Winter Silk Road Trip: The Silk Road Express from Xining to Dunhuang
Back by popular demand, the Silk Road Express's Snow-Reflected Buddhist Splendor Journey transforms winter into a spellbinding Silk Road odyssey. This 4-day, 3-night luxury rail escape from Xining to Dunhuang (or reverse) wraps ancient wonders in fresh snow, from Tibetan temples glowing under frost to golden dunes cradling desert springs. Savor yak hotpot feasts, Han Palace banquets, and onboard elegance as the frozen landscape unfolds. Your essential guide to the cities and attractions awaits.
Xining: Gateway to the Tibetan Plateau
Perched on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Xining is a vibrant crossroads of Han, Tibetan, Hui, and over 30 other ethnic cultures. At 7,200 feet above sea level, the city greets travelers with crisp mountain air and sweeping views of snow-capped peaks. Once a vital Silk Road staging post, Xining today blends millennia-old traditions with modern luxury, making it the perfect launchpad for high-altitude winter exploration.
The first two days of your journey unfold in Xining, where you'll settle into the luxurious Wanda Wenhua Hotel and explore the sacred Kumbum Monastery with expert guides. Between yak hotpot feasts and visits to golden-roofed temples, you'll acclimate to the plateau's crisp air before boarding the Silk Road Express—where onboard cultural salons and a Han Palace banquet set the stage for your desert adventure ahead.
Travel to Ta'er Temple (Kumbum Monastery Xining)
Nestled 32km from downtown in a serene valley, Ta’er Temple emerges like a golden jewel against winter’s white canvas. Founded in 1379 as one of Tibetan Buddhism’s six great Gelugpa monasteries, this sacred site honors Tsongkhapa and dazzles with its fusion of Han and Tibetan architecture—golden roofs, white stupas, and prayer flags fluttering in the icy breeze.
Here, you will experience a sense of calm and devotion unique to this sacred place. Accompanied by your guide, stroll through snow-covered courtyards where prayer flags move gently in the cold breeze and the sound of chanting echoes through ancient halls. The serene winter atmosphere offers a quiet pause before the journey continues deeper into the Tibetan Plateau.
Founded: 1379
Significance: Birthplace of Tsongkhapa, Gelugpa founder
Artistic Trio: Butter sculptures, murals, embroidered tapestries
Winter Vibe: Snow-draped roofs and silent courtyards
Tour Exclusives: VIP shuttle + professional guide
Ta'er Temple (Kumbum Monastery)
Travel Dunhuang: Jewel of the Gobi Desert
On the fringes of the vast Gobi, Dunhuang rises as a timeless oasis where Silk Road caravans once rested under starlit skies. In winter, the city’s isolation heightens its magic—towering dunes dusted with snow frame an endless horizon, while luxury havens like the Dunhuang Wanda Wenhuah Hotel offer warm retreats and desert-view dinners.
Days 3 and 4 immerse you in Dunhuang's desert wonders, from camel rides across Mingsha Mountain's singing dunes to VIP access at the Mogao Grottoes, where expert guides unlock two exclusive special grottoes. Between adventures, relax at your desert-view suite with customized dinners, and on your final morning, enjoy the luxury of sleeping in before your private airport transfer—a serene conclusion to your Silk Road journey.
Travel to Mogao Grottoes (Mogao Grottoes with Dunhuang wall painting)
Carved into sandstone cliffs 26km from the city, the Mogao Grottoes China form a 1,000-year gallery of Buddhist art frozen in time. Spanning the 4th to 14th centuries, these 492 grottoes shelter over 45,000 square meters of vivid Dunhuang wall painting and 2,000 colorful statues—each brushstroke a chapter of Silk Road faith and culture.
Era: 4th–14th centuries
Scale: 492 caves, 45,000㎡ murals, 2,000+ statues
Winter Perk: Intimate access to special caves, fewer crowds
Tour Details: VIP transport + professional guide (special caves require booking 30 days ahead)
Mogao Grottoes (Mogao Caves)
Travel to Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Lake Dunhuang (Yueya Spring, Crescent Lake Gansu)
Just 6km south of Dunhuang, Crescent Lake Dunhuang defies the desert’s embrace, cradled by 300-meter-high “singing” sand dunes. In winter, snow traces the golden ridges, turning Yueya Spring—also known as Crescent Lake Gansu—into a surreal masterpiece of ice and sand.
Natural Wonder: 2,000-year-old spring amid shifting dunes
Winter Magic: Snow-flecked sands + mirror-clear water
Activities: Camel rides, electric cart tours, sand “whispers”
Mingsha Mountain's singing
The Silk Road Express — China’s Premier Luxury Train
The Silk Road Express represents a new standard in Chinese luxury rail travel. Built by CRRC Sifang with hand-painted Han cloud motifs, this 15-car train hosts just 80 guests across 38 private cabins, creating an intimate travel experience where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
Intimate Accommodations
Every cabin features a private en-suite bathroom, a rarity in train travel. Choose from 11㎡ doubles with Serta mattresses to the 22㎡ Nine Shepherds Suite with THG Paris spa showers and 1.8m king beds. Frost-free panoramic windows ensure uninterrupted views of the passing Silk Road landscapes.
Culinary Excellence
Two dining cars offer distinct atmospheres for every meal. The onboard culinary team blends fresh, premium ingredients with regional specialties, creating a fusion of Western techniques and local Silk Road flavors that turns each dinner into a memorable occasion.
Onboard Entertainment
Between cities, the train becomes your private cultural venue. The 270-degree observation car showcases China's first frost-free panoramic design, while the lounge hosts evening performances of local folk traditions. For private moments, reserve the KTV room or enjoy automatic mahjong with fellow travelers.
Seamless Service
Your dedicated train butler provides 24-hour assistance, while trip ambassadors coordinate every off-train excursion. From laundry service to turndown amenities, oxygen-enriched air to temperature-controlled carriages, every detail is managed so you can simply relax and immerse yourself in the experience.
JOMOO Jinxiu Weiyang Suite
