinating insights about trade in this region prior to the 4th Century AD.
Then, join Dr. Ye Wa and scholars at the Dunhuang Academy to learn the intricacies and particularities of medieval Buddhism’s visual culture. Round off this insightful foray into China’s past with the Getty Museum team, as they bring to life conservation and sustainable tourism in the surrounding Mogao area.
Hilton Xi’an
5 star
Ideally situated inside the city walls, a mere ten-minute drive from such key historical sites as the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Great Mosque, the Sofitel Legend is a modern escape where you can recharge after long days of exploring the ancient capital. Guests can use the hotel’s fitness center and indoor pool for free. This 5-star spot has earned a reputation as one of the city’s best hotels.
Maijishan Pearl Hotel Tianshui
Local boutique
Newly opened in 2023, Maijishan Pearl Hotel offers spacious guests rooms equipped with high quality latex mattress and beddings, smart in-room control system. With only less than 30 minutes’ drive away to both Maijishan Grottoes and Tianshui city, Maijishan Pearl Hotel is a great choice for visits to Tianshui.
Crowne Plaza Lanzhou Hotel
5 star
Seated front and center in Gansu’s dusty capital is the Crowne Plaza Lanzhou, an oasis of comfort sheltering travelers from the arid deserts of northwestern China. Guest rooms feature flat-screen televisions with satellite channels, high-speed internet and western amenities, and dining options range from fine dining to 24-7 room service. In the evening, sprawl out for a massage at the Spa Center or enjoy a cocktail at the signature lounge. Given the shaky standards of many of China’s more remote hotels, the Crowne Plaza offers a relieving experience and serves as a cushy launching pad into China’s sunbaked outback.
Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel
Local Boutique
Our clients’ favorite part of staying at the Dunhuang Silk Road Hotel is its unbeatable views overlooking the rolling sand dunes, which can be enjoyed from the rooftop terrace restaurant area (barring sand storms). Situated in a pleasant corner of town, the 4-star Dunhuang Silk Road aesthetics and local service bring out the character and history of the ancient Silk Road trading route.
Travel expert
Dr. Ye Wa serves as a professor of archaeology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She also is a commissioner at the Getty Museum and a distinguished researcher at Shaanxi Institute of Archaeology. Upon graduation from China’s Northwest University with a bachelor’s degree in archaeology, Dr. Ye Wa began her specialization in Neolithic Period and Tang Dynasty mortuary practices. She holds a master’s degree in anthropology from Oregon University and a doctorate degree in archaeology from UCLA. She leads WildChina travelers around major archaeological sites around the Middle Kingdom, such as the Silk Road posts of Xi’an and Lanzhou.
Dates for this journey
April 6th – 15th, 2025
Arrival
This journey starts in Xi’an, Shaanxi’s provincial capital and largest city.
The primary airport in the region, Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), has daily flights from all major Chinese cities, as well as flights from several major Asian cities.
The high-speed railway network in Xi’an is well-developed, with several high-speed trains connecting Xi’an to other major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Departure
This journey ends in Dunhuang, in northwestern Gansu. The airport, Dunhuang Mogao International Airport (DNH), offers domestic flights only to major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Lanzhou etc.
Flights to the US, Europe, Australia, and other international destinations are best served by airports such as Beijing (PEK or PKX), which can be reached daily by flights from Dunhuang. There are typically two direct flights per day to Beijing with a stop-over in either Xi’an or Lanzhou.
Dunhuang is connected by rail to major northwestern cities in China including Xi’an, Zhangye and Lanzhou. Frequencies vary for each route.
What’s Included
What’s Excluded
Trip Difficulty: Moderate Adventure
This journey is considered a moderate adventure. Moderate adventures include full days outside the hotel, with drives up to 3 or 3.5 hours on mainly well-maintained, paved roads. We may spend up to 2-3 hours walking and/or hiking, and stay in 5-star hotels.
In second-tier cities or rural areas, we stay at the best available boutique hotels or guesthouses.
Your Guides & Expert
Your guide will arrange the logistics of your trip, including meals, hotel reservations, sites, and activities, as well as providing you with information about the local region. You will also be traveling with a WildChina expert, who will serve as an in-depth source of knowledge covering your trip as a whole. Your WildChina guide is specific to each local region, but your WildChina expert will accompany you throughout your journey, escorting you to all locations. Your WildChina guides will be confirmed during booking.
Meals and Water
Meals are included, as listed in your itinerary. We strive to arrange meals that highlight authentic local cuisine in clean, local establishments.
It is safe to drink bottled mineral water, but tap water, even in 5-star hotels, is not safe for drinking. We will provide bottled water, tea, and snacks throughout your journey.
We request guests with severe allergies to consult their physicians prior to traveling and to bring all necessary medicines with them. Inform us ahead of time of specific allergies, such as peanuts or shellfish, or sensitivities to MSG, so that we can do our best to ensure these items are not used in your meals.
