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The Silk Road is the famous route which saw all manner of exotic items being shipped from Asia to Africa and Europe, and this fabled collection of roads is still often travelled, but mainly by tourists rather than traders looking to make a profit. Many excellent destinations in China follow the various routes of the Silk Road, and below you will find some of the places that you should try to make sure that you do not miss when you travel to exotic China on holiday.
Image Source: Pixabay
The Start Of The Road: Xi’an
The starting point of the Silk Road is Xi’an, which is in Shaanxi province and was a significant capital city which enjoyed the riches of being central to the external exchange in its heyday. The ancient city of Xi’an is also home to the famous Terracotta Warriors, the city wall which surrounds the old town, as well as the majestic Mount Huashan creating a beautiful vista. As well as all the history available, there is also a modern hustle and bustle with the city, so there is plenty to do for everyone. It is an excellent starting point for private China tours escorted with a guide.
Dunhuang In The Desert
In the north-western province of Gansu, lies Dunhuang, on the edge of the Gobi Desert, this town was once a frontier town of the Silk Road. You will find here a cave complex which has 492 caverns, and you will see Buddhist statues and frescoes left there by the many visitors that came here from between the 4th century and 14th centuries. The caves are nestled on top of cliffs overlooking the Dachuan River, which also makes for spectacular viewing.
Image Source: Unsplash
Sweating It Out In Turpan
Turpan is in the second largest depression in the world, being some 500 feet below sea level, and it is in Tarim Basin in China’s Xinjiang Province. Some people call it the Death Valley of China as the temperature in the summer can reach above, but do not worry as you can cool down by visiting the Turpan Museum or go underground in the Karez tunnel system. The oasis in the middle of the desert has been populated for over 2000 years, so there is a wealth of history on offer when you visit, and many things to see and do.
The Wild West Of China
Kashgar is in the far western reaches of China, in the Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region, and is another great stop along the Silk Road. There has been a settlement in the area for thousands of years, and you can enjoy the markets and shops in the old city or visit the bustling Sunday livestock market. You can also enjoy some of the local food that is on offer, and you will find that the locals are very welcoming and friendly.
Image Source: Unsplash
These are just a few of the many places that you can stop along the Silk Road when you visit and explore China. One thing is for sure, you will make memories that will last for a lifetime.
This is a collaborative post.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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