China Tourism News

China: Exploring The Silk Road

By Caroline Adam on 8 September 2010 (From Travel Weekly)

For almost 3000 years the silk routes — collectively known as the Silk Road — were important paths for cultural, commercial and technological exchange between traders, merchants, pilgrims, missionaries, soldiers and urban dwellers.

The Silk Road enabled people to transport goods between ancient China, ancient India, Asia Minor and the Mediterranean. Though silk was certainly the major trade item from China, many other products were traded, such as perfumes, spices, medicines and jewels, as well as various technologies, religions and philosophies. Also traded, but rather unwanted, was the bubonic plague.

Trade on the Silk Road was a significant factor in the development of some of the world’s great civilisations, and in several respects helped lay the foundations for the modern world. In the late Middle Ages, transcontinental trade over the land routes of the Silk Road declined as sea trade increased. It’s not a short journey, but the Silk Road is an experience that tour operators see continual demand for, thanks to curious travellers who want to follow in the footsteps of Marco Polo himself. Here are some of the key stopping points along the way.

This is the starting point for the Chinese section of the Silk Road and is of course the home of the famous Terracotta Warriors. Xian was put on the tourism map with the discovery of the life-sized warriors and their horses 40 years ago by local farmers. This silent army, which dates back more than 2000 years, was built during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who wanted them to guard him in the afterlife Xian is the home city of 13 Chinese dynasties, which means visitors can explore its temples and museums plus historic architecture dating back to the sixth century. The Xian city wall is the largest and best preserved ancient city wall in the country. Another attraction is the Big Wild Goose pagoda on the outskirts of the city which stands 64 metres high.

The city is home to a large Muslim community, and a visit the Islamic food markets and the old Muslim Quarter with the Great Mosque is a must during your stay. Xian is also renowned for its dumplings, so visitors should try a few of these delicacies.

An important oasis town on the Silk Road, Dunhuang is best known for the Mogao grottoes, which are also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas and are carved out of the sandstone cliffs. They preserve nearly a thousand years of Buddhist cave-temple architecture, clay sculpture, mural paintings and manuscripts. Constructed over 10 dynasties from the fourth to the 14th century, its 45,000 square metres of mural paintings and more than 2000 color statues are regarded as the greatest treasure-trove of Buddhist art in the world.

Other highlights of a visit to Dunhuang include Mingsha Hill and Crescent Moon Lake, which are set in an amphitheatre of sand dunes. Visitors to this city can learn more about the town’s history and local way of life at the Dunhuang Museum, and those lucky enough may get the opportunity to catch a local folk dancing performance.

Another oasis town, Turpan is located in the Gobi Desert and is the lowest elevated city in China as well as the driest and the hottest. It’s surrounded by desert, mountains and ruins, and is now known for its vineyards. Highlights include visiting the bazaar and seeing the Utgur way of life. Visitors can also check out the Jiaohe ruins — a former military stronghold and frontal barrier in the west for 1600 years, which still reveals traces of a prosperous and ancient trading centre.

Also worth seeing is the ancient Karez underground water supply and irrigation system, as well as its museum. Turpan is famous throughout China for its big and sweet grapes and melons; and while staying here you can visit the grape valley and you taste the local fruits. Near Turpan is Gaochang — the ancient walled capital of the Uighurs — and Suliman’s Minaret and the Flaming Mountains, named for their vibrant colour.

Located at a strategic point dominating the ancient trade routes in far western China, Kashgar is best known for its Sunday bazaar, which is the largest outdoor market in this region of Asia. Visitors will see merchants haggling for camels, carpets and other native goods; imams on donkeys and veiled women in their black robes.Other sightseeing highlights in this ancient oasis city include the Moore Buddha pagoda, the Id Kah Emin mosque (one of the largest in China), the Mohammed Kashigari Tomb and the Abak Hoia (the Tomb of the Fragrant Lady).