Silk Road
From ChinaTravelGuide
Contents |
[edit] History
The Silk Road is a collection of several ancient trade routes connecting Xi'an (called Chang'an at that time) and other countries in west Asia. The routes were not only used to trade goods, but also to transmit and exchange cultural ideas between China and countries in west Asia and even Europe. Both Islam and Buddhism reached China through this route. The routes played a vital role in the development of the great civilizations of China and other nearby countries, and helped shape the foundations for the modern world.
Today, the routes are still being used for trading between China's Xinjiang and Central Asian republics, such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Russia. The railway goes all the way from China's east coastline city of Lianyungang, passing Central China, to Urumqi, and then join the former Soviet railway system of Kazakhstan before reaching Germany and the Netherlands.
The Silk Road is also a popular itinerary for many adventurous tourists following in the footsteps of Marco Polo. Come and travel along the Silk Road to enjoy the the historical culture relics, beautiful scenery, and the wonderful treatment of visitors and the tradition of Muslim hospitality.
[edit] The Route
The silk route can be generally divided into three sections: Eastern Section (Xi'an to Dunhuang), Middle Section (Dunhaung to Congling, or Pamia Mountains) and Western Section (Congling to India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, etc. )
- Eastern Section (Xi'an to Dunhuang): The three routes of the Eastern Section all start from Changan (or today's Xi'an), merge at Wuwei or Zhangye of Gansu Province, and go north along the Hexi Corridor to Dunhuang, the western end of the Great Wall.
- Northern Route:
- Southern Route
- Middle Route
- Middle Section (Dunhaung to Congling): a collection of routes around the Taklimakan Desert. It was altered several times due to the change of the desert condition.
- Southern Route
- Middle Route
- Northern Route:
- Western Section (after Congling westwards)
- Northern Route:
- Middle Route
- Southern Route
[edit] Getting in & Getting out
[edit] What to See
- The Mogao Grottoes - Also known as "the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas". It's about 50 meters high in 5 stories on the cliff of the east side of Mingsha Moutain. It's one of the three grottoes in China.
- The Astana Tombs - Famous for its Terracotta figurines and paintings, the tombs were the graveyard for the ancient people of the Gaochang city.
- Tianshan Tianchi - This crescent-shaped lake was formed from the melted snow on the Tianshan Mountain. Today, this beautiful lake is best known as a summer resort.
- Red Hill - The unique Red Hill in Urumqi got its name from its reddish color. Enjoy the ethnic performance and bird's eye view of the city of Urumqi from the top the hill.
- The wonderful culture and traditions of minority people of Tibetans, Mongolians, the Tajik, Kazakhs and Uzbeks.
- Cities along the Hexi (west of Yellow River) Corridor, Lanzhou, Wuwei, Jiuquan, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Zhangye.
- Cities farther west in Xinjiang, such as Urumqi, Kashgar and Turpan.
[edit] Practical Tips
- Bring some necessary medicines as it's a long route and the attractions are all scattered around.
- The area is dry and at high altitude. Bring enough water, fruits, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.
- Large temperature difference in day and night.
- Need flashlight when entering Mogao Grottoes. There are flashlights for rent at the gate. Also cameras are not allowed inside the caves.
- Make sure you have enough films, memory, batteries for the cameras.
- Be sure to wear shoes suitable for horse riding, sand skiing, camel-riding.
- Respect the local custom, traditions.
- Know the price before make the purchase. But don't haggle unless you are ready to buy.
