The Silk Road is not only a trade route, but also a cultural link between history and the future. For travelers, a China Silk Road tour is a great way to experience China’s history and cultural heritage.
Popular Destinations for Silk Road Travel
Xian
Xi’an is the starting point of the Silk Road and one of the most popular Silk Road travel destinations. The Terracotta Warriors and Horses is one of the must-see attractions in Xi’an. The neatly arranged terracotta warriors and horses seem to be a huge army ready to go to war. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the earliest and largest surviving four-square pavilion-style brick tower of the Tang Dynasty.
The Ancient City Wall of Xi’an is a representative of ancient military defense engineering. Riding along the city wall, you can see the whole of Xi’an. Inside the city are ancient buildings and outside the city is a modern cityscape.
Dunhuang
Dunhuang is also a popular destination on China tours where you can witness the splendid Silk Road culture. Mogao Grottoes is a famous world cultural heritage. The grottoes house an extensive collection of murals and statues of Buddha, showcasing the magnificent splendor and intricate detail of ancient Chinese Buddhist art.
Mingsha Mountain is a magnificent desert mountain range. The sand grains on the mountain will chirp in the wind. Here, visitors can have a thrilling experience with sandboarding. Crescent Spring, featuring crystal-clear water shaped like a crescent moon, presents a picturesque oasis scenery.
Urumqi
Urumqi is also one of the most popular Silk Road travel city and the starting point of the Xinjiang tour. In this marvelous land, the ancient Silk Road has left deep imprints, and diversified ethnic cultures mingle here. Here you can visit Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, which is the most representative market in Xinjiang. Admire various handicrafts, taste authentic food, and watch ethnic songs and dances. Also head to Nanshan Ranch to experience the nomadic lifestyle. Here, visitors can taste Kazakh specialties and enjoy Kazakh folk songs and dances.
Zhangye
Don’t forget to explore the landscapes of Gansu as you travel along China Silk Road. Zhangye, a city located in the middle of the Hexi Corridor in Gansu Province, was once a major trading town on the Silk Road. Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot is the most representative attraction of Zhangye. The best viewing time is at sunrise and sunset. The sunlight sprinkled on the Danxia makes the colors more brilliant.
Mati Temple, built on a cliff face, has a thousand-year-old grotto with exquisite statues of Buddha, a treasure of Buddhist art. You can also enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Qilian Mountains and feel the unique ethnic minority flavor here.
Jiayuguan
Jiayuguan is an important pass at the westernmost end of the Ming Great Wall. As an important pass on the ancient Silk Road, its walls are magnificent and well-preserved. The architectural style of Jiayuguan Pass City has typical military features of the Ming Dynasty. You will be able to enjoy the spectacular border scenery from the Jiayuguan Pass wall in the distance.
Top Things to Do on a China Silk Road Trip
Experience the Local Customs
Music and dance on the Silk Road is a major highlight. You can watch the dances of the Uyghur people and enjoy the music of Xinjiang Muqam show a unique ethnic flavor. Traditional festivals along the Silk Road also attract tourists. For example, the Gulbang Festival in Xinjiang is an important local festival celebration, full of strong folk customs and cultural atmosphere.
Taste Silk Road Cuisine
When you travel along China Silk Road, don’t forget to enjoy the specialties of each region. Baked buns and naan, as two staple foods with special characteristics, are favored for their unique taste and rich nutritional value. Try different noodle dishes, snacks and specialties in various places along the route, such as Shaanxi’s meat buns and liangpi. You can also savor a variety of fresh melon and fruit delicacies in Xinjiang, such as cantaloupe and grapes.
Learn about the History of the Silk Road
Visit museums in Silk Road cities to learn about the history and culture of the Silk Road. For example, the Dunhuang Museum is an excellent venue for discovering the rich history of the ancient Silk Road. The Loulan Museum is a veritable treasure chest of Silk Road history and culture, showing an abundance of artifacts unearthed from the Loulan site, such as exquisite silks.
Explore Handicrafts
Exploring the handicrafts of each region is also one of the top things to do on a China Silk Road trip. Tourists can buy handicrafts and souvenirs with local specialties, such as silk paintings from Dunhuang and carpets from Xinjiang, at the bazaars and stores along the way. For visitors interested in handicrafts, they can also learn simple handicraft making at the workshops in the markets.