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Man and Camels, Silk Road, China
Home Destinations North and Central Asia China The Silk Road

The Silk Road

Fabled international trade route for the Chinese Empire.

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Starting at Chang An, or Xian as it is known today, the Silk Road meandered across China, skirting the Taklamakan Desert to Kashgar and then across the Tien Shan mountains into Central Asia or south across the Karakorum mountains into Pakistan and Persia (Iran).

Taklamakan desert in Chinese Xinjiang province
Taklamakan desert, China

Discover ancient routes

Today, travellers can follow this ancient route for themselves, stopping along the way to explore the many sites of interest. Visit the Longmen caves near Luoyang and the hanging temple at Maijishan, explore the lost cities of the Taklamakan desert or travel to Shaolin Monastery, famous for its martial arts. Jiayuguan is the most westerly point on the Great Wall of China some 2,000 miles from its East coast origins, while the oasis town of Turpan is the second lowest place on earth.

Crescent Spring and Mingyue Pavilion, Dunghuang, China
Dunhuang, China

Further exploration

At Dunhuang see the Mogao Grottoes and ride camels into the desert at sunset while, in Kashgar, a centre for international trade and visited by Marco Polo on his epic journey, the sounds, sights and smells of the Sunday Market are a must. Explore the history of this famous trade route on our tour of the Silk Route starting in Kyrgyzstan and ending in Xian.

Shangri La Express Train, Golden Eagle Silk Road Journey, China
China train travel

Travel the Silk Road by Luxury Train

Travelling from Beijing to Kashgar, or onto Tashkent, it is now possible to journey the silk route on board the luxurious Golden Eagle Train. Crossing six countries, from China, through Central Asia this epic Silk Road odyssey is a really magical way to soak up the history, ancient sites and fabulous architecture of this ancient trading route.

View Train Journey

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Terracotta Warriors Xian China
 

The Terracotta Warriors

See one of China’s most important sights, the Terracotta Warriors on the outskirts of Xian.

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Labrang, Xiahe, China
 

A Taste of Tibet

Visit the Tibetan town of Xiahe and the Labrang Monastery.

Maiji Caves in Gansu, Tianshui, China
 

Maijishan Grottoes

Climb up the rock face at Maijishan using ladders and platforms to reach World Heritage Buddhist caves and the carved statue and murals within. These are some of the most famous Buddhist rock carvings along the Silk Route with some 220 caves containing over 7800 sculptures.

Uighur man with beard, Kashgar, Xinjiang Province, China
 

Silk Road Cultures

Experience different ethnic groups, cultures and traditions from the Chinese Han people to the Uighurs and Kazakhs.

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Kashgar Market, Kashgar, China
 

Kashgar Sunday Market

Absorb the sights, sounds and smells of the Sunday market at Kashgar.

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The Bingling Temple
 

Bingling Temple and Caves

Travel up the Yellow River by speedboat to Bingling Buddhist Temple and Thousand Buddha Caves. Take time to walk into the hills for true peace and quiet.

Shangri La Express Train, Golden Eagle Silk Road Journey, China
 

Silk Route by Train

Journey the Silk Route by luxury train crossing five countries through Central Asia; a magical way to see this ancient trading route.

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Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes
 

Mogao Grottoes

See the Mogao Grottoes at Dunhuang before riding camels into the desert at sunset.

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Need Inspiration?
Browse our China holiday ideas.

Our experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

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This holiday follows the northern Chinese Silk Route, journeying eastwards from the mountains of Kyrgyzstan to the terracotta warriors in Xian, travelling by road, rail and air.
20 days from £5,175pp
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View Holiday Idea
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12 days from £18,115pp
Lines of terracotta warriors stood in tomb trenches.
View Holiday Idea
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This 12-day rail journey aboard the luxurious Golden Eagle train travels east to west across China, from the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the historically rich oasis town of Turpan.
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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven in Samarkand, Uzbekistan
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Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

I first travelled to Vietnam in 1988, when tourism was barely a concept, and have been visiting Central Asia since it was still behind the Iron Curtain. Such first-hand experience makes all the difference when talking to clients. I know the importance of asking questions, not taking the first answer as gospel, and matching the right destination to the right person.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980
Clare Diving in Indonesia
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Clare Wiggins

My love for Asia began with living there. Based in Vietnam and then Malaysia, I also explored the surrounding regions before eventually finding my way back home via China and the Trans-Siberian railway. At Steppes Travel, I get to share that love for Asia every day, helping clients experience the places I know best as if they were locals themselves.

Talk with our experts
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