|
 
|
Why the Silk Road
is special
Although the ancient Silk Road no longer functions, retracing parts of its route offers travelers a
historical and cultural adventure.
Leading travel destinations
along China's Silk Road
 Many cities from Beijing to Kashgar qualify as Silk Road
cities. However, the one with the most Silk Road character is Kashgar (Kashi) near China's far western border
in the Xinjiang autonomous region. If you visit only one Silk Road city, let it be Kashgar.
The ancient cities of Jiaohe and Gaochang are situated near
the oasis city of Turpan. The Bizaklik Buddhist caves are also nearby.
Grasslands dotted with nomadic yurt tents can be found in
the Urumqi city area.
Other major tourist destinations along the Silk Road
corridor include, from east to west, Xi'an, Lanzhou, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, and Kuqa.
Silk Road tidbits
Technically, Silk Road should be
plural, not singular. There are several routes.
The Silk Road passes through many
landscapes, including deserts, grasslands and mountains.
No one actually traveled the length
of the Silk Road. Instead, traders specialized in working short segments of the route near their home bases. Over
the course of a product's journey between East and West, it could change hands dozens of times. Think of a long
chain, with the traders being the links.
The Silk Road was functioning across
Eurasia as early as the 2nd century BC.
By the time Marco Polo arrived in
China in the 13th century, the Silk Road had seen its
grander days. And, it would be disappearing three centuries later
when the newly established sea cargo routes were safer, faster and cheaper than caravan shipping.
China exchanged goods like silk and
furs for valuables like gold and jade.
The term "Silk Road" never
existed until 1877 when a German geographer coined it.
View my other gold,
silver & bronze medal
winners in China
 
My Chinese
phrase guide
for travelers
What every visitor should know.
View my Chinese
cuisine guide
|
