Attractions along the ancient Silk Road
The ancient Silk Road is a living cultural bridge linking the ancient China, West Asia and the Mediterranean.
Traveling to the ancient Silk Road can take anywhere one week to several month since the route in China Extends 6,437 km. (4,000 mi.) and traverses Shaanxi, Gansu, Hexi Corridor as well as Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The famous scenic spots and historic relics includes:
- Mogao Caves
- Gaochang Ruins
- Karakul Lake
- Sunday Markey in Kashgar
Xi’an, the Popular Starting City of Silk Road
The starting point of the ancient Silk Road usually mentioned in a common sense refers to Xi’an, also called Chang’an in ancient time. Silk and other commodities were gathered in this prosperous city from all parts of the country. At present, renowned as one of the most famous ancient capitals in China, Xi’an is a top travel destinations which preserves numerous cultural heritages. The highlights including Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Shaanxi History Museum etc. Travelers can also explore the unique Chinese Islamic culture by visiting the Great Mosque and its surrounding Islamic bazaars.
The Silk Road in Gansu Province
Climbing up the Loess Plateau, the ancient Silk Road enters Gansu Province, where travelers will explore the Tibetan culture in Northwest China region by visiting Lanzhou Binglingsi Monastery and Labrang Monastery in Xiahe. A splendid grassland is also located here.
After passing Xia’he, the route will reach Jiayuguan and Dunhuang, which are two must see attractions along the ancient Silk Road. In addition to Wuwei Confucius Temple, Jiayuguan Pass, Maiji Mountain and over one-thousand-kilometer Great Wall of Han Dynasty and Great Wall of Ming Dynasty, grottoes art is the most striking part of traveling in Gansu. Mogao Cave, Binglingsi Grottoes, Maiji Mountain Grottoes and Yulin Grotto are four pearls of grotto art in the Silk Road in Gansu.
The Silk Road in Xinjiang
The Silk Road crosses Qinghai and is divided into three sectors after stretching into Xinjiang. Urumqi is an important entrance city for those who seeking for the route of Silk Road in Xinjiang.
Ancient City of Gaochang and Bizaklik Thousand-Buddha Caves make Turpan a frequently visited place in middle route of the road hot not only in summer weather but also in its exotic flavor.
Marvelous Yardang Spectacle and Ancient City of Loulan in Korla are paradise for explores. Kashgar is the last stop on the central route and its busy Grand Bazaar show best the local customs. Jade and ancient cities of Niya, Yoktan and Malikawate make this unsophisticated stop on the southern route of Silk Road, Hetian, ever enchanting.
Among the lofty peaks of Kala Kunlun Mountain, the Khunherab Pass on the Pamirs is the west section of and the last stop of the ancient Silk Road in China.
Related tours
This 3 day Beijing tour covers Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Mutianyu Great Wall. Explore historic Hutongs, enjoy city views from Jingshan Park and experience the highlights of China’s capital in a short, well-planned trip.
Travel from Lanzhou to Urumqi on this 14-day China Silk Road and Kanas Lake tour. Explore Maijishan and Mogao Grottoes, Zhangye Danxia, Jiayuguan Pass, and Turpan’s ancient oasis culture before heading north to Kanas Lake for turquoise waters, alpine forests, and Tuva villages.
Hike into the heart of the Himalayas with their spectacular peaks, trek into the Nepal lush forests in this 2 week plus trip. Walk along trails lined with flowers and timeless unnamed villages filled with locals of the Gurung and Tamang clans.
Luodai a 2,000 year old ancient town is a top choice for venturing out of Chengdu into the surrounding areas. Hike what some call Chengdu's Gerat Wall, the "Golden Dragon Great Wall" offers a beautiful view of the countryside.