The Silk Road was a famous and bustling trade route that led to the Western world centuries ago. Since the year 200 a. In C.C., silk traders from Xian set out with their camel caravans on the long journey to distant Constantinople, while some adventurous pioneers, such as Marco Polo, went east to see this mysterious ancient country.
China Silk Road is a journey of historical sites, cultural relics, beautiful scenery, and colorful folk discoveries. The main historical sites and cultural relics along this route are: The Terracotta Warriors in Xian, which is one of the most important archaeological finds with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation in the world; Dun Huang’s Mogao Grottoes, which are considered to be the great treasure of extant Buddhist arts; Turpan’s Gaochang Ancient City, once an important garrison town on the Silk Road; Turpan’s Karez well, which is the underground irrigation system with a history of 2000 years.
Travelers along this legendary route can also have the chance to experience the unique local cultures. If your tour starts from Xian in the direction of Urumqi and Kashgar, you will see the gradual transition from Buddhist culture to Islamic culture. Urgur people are known for their hospitality and they always promptly invite you into their home and serve you homemade food and fresh local fruits. Almost all the people of Urgur can sing and dance. Dancing is an integral part of the life of every Urgur people. Urgur people sing and dance at almost all events: weddings, funerals, gatherings and just for fun.
In addition, stunning scenic attractions along this legendary road include Qinghai Lake Bird Island, Qinghai Salt Lake, Bayanbulak Grassland Swan Nature Reserve, Heavenly Lake in Urumqi, Flaming Mountain in Turpan and the Karamay Ghost Town. There are too many things for your eyes to take in.
The amazing journey on the Silk Road simply leaves everyone spellbound. This article introduces my lovely 9-day China Silk Road tour. It’s more than a turn.
Day 01: Xian
Upon arrival in Xian, you will be met by our local guide and escorted to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for your free time.
Day 02: Xian
Enjoy a magnificent day of sightseeing at what has been dubbed the eighth wonder of the world, the Terracotta Soldiers Museum, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. After lunch, visit the Bell Tower, which it is the best preserved and best known in China and the Great Wild Goose Pagoda, which is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China and was initially built in 589.
Day 03: Xian – Urumqi
In the morning visit the Ancient City Wall in Xian, the best preserved city wall in China. Flight to Urumqi in the afternoon.
Day 04: Urumqi
In the morning, you will be taken to Nanshan Pasture where you can enjoy the stunning view of unique and graceful peaks with year-round snow. Along the way, you will enjoy a visit to a typical Chinese village and meet local people.
Day 05: Urumqi – Turphan
With 2 hours of driving, you will be taken to Turpan, an ancient trading city on the Silk Road. One of the most interesting stops here is the Karez Irrigation Site. It is like a museum showing how the wells were built and maintained. A sample channel and well are built to explore. The rest of the day is free for your free time.
Day 06: Turfan – Dun Huang
To avoid being outside in the hot midday, the tour will start at sunrise. The first stop is the Gaochang Ruins, the original capital of a local ruler in the 7th century. Then you will go to the Flaming Mountains, a great attraction for taking pictures. The next stop is Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, where you can feel the importance of Buddhism for Silk Road travelers, many of whom stopped here to take advantage of a successful trip. He’s having lunch today in Grape Valley. The beautiful trellised valley provides a much needed respite from the heat. Tonight you will take a soft sleeper overnight train to Dun Huang.
Day 07: Dunhuang
Dun Huang was the last stop for Chinese Buddhist pilgrims on the way to India and the first stop for foreign missionaries arriving in China. A full-day tour begins with a visit to the Mogao Caves, which have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Take a short camel ride over the echoing sand dune to reach Crescent Lake.
Day 08: Dun Huang – Beijing
Enjoy free time in the morning. Flight back to Beijing in the afternoon.
Day 09: Depart Beijing
Today you will fly back to your sweet home with an unforgettable experience.