China Silk Road Travel Guide – Facts, History, Routes, Tips, and More
The ancient Silk Road is a key overland trade route that once connected Chang’an (modern Xi’an, Shaanxi Province) and Luoyang to Gansu and Xinjiang, and extend all the way to Central Asia, West Asia, and Europe. Spanning 6,440 kilometers and crossing rugged landscapes along the way, the route played a crucial role in ushering in an era of culture, goods, language, arts, ideas, religions, and technology exchange between different civilizations. It is thus widely considered one of the world’s earliest and greatest trade pathways.
Over 2,000 years later, many ancient cities, Buddhist caves, temples, and structures are still standing along the route, showing the lasting evidence of its former cultural exchanges and trade flows.
Tracing the footsteps of ancient caravans, you can enjoy a Silk Road trip of a lifetime, with numerous historical sites, natural wonders, diverse culture and memorable experiences. Follow our ultimate China Silk Road travel guide to learn about all the essential things you need to know before your Silk Road travel.
Over 2,000 years later, many ancient cities, Buddhist caves, temples, and structures are still standing along the route, showing the lasting evidence of its former cultural exchanges and trade flows.
Tracing the footsteps of ancient caravans, you can enjoy a Silk Road trip of a lifetime, with numerous historical sites, natural wonders, diverse culture and memorable experiences. Follow our ultimate China Silk Road travel guide to learn about all the essential things you need to know before your Silk Road travel.
Chinese name: 丝绸之路 (sī chóu zhī lù)
Routes: It is not a single route but a network of routes connecting around 40 countries.
Goods traded: Silk, spices, tea, porcelain, gems, metal products, glassware, paper, etc.
Length: Around 6,440 km (4,000 miles), with over 4,000 kilometers in China.
Routes: It is not a single route but a network of routes connecting around 40 countries.
Goods traded: Silk, spices, tea, porcelain, gems, metal products, glassware, paper, etc.
Length: Around 6,440 km (4,000 miles), with over 4,000 kilometers in China.
Basic Facts about the Ancient Silk Road
- Though the Silk Road is broadly divided into the overland Silk Road and sea Silk Road, the term typically refers to the overland Silk Road.
- The Silk Road is the longest overland trade route in history, spanning about 6,440 kilometers, and over 40 modern countries. It passes through some of the most rugged terrains, such as vast gobi deserts, plateaus, etc.
- The route was not initially known as the Silk Road until the German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen coined the term “Silk Road” in 1877 to describe this trade route primarily known for its silk trade.
- Chang’an (present-day Xi’an) is recognized as the east starting point of the Silk Road. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, it was started from Luoyang. Extending westward, the route branched out, then re-converged, and eventually reached the Roman Empire.
- Beyond silk, the route facilitated the exchange of various valuable goods, including spices, tea, porcelain, gems, metal products, glassware, paper, printing technology, gunpowder, etc.
- The Silk Route saw many notable travelers, including Zhang Qian, Marco Polo, and the Buddhist monk Xuanzang.
- Not only did it facilitate trade and commerce between the East and the West, the route also played a pivotal role in connecting people from diverse cultures, languages, and religions.
- In ancient times, the time needed to travel the ancient Silk Road varied depending on factors like the route, weather, and unexpected events. Marco Polo’s trip took four years, and Xuanzang’s pilgrimage to India lasted seventeen years. Under ideal conditions, the journey from Chang’an to the Mediterranean would take about 320 days one way.
Silk Road History
The origin of the Silk Road can be traced back to the Western Han Dynasty when Emperor Wu dispatched Zhang Qiao to the Western Regions. Zhang Qian made two expeditions to the Western Regions in 138 BCE and 119 BCE and successfully established connections between the Han Dynasty and the Western Regions. This laid the foundation for future trade and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.
Initially, the route was not named “Silk Road,” though its primary purpose was to transport silk produced at that time.
Through the route, China’s silk, tea, porcelain, and lacquerware were transported to various countries. In return, gems, spices, glassware, and other luxury goods from the West flowed into China. Moreover, many practical technologies, scientific achievements, religious beliefs, and civilizations spread along this route.
During the Tang and Song Dynasties, the scale of trade along the Silk Road reached its peak.
In 1877, German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen first named this trade route “Silk Road” in his work “China.” This term was quickly adopted by both academia and the public.
On June 22, 2014, the eastern section of the overland Silk Road, “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor”, was successfully inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
Initially, the route was not named “Silk Road,” though its primary purpose was to transport silk produced at that time.
Through the route, China’s silk, tea, porcelain, and lacquerware were transported to various countries. In return, gems, spices, glassware, and other luxury goods from the West flowed into China. Moreover, many practical technologies, scientific achievements, religious beliefs, and civilizations spread along this route.
During the Tang and Song Dynasties, the scale of trade along the Silk Road reached its peak.
In 1877, German geographer Ferdinand von Richthofen first named this trade route “Silk Road” in his work “China.” This term was quickly adopted by both academia and the public.
On June 22, 2014, the eastern section of the overland Silk Road, “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor”, was successfully inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
Why Take a China Silk Road Tour
- The Silk Route in China spans over 4,000 kilometers across several provinces and regions that are inhabited by different ethnic groups. You can experience diverse distinct cultural characteristics, traditional customs, and religious beliefs during a Silk Road China trip.
- Along the China Silk Road, numerous historical and cultural sites are well-preserved, including the Terracotta Army, Mogao Caves, Jiayuguan Pass, Han Dynasty beacon towers, Ta’er Monastery, Gaochang Ancient City, Jiaohe Ruins, etc.
- The route also boasts diverse natural landscapes. You can expect an unforgettable journey with majestic snow-capped mountains, vast Taklamakan and Badain Jaran Deserts, vibrant Turpan Oasis, deep blue Kanas Lake, the extensive grasslands of Ili and Nalati, colorful Danxia landforms, and mysterious Yardang landforms.
Silk Road Routes & Key Cities along a Silk Road China Trip
Main Routes
The Silk Road was not a single route but a network of multiple branches. These branches together formed a crucial transportation network in ancient times. Below are some of the main routes:
- Xi’an to Dunhuang: From Xi’an, the route passed through Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Dunhuang on the Hexi Corridor.
- Dunhuang to Kashgar: From Dunhuang, the Silk Road split into the northern route and southern route. The two routes finally converged in Kashgar before it extend from the Western Regions to Central Asia, West Asia, and Europe. The northern route crossed the desert and the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains. passing through Turpan, Yanqi, and Kucha and finally reached Kashgar. From Dunhuang, the southern route followed the northern foothills of the Altyn-Tagh and Kunlun Mountains before it extended to Shanshan, Hotan, and Shache and eventually reached Kashgar.
Main Countries along the Route
From Xian, the road extended northwest along the Great Wall in China, bypassing the Taklamakan Desert and traversing the Pamir Mountains. Depending on the goods being transported, the route will pass through Afghanistan, the Levant, and finally reach the Eastern Roman Empire, Istanbul, Mongolia, Hindu/Mughal regions, Persia, Arabia, Ottoman Turkey and even further.
Key Destinations along the China Silk Road
- Xian: One of the four great ancient capitals of China and the starting point of the Silk Road; With rich historical heritage: the Terracotta Army, ancient City Walls, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, etc.
- Dunhuang: At the western end of the Hexi Corridor; Famous for the Mogao Caves, Yardang landforms, and gobi desert scenes.
- Zhangye: In the middle of the Hexi Corridor; Known worldwide for its unique Danxia landforms.
- Turpan: In eastern Xinjiang, Turpan is one of the hottest places in China in summer; It is home to delicious grapes, the Karez system, and the ruins of Jiaohe and Gaochang.
- Kashgar: An excellent place to experience authentic Uyghur culture and unique ancient cityscape.
- Jiayuguan: The western end of the Ming Great Wall, the Jiayuguan Pass was once a crucial military stronghold in the Hexi Corridor.
- Urumqi: The gateway to get to Xinjiang; Features diverse ethnic cultures, modern cityscapes, and rich natural beauties.
How Long Does It Take for China Silk Road Tours
Visitors can plan the Silk Road tour duration flexibly based on your time and interests.
Generally, 10 to 14 days are the most popular China Silk Road tour durations, allowing you to explore highlights of 6-9 destinations along the route at a proper pace.
With limited time, a short trip of 5-7 days will also be enough for you to experience the essence of 2-3 key cities and attractions along this ancient trade route.
21 days or more is the ideal duration for travelers who want a deep exploration and to visit additional destinations and attractions.
With more time available, you can also extend your trip westward and visit some central Asian countries in addition to the destinations in China.
If you like, please feel free to contact us to customize your ideal Silk Road itinerary based on your requirements.
Generally, 10 to 14 days are the most popular China Silk Road tour durations, allowing you to explore highlights of 6-9 destinations along the route at a proper pace.
With limited time, a short trip of 5-7 days will also be enough for you to experience the essence of 2-3 key cities and attractions along this ancient trade route.
21 days or more is the ideal duration for travelers who want a deep exploration and to visit additional destinations and attractions.
With more time available, you can also extend your trip westward and visit some central Asian countries in addition to the destinations in China.
If you like, please feel free to contact us to customize your ideal Silk Road itinerary based on your requirements.
Silk Road Transportation
How to Get to the Cities
Flying is the most efficient way to transfer between major cities such as Xi’an, Dunhuang, Lanzhou, and Urumqi. These cities offer frequent flights to or from most major cities in the country. Xian and Urumqi also offer many international flights to most countries around the world.
Direct flights are usually limited or not available to smaller cities, such as Kashgar, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Turpan, etc. While the Lanzhou-Urumqi and Xi’an-Lanzhou High-speed Railways and regular trains make it still convenient and efficient to reach these cities. And the Silk Road train trip itself is an enjoyable experience, rewarding you with scenic views along the way.
Based on your travel plan, you can fly to the big cities and transfer to the smaller nearby cities by train.
Direct flights are usually limited or not available to smaller cities, such as Kashgar, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Turpan, etc. While the Lanzhou-Urumqi and Xi’an-Lanzhou High-speed Railways and regular trains make it still convenient and efficient to reach these cities. And the Silk Road train trip itself is an enjoyable experience, rewarding you with scenic views along the way.
Based on your travel plan, you can fly to the big cities and transfer to the smaller nearby cities by train.
Getting around Cities and Reaching Out-of-the-way Attractions
Usually, getting to attractions in the city areas is easy thanks to the well-developed bus or metro networks and convenient taxis. But, along the route, many natural landscapes and historical sites are out of the way, requiring long driving hours to reach. For example, it will need to drive about 1 hour from Urumqi city area to Heavenly Lake, about 1.5 hours from Zhangye city area to Danxia Rainbow Mountains, and about 40 minutes from Dunhuang city center to Mogao Caves.
Thus, it’s highly recommended to join a reliable guided Silk Road tour with all the logistics taken care of. This way, you can enjoy a more time-efficient and hassle-free journey, and get a deeper understanding of local culture under the guidance of professional guides.
Thus, it’s highly recommended to join a reliable guided Silk Road tour with all the logistics taken care of. This way, you can enjoy a more time-efficient and hassle-free journey, and get a deeper understanding of local culture under the guidance of professional guides.
Best Time of Year to Travel China Silk Road
Since the Silk Road in China spans over 4,000 kilometers across several provinces, the best times to visit may vary depending on the certain regions and attractions.
Generally, May to October are the best time to visit the Silk Road to enjoy stunning natural beauties and various outdoor adventures. Though the historic sites are good to visit all year round, May to October with relatively mild climate makes the visit more comfortable. This period is also the peak seasons of most cities and attractions.
Generally, May to October are the best time to visit the Silk Road to enjoy stunning natural beauties and various outdoor adventures. Though the historic sites are good to visit all year round, May to October with relatively mild climate makes the visit more comfortable. This period is also the peak seasons of most cities and attractions.
Best Times to Visit Certain Cities
- Xian: March to May and September to November for mild weather and great scenery.
- Dunhuang: September to November is best for the clear weather and mild temperature; March to May is also comfortable but sees more sandstorms; June to August is great time for desert activities and camping.
- Zhangye: May to September are ideal time for hiking and photograph vibrant Danxia landforms.
- Jiayuguan: May to October for comfortable weather. Summer mornings and evenings are cool.
- Ili: Spring (March to May) for flower viewing; summer for seasonal fruits verdant grassland, autumn for admiring autumn foliages.
- Kashgar: March to June and September to November for pleasant climate, and stunning views of Karakul Lake.
- Turpan: August to October for mild weathe and various fruits.
- Kanas: June to October; summers are great for escaping the heat and enjoying verdant scenery; September to October are excellent to enjoy brilliant autumn colors.
Silk Road Travel Tips
- Carry some water and snacks as some attractions are far apart, requiring long drives.
- Please be mentally prepared for long drives, especially when visiting Xinjiang.
- Keep your body hydrated as the climate in northwest China is dry.
- Due to the significant temperature difference between day and night, bring long-sleeved shirts even in summer.
- Book popular attractions, like Mogao Caves and Terracotta Army in advance to avoid last-minute unavailability.
- Northwest China is home to various ethnic minorities. Please respect their customs.
- Most areas in Northwest China can have strong UV rays. So please bring high SPF sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses.
- Bring a backpack to hold snacks, water, and other essential gear.
- Show your respect when visiting temples. Avoid physical contact with the monks, and don’t touch religious artifacts.
- Though mobile payment is ubiquitous in China, it is still recommended to bring some cash when visiting remote areas in case of weak signals.
- In major cities and popular destinations, accommodation options are abundant, with both high-end and budget friendly hotels available. But in some remote villages, there may be only simple guesthouses or lodgings available.
- Xinjiang is geographically two hours behind Beijing, which may lead to differences in meal and sleep times.
Top Recommended Silk Road Tours
13 Days Qinghai, Gansu and Xinjiang TourTa’er Monastery, Binglingsi Grottoes, Sangke Prairie, local Tibetan family visit, Labrang Monastery, Danxia landform, Mogao Grottoes, Jiaohe Ruins, Baizikeli Thousand Buddha Caves, etc.
10 Days China Silk Road Tour of Xian and Xinjiang10 Days China Silk Road Tour of Xian and Xinjiang
Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Heavenly Lake, Karakuli Lake, Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Well, Mogao Caves, etc.
8 Days Xinjiang Urumqi Korla Kuqa Aksu Kashgar TourBosten Lake, Poplar Forest in Luntai, Tianshan Grand Canyon, Kizil Thousand Buddha Grottoes, Kalakuri Lake, Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Old Town, etc.
15 Days Essence China Silk Road Tour from BeijingLabrang Monastery, Longwu Monastery, Wutun Monastery, Ta’er Monastery, Qinghai Lake, Matisi Grottoes, Danxia Rainbow Mountain, Jiayuguan Pass, Mogao Grottoes, Jiaohe Ruins, Karez Well, Heavenly Lake, etc.
10 Days Xinjiang Silk Road Tour from Kashgar to Xi’anKashgar Old Town, Karakul Lake, Heavenly Lake, Jiaohe Ancient City, Tuyugou Valley, Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring, Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, the Ancient City Wall
18 Days Silk Road In-depth Tour of ChinaTerracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Maiji Mountain Grottoes, Fuxi Temple, Rainbow Mountains, Jiayuguan Pass, Wei Jin Mural Tomb, Tuyoq Valley, Karez Well, Hotan Museum, Karakuli Lake, Kashgar Old Town
