Gansu Travel
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ExploreWelcome to your ultimate guide to traversing the Silk Road - where adventure meets history! If you've ever dreamed of journeying along the ancient paths where merchants once carried silk and spices between the East and the West, you're in the right place. Here at “Silk Road Travel Guide,” we're passionate about turning your travel fantasies into reality.
The Silk Road stretches over thousands of miles, traditionally from the historical city of Xi'an in China through the steppes of Central Asia, winding through intriguing locations like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, before making its way to the bustling bazaars of Istanbul in Turkey. Along this route, you'll cross paths with multiple countries, each offering a unique window into the past and present of this historic trade route.
From the bustling markets of Istanbul to the majestic palaces of Samarkand, our comprehensive Silk Road guide covers everything you need to know to plan your trip along this legendary route. We'll dive into the must-see sites, hidden gems, and cultural hotspots that make the Silk Road a bucket-list experience for travelers.
Explore the best Silk Road destinations in China for first-time travelers. From marveling at the ancient wonders of Samarkand and Bukhara to hitting top spots along China’s ancient Silk Road like the old city of Xi'an, the dramatic landscapes of Gansu, and the diverse cultures of Xinjiang. Start your legendary Silk Road adventure right here!
Explore Silk Road destinations with our interactive map! Easily pinpoint historical spots from bustling cities to ancient sites. Just click on any location for detailed info, helping you effortlessly learn about and plan your trip. Discover the rich diversity of the Silk Road with ease! View Top Silk Road Cities >>
Discover the best Silk Road tours for first-timers, ranging from 5 to 13 days. Experience everything from the bustling bazaars of Kashgar to the serene deserts of Dunhuang. Our private tours are designed to immerse you in the rich history and stunning landscapes of the legendary Silk Road.
Explore the top 10 Silk Road attractions, from cultural hotspots to natural wonders. Visit the ancient capital of Xi'an in China and the enchanting domes of Samarkand in Uzbekistan. Admire the vast deserts around Turpan and the Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye. Marvel at the Buddhist art in the Mogao Caves and the architectural wonders of Bukhara. Start your journey to the most iconic destinations on the Silk Road today!
Unsure how to plan your Silk Road adventure? Check out our series of travel planning guides tailored to the Silk Road. Learn about key attractions, top activities, optimal travel lengths, and the best times to visit. Plus, get tips on where to stay and eat as you journey through history.
Discover the Silk Road with our competitively priced group tours! Choose from our popular itineraries ranging from 4 to 16 days, covering key Silk Road highlights. All tours are best prices, featuring visits to legendary sites like Xi’an, Dunhuang, and Kashgar. Join us for an unforgettable journey! Check More Silk Road Group Tours >>
Explore a world of adventures along the Silk Road with activities tailored to every interest. Whether it's hiking through epic landscapes, sampling exotic cuisines, participating in traditional crafts, or exploring ancient ruins, the Silk Road offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Searching for insightful travel articles on key Silk Road destinations? Our curated collection offers expert advice, tips, and inspiration for exploring places like Dunhuang, Turpan, Xi'an, and more. Enhance your journey along this historic route with our valuable travel resources.
The ruins of ancient cities, deserts, Buddhist grottoes, mosques, Great Wall sections, Danxia landforms and saline lakes are the major attractions on the ancient Silk Road. These attractions can seldom be found in other parts of China.
Normally, most parents take their kids to China to relax and learn some culture and history about China. Beijing and Xian, the two ancient capitals of China, are the best place to learn Chinese culture and history. Guilin and Zhangjiajie, featuring their unique landscapes, are the perfect destinations to relax and admire beautiful sceneries. These four cities are most recommended destinations for kids.
June to September are the best time to visit the Danxia landform parks in Zhangye. During clear days, you can see the sunrise or sunset in these parks. It will be neither too hot nor too cold. During rainy days, the plants on the red hills in these parks make the sceneries more beautiful.
Xinjiang is worth to visit all year around. Just check out the highlights in Xinjiang during different time periods as below:
March and April – The apricot flowers are the first spring attractions in Xinjiang. Turpan is the best place to admire apricot flowers. The desert areas are also recommended in April, because it is getting warmer in April.
May and June – The grasslands in the south Xinjiang are recommended. The north Xinjiang is still in early spring in May, while the south is going into summer. Various colorful plants on the endless green grasslands are best places to admire summer sceneries. In June, the grasslands in north Xinjiang also becomes beautiful.
July to September – All areas in Xinjiang are beautiful during late summer and early spring. Besides, the fruits are at their best time.
October to next February – If you like the ice and snow world, visit Xinjiang in winter.
Since July 17th, 2020, the opening normal grottoes have been increased to 66 from 40. Besides, there are 8 special grottoes. So totally, there are 74 grottoes open to tourists.
Please note that the special grottoes may be closed without official notice due to repairing project or narrow space in these grottoes.
Yes! Solo travelers are welcome and often join group tours to share the experience with others while traveling affordably. It's a great way to meet like-minded adventurers and enjoy the Silk Road journey without the logistical planning.
Each day is designed to balance sightseeing, cultural experiences, and free time. You’ll visit iconic sites like the Mogao Caves and the Old City of Kashgar, with guided tours and some downtime for personal exploration or relaxation.
Highlights include visiting the Mogao Caves, riding camels in the Dunhuang desert, exploring Kashgar’s Sunday Market, and hiking around the rainbow mountains in Zhangye Danxia. Unique cultural experiences include Uighur, Kazakh, and Tajik cultural exchanges in Xinjiang.
The Silk Road is generally safe. Xinjiang has heightened security, and travelers are advised to follow local regulations and stay informed. Group tours and local guides add to the sense of safety and convenience.
Key destinations include Xian (starting point of the ancient route), Dunhuang for its Mogao Caves, Turpan’s ancient city of Jiaohe, and Kashgar’s vibrant markets. The route spans Gansu and Xinjiang in China, extending westward into Central Asia’s Five Stans (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan).
The best months for a Silk Road tour are April–June and September–October, when temperatures are mild, skies are clear, and sites are less crowded. Summer can be very hot, especially in the desert areas, while winter can bring cold and challenging travel conditions.
Gansu offers incredible Buddhist sites like the Mogao Caves and the scenic Zhangye Danxia landform. Xinjiang highlights include diverse ethnic cultures, the Heavenly Lake of Tianchi, and the ancient city of Kashgar, set against breathtaking landscapes of deserts and mountains.
Xinjiang’s culture is unique with its blend of Uighur, Kazakh, and Tajik influences. It’s home to diverse scenery like the Heavenly Lake of Tianchi, Kanas Lake, and Kashgar’s Old City, offering a truly multicultural experience.
Decide on your main interests, such as history, culture, or scenery, then choose an entry city like Xi’an, Dunhuang, or Urumqi. Planning your tour length is important, as the Silk Road can range from a week to several weeks. Choose between joining a group tour or arranging a private tour for a more flexible experience.
Xi’an is a popular starting point as it was historically the Silk Road's beginning. Other good entry points include Dunhuang for central access or Urumqi for western Xinjiang and Central Asia links. Choose a city based on the main sites you want to explore.
See More Silk Road Travel Tips 
Aisha
Malaysia
Highly recommended for families seeking history and nature. The desert experience at Shapotou was unforgettable, and seeing the massive Western Xia Tombs gave us a real history lesson. The highlight was tasting the excellent wine at Xige Winery—a pleasant surprise in China's west! The tour was well-organized, and the guide and driver were exceptional, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Destination(s): Ningxia
Date of Experience: Sep 02, 2025
Tour Customized by: Nicole
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Emily Johnson
USA
Expert guides and seamless logistics made our trip truly exceptional. Highly recommended! The Tengger Desert's colorful lakes were a surreal highlight after an unforgettable night camping under Shapotou's starry sky. The history, wine, and off-roading created a perfect, diverse adventure.
Destination(s): Ningxia
Date of Experience: Oct 09, 2025
Tour Customized by: Anthony
You May be Interested in This Tour: 6 Days Ningxia Odyssey Tour: Desert Camping & Off-road to Colorful Lakes
Ryan Tan
Singapore
The perfect mix of history, wine tasting, and desert adventures, especially camping in Shapotou under the stars. Highlights included the stunning Western Xia Tombs and Xige Winery. Truly unique and well-organized—highly recommended!
Destination(s): Ningxia
Date of Experience: Jun 12, 2025
Tour Customized by: Danny
You May be Interested in This Tour: 6 Days Ningxia Wine Tour with Desert Camping in Shapotou
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