The Silk Road is an ancient trade route that once provided a lifeline connection between the Chinese empire and the Middle East and Europe. Traders used the route to carry supplies, particularly spices and silk, giving the route its name. Traditionally, the Silk Road is said to connect Xi’an, China at one end with Persia and eventually the Mediterranean coast at the other. Additional connecting roads along the way provided passages to India and Africa.
When planning their holidays to China, many tourists overlook the Silk Road, believing that it may be too outlandish or difficult a place to visit. However, it is entirely possible to incorporate a Silk Road visit into your China tour, or to make an entire holiday out of sightseeing along the Silk Road.
Within China, the Silk Road runs across the northwest part of the country, from the historic capital, Xi’an all the way to Kashgar in the far west and Urumqi in the somewhat controversial Xinjing Province, which borders on Mongolia and Russia and Kazakhstan.
Travelling on the Silk Road, one passes through the unending beauty of the Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts, where endless rows of huge sand dunes and vast flat plains seem to go on forever. In the tiny town of Dunhuang, visitors can take in the amazing Mogao Buddhist Caves, as well as the Echoing Sand Dune, which overlooks the Crescent Lake oasis. Further along, Turpan is considered the finest wine growing region in China, while Kashgar’s Sunday farmer’s market is renowned for its lively atmosphere. In Urumqi, ascend to the tranquil Tian Chi lake, where snow-capped mountains seem to meet the sky in sparkling spikes and the local ethnic Uighur groups make amazing lamb meals to satisfy your cravings for exotic cuisine.
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Thank you for the post - have you traveled this route, or near it? And have you ever read the “Lost Heart of Asia,” by Colin Thubron? He writes about this area, and its rich history. If you haven’t, I recommend it highly.