The Silk Road through China is one of the great overland journeys in the world — a route that traces the ancient trade connection between the Mediterranean and East Asia through desert landscapes, oasis cities and mountain passes that remain as dramatic today as they were 2,000 years ago. The Chinese Silk Road runs from Xi’an (the ancient capital where caravans departed) through Lanzhou, Zhangye and the extraordinary Dunhuang (with its Mogao Cave murals) into Xinjiang province, ending at Kashgar — a Central Asian bazaar city that feels nothing like the rest of China. Allow 14–21 days for a meaningful journey.
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What are the key Silk Road stops in China?
Xi’an (3 days) — The undisputed starting point. The eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the capital of the Han and Tang dynasties when the trade route was at its peak. See the Terracotta Warriors, the city wall, the Muslim Quarter (whose Hui Muslim community descends from Silk Road traders) and the Shaanxi History Museum (one of China’s best).
Zhangye (1–2 days) — Famous for the Zhangye Danxia Landform (张掖丹霞地貌) — extraordinary rainbow-striped rock formations in shades of red, orange, yellow and green. One of China’s most visually spectacular geological sites. The Giant Buddha Temple (大佛寺) houses a 35-metre reclining Buddha.
Dunhuang (2–3 days) — The most culturally important stop on the Chinese Silk Road. The Mogao Caves (莫高窟) — a complex of 492 Buddhist cave temples carved between the 4th and 14th centuries containing the largest collection of Buddhist art in the world: murals, sculptures, manuscripts. Book tickets far in advance; visitor numbers are strictly limited. Also see: the Crescent Moon Lake (月牙泉) — a spring that has survived in the desert for millennia, and the enormous Singing Sand Dunes (鸣沙山).
Turpan (吐鲁番, 1–2 days) — The hottest city in China (regularly exceeds 45°C in summer) and one of the lowest points in the world (−154m). Famous for its grape trellises, ancient ruins (Jiaohe, Gaochang) and the underground irrigation system (坎儿井) that has sustained agriculture in the desert for 2,000 years.
Urumqi (乌鲁木齐, 1–2 days) — Xinjiang’s capital. The Xinjiang Regional Museum provides context for the region’s ethnic diversity. Day trip to Heavenly Lake (天池) — a high-altitude alpine lake on the slopes of Bogda Peak.
Kashgar (喀什, 2–3 days) — The end of the road and the most extraordinary city on the Chinese Silk Road. The Old Town (疏附县老城区) is Central Asian in character — mudbrick architecture, covered bazaars, the Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺, the largest mosque in China). The Sunday livestock market is one of the great market experiences in Asia. Kashgar feels like a different country from Beijing.
How do I plan a Silk Road itinerary?
14-day route (recommended first Silk Road trip):
- Days 1–3: Xi’an
- Day 4: Train to Zhangye (high-speed, ~3 hours from Lanzhou connection)
- Days 4–5: Zhangye (Danxia Landform)
- Day 6: Train to Dunhuang (~3 hours from Liuyuan station)
- Days 6–8: Dunhuang (Mogao Caves + desert)
- Day 9: Fly to Urumqi (~1.5 hours)
- Days 9–10: Urumqi + Heavenly Lake
- Day 11: Train/fly to Turpan (~2 hours from Urumqi)
- Days 11–12: Turpan
- Day 13: Train to Kashgar (~5.5 hours high-speed)
- Days 13–14: Kashgar
- Return: Fly from Kashgar to major city
Transport note: The high-speed rail now extends across most of Xinjiang, making the journey significantly faster than even a decade ago. Xi’an to Kashgar can be done entirely by train (though it takes 24+ hours non-stop — breaking the journey is recommended).
How do I travel the Silk Road in China?
The main route runs from Xi’an through Zhangye, Dunhuang, Turpan and Urumqi to Kashgar. High-speed rail now covers most of this route. Allow 14 days minimum for the key highlights. Fly into Xi’an and out of Kashgar (or reverse) to avoid backtracking.
Do I need a special permit for Xinjiang?
Standard Chinese visa is sufficient to enter Xinjiang. No special permit is required for the main tourist destinations (Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar). However, you will encounter frequent security checkpoints throughout Xinjiang — carry your passport at all times and expect your phone to be checked at some checkpoints.
Is the Silk Road route safe for tourists?
The main tourist destinations along the Silk Road (Xi’an, Dunhuang, Urumqi, Kashgar) are safe for foreign tourists. Xinjiang has a significant security presence due to regional tensions, and some travellers find the checkpoint procedures intrusive. Research current conditions before visiting and register with your home country’s travel advisory service.
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