The Silk Road is a witness to history and a dream route for China tours. Along the route, there are magnificent natural landscapes, rich cultures and numerous historical sites. Here are 5 popular destinations for China Silk Road tours.
Urumqi
Urumqi attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique location and diverse culture. Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is the most ethnic commercial area in Urumqi. There is a wide range of specialty goods here, where you can enjoy various kinds of exquisite handicrafts and local specialty snacks.
The Xinjiang Museum displays colorful exhibits, including ancient pottery, exquisite jade, precious paintings and calligraphy. Tianshan Tianchi is one of the famous natural scenic spots in any Xinjiang tour, attracting countless tourists with its beautiful mountain scenery and unique geography. The lake is crystal clear, surrounded by mountains and picturesque scenery.
Turpan
Turpan, located in the eastern part of Xinjiang, was an important post on the ancient Silk Road. Jiaoha Imperial City is the largest, oldest and best-preserved city of raw earth architecture in the world. The Flaming Mountain Scenic Area, known for its unique red Danxia landforms and extreme climate, is one of the most famous attractions in Turpan.
Located in Gaochang District of Turpan City, Grape Valley is a long and narrow valley named after the abundance of grapes. Visitors can stroll under the grapevines and pick fresh and sweet grapes with their own hands. At Karez, visitors can get a close-up look at this miraculous structure in a specially set up tour channel.
Xining
Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province and has a rich historical and cultural heritage. Kumbum Monastery is one of the most famous attractions in Xining and is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the northwest. The temple’s distinctive architectural style, coupled with its unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, draws numerous tourists to visit.
Qinghai Lake is one of the largest inland lakes in China, known as the “Pearl of the Plateau”. With its beautiful scenery and clear water, the lake is an excellent tourist attraction. The Kunlun Mountain boasts spectacular natural scenery, making it an excellent destination for exploration and sightseeing.
Zhangye
Located in the middle of the Hexi Corridor in Gansu Province, Zhangye boasts a long history and magnificent natural scenery. The Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot is known for the colorful landforms and spectacular scenes. The best viewing time is at sunrise and sunset, when the sunlight sprinkles on the Danxia, making the colors even more brilliant.
Wuwei
Located in the center of Gansu Province, Wuwei is a bright pearl on the ancient Silk Road. Wuwei Confucian Temple is a carefully preserved Ming Dynasty complex where you can learn about ancient Confucian culture. Leitai Park is a precious site from the late Eastern Han Dynasty. It is famous for the national treasure relics unearthed here, known as the “Horse Treading on Swallow”.