How to Plan a China Silk Road Travel - Ultimate China Silk Road Trip Planner 2023/2024

◆ Luoyang - Great Ancient Capital City: Luoyang in western Henan is a great ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties, the center of the Grand Canal and one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Luoyang was the capital of China and a prosperous cosmopolitan city in the world, which received envoys from ancient Rome and traders worldwide, and promoted exchanges of goods, religions and cultures. The highest achievement belongs to cultural communication of Buddhism, and two best treasures are Longmen Grottoes - the best stone carving grotto work of China and White Horse Temple - the first Buddhist temple in China. Learn more >>

◆ Xian - the Starting Point of the Silk Road: Xian, (former name: Chang’an), only 1.5 hours’ high speed bullet train travel from Luoyang, is a world-famous historical city and the home to the UNESCO World Heritage site - Terracotta Warriors. The city was the original starting point of the ancient Silk Road and a flourishing capital of China for 13 dynasties. Therefore, Xian is a land of historic sites and cultural fusion related inheritances. Apart from the magnificent Terracotta Army, Xian’s cultural highlights include the Ancient City Wall, Bell & Drum Towers, Muslim Quarter, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and so on. Learn more >>

◆ Ningxia - Connection between Xian and the Hexi Corridor: Located between Shaanxi and Gansu, Ningxia is a vital station on the ancient Silk Road, and it was the seat of the Western Xia Kingdom (1038 ~ 1227 AD). It has preserved some historic sites for exploring the past glorious history and marks of cultural exchanges on the Silk Road, such as the Xumishan Grottoes, Western Xia Emperors’ Tombs, etc. Meanwhile, Ningxia has a variety of complex topography, covering plateau, plain, mountains, rivers, lakes and gobi desert. Helan Mountains and Shapotou Desert are the most famous symbols. As China’s largest wine region, Ningxia still has many good wineries to taste and learn premium Chinese wine.

◆ Tianshui - Stunning Grottoes Gallery: Tianshui is the birthplace of Emperor Fuxi (ancestor of Chinese civilization) and a vital town on the ancient Silk Road. The most famous cultural legacy is the Maijishan Grottoes - one of the Four Greatest Buddhist Grottoes in China. Fuxi Temple, built to worship Emperor Fuxi, is a remarkable ancient architectural complex of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

◆ Lanzhou - Gateway to Northwest China & Coastal City of Yellow River: Lanzhou was a traffic key-point to the Western Regions on the ancient Silk Road where Marco Polo, Zhang Qian, many ancient adventurers and travelers all visited. Gansu Provincial Museum in central Lanzhou has knowledgeable exhibitions of Gansu and the Silk Road. Dozens of miles of landscape along the Yellow River with modern buildings, traditional temples and local life scenes are worth a visit too.

◆ Zhangye - Magical Rainbow Mountains: Zhangye was a strategic city to further Western Regions in history. Zhangye Danxia Geopark with amazing colorful Danxia hills is the most famous attraction in Zhangye. The profound history and culture of Zhangye can be found in Matisi Grottoes on the cliffside and Dafo Temple with China’s largest indoor clay reclining Buddha and precious Buddhist Sutras. Learn more >>

◆ Jiayuguan - the First & Greatest Pass of China Great Wall: Jiayuguan City in the middle of Hexi Corridor was a crossroad on Silk Route and a major frontier battle filed. The landmark - Jiayuguan Pass is the westernmost fortress of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty as well as the largest and greatest one. Besides, you can learn China's Great history in the Great Wall Museum and visit the less-known Overhanging Great Wall in Jiayuguan. Learn more >>

◆ Dunhuang - the Oasis with the Finest Buddhist Art Treasury: Dunhuang is the home to the world-renowned Mogao Caves, Yumen Pass & Yangguan Pass of the Han Dynasty. The richest and largest amount of Buddhist murals and sculptures of Mogao Caves show the fantastic religious communication of the East and the West. Another dramatic fascination is the Crescent Spring surviving in the wild and barren desert of Singing Sands Mountain. Dunhuang suburbs and surrounding areas have more historic sites and unique landforms to venture. Learn more >>

◆ Qinghai - Amazing Plateau Scenery: There were some sections of ancient Silk Road that went through Qinghai from Xining, via Qinghai Lake to Qaidam Basin. Xining remains different religious and ethnic cultures brought by the road, such as Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque. Beautiful Qinghai Lake is the No.1 must-visit. In remote areas of Qinghai, there is authentic Tibetan culture and primitive landscapes. Learn more >>

◆ Turpan - the Door of Xinjiang: Turpan, where the Cheshi Kingdom and the Gaocheng Kingdom were located, served as an important gateway to the Western Regions on the ancient Silk Road. It has World Cultural Heritage sites - Jiaohe Ancient City, Gaocheng Ancient City and main attractions like Bezklik Thousand Buddhas Caves, Flaming Mountains, Grape Valley, Kumtag Desert and Karez System. Learn more >>

◆ Urumqi - Window of Xinjiang’s Culture & History: Urumqi was a busy international trade center on the northern Silk Road. The Heavenly Lake of Tianshan Mountains near Urumqi has charming natural scenery. The Regional Museum in the downtown area introduces the splendid culture and long history of Xinjiang. International Grand Bazaar reproduces the hectic trades of the ancient Silk Road. Learn more >>

◆ Kucha - the Earliest Buddhist Grottoes in China: Kucha (Kuqa) is where the ancient Qiuci Kingdom existed and thrived and many cultures met and mixed. Here is Kizil Caves - the first Buddhist Grottoes in China, Gaha Beacon Tower and Subash Ruins, three World Heritage properties. Learn more >>

◆ Hotan - A Flourishing Trade Center on Southern Silk Road: Hotan, the ancient Yutian Kingdom and Jingjue Kingdom, was a major border trade center on the southern route of the ancient Silk Road. It is rich in Hotan jades, which together with Hotan carpet and Adilis Silk are the three famous treasures. Major highlights are the Niya Ruins and the spectacular highway through the Taklamakan Desert - the world’s largest desert. Learn more >>

◆ Kashgar - A Living Cultural Museum of Xinjiang: Two major Silk Routes once joined in Kashgar and brought Kashgar diverse culture, religions and people. Kashgar Old Town is a living fossil with both old residences and an authentic and alive ethnic lifestyle. Travelling from Kashgar to Tashkurgan, Hotan, Kucha and other destinations in Xinjiang and neighboring countries is doable. Learn more >>

Keep Reading: Popular Xian Tours | Luoyang Tours | Gansu Tours | Qinghai Tours | Xinjiang Tours

Xian Terracotta Warriors ©走走-74511940 / ctrip

Ningxia Shapotou Desert ©意识散 / mafengwo

Zhangye Rainbow Mountains ©俞晨 / ctrip

Dunhuang Mogao Caves ©Dunhuang Academy China

Heavenly Lake of Tianshan ©泽熙seacen / mafengwo

Kashgar Old Town ©骆小洛的世界 / mafengwo

Envoys, travelers and adventures in ancient times took years to walk through the Silk Road journey. However, present modern technology makes travel much easier, more convenient and flexible.

By Air: Xian, Luoyang, Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Zhangye, Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar and nearly all destinations on the Silk Road are easily accessible by flight (mostly domestic flights). And, there are some flights flying among these destinations. Capital cities like Xian, Lanzhou, Urumqi, Xining also operate a few international flights.

By Train: The Lanzhou-Urumqi High Speed Railway links many cities along the Silk Road, making a Silk Road bullet train journey very popular and convenient. You can take bullet trains to Xian, Luoyang, Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Turpan and Urumqi, and transfer among them.

By Private Car: To visit major attractions in a city efficiently and visit remote destinations, a road trip by private car is the best option, because public transportation is either time-wasting or involves complicated transfers. For example, you can Terracotta Warriors in the Xian suburb and other sites downtown, travel from Urumqi to Heavenly Lake of Tianshan, get from Kashgar to Tashkurgan in our safe, clean, licensed, comfortable private car and accompanied by our professional local tour guide. Airport/train station pick-up and drop-off are provided in the tour package.

In general, a flight is best for long-distance travel. A bullet train is advised to visit medium-range destinations within half a day, while a private drive is the most practical way of transferring between short-distance places.

Keep Reading: How to Get to & around Xian | How to Get to & around Luoyang | How to Get to & around Dunhuang | How to Get to & around Gansu | How to Get to & around Qinghai | How to Get to & around Xinjiang

Xian Xianyang International Airport ©Xian Xianyang International Airport

Bullet Train was Running on Lanzhou Urumqi High Speed Railway ©xinhuanet

For all travelers to the Silk Road regions, trying local foods and snacks and tasting some new flavours is a part of the adventure and fun, as well as a good way to get to know the authentic local people and culture. Major cities have common Chinese dishes and capital cities have some western foods for choice.

What to Eat? Influenced by geographical environment, regional products and religious culture, diet on the Silk Road is very rich, wild and rough, quite different from cuisines in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and other parts of China. Cities along the route mainly eat noodles as staple food, instead of rice. But there are many types of noodles and flavors, which vary from region to region. Mutton and beef are the most important meat dishes. Many dishes are served in huge portions. Based on local products, there are a variety of strange, interesting and delicious snacks in each destination. An important thing to know when traveling to the Silk Road is that halal restaurants and foods are very common for the widespread Islamic culture. In minority areas, they often make traditional dishes. So please always show your respect and understanding. Lots of sweet and juicy fruits will mature in summer and autumn, better have a try.

Where to Eat? The central city normally has many restaurants to eat. Moreover, it’s very easy to find places to eat in and near major scenic areas. Downtown night markets are the best places to taste various kinds of local snacks and specialties.

Tips: Bring some medicines for enterogastritis and standing drugs to avoid unacclimatization and other emergencies.

Keep Reading: Popular Food and Snacks in Xian

Xian Muslim Quarter ©马马虎虎 / meipian