How to Plan a China Silk Road Tour

Silk Road travel is an excellent choice to experience the splendid Chinese civilization. The natural scenery, rich history and culture, and unique folklore experience along the way will make your China Silk Road tour full of fun. There are some China Silk Road travel tips for you.

Reasonable Itinerary

The Silk Road runs across mainland China, and when planning an itinerary, travelers can choose a route based on their interests and time. Xi’an is the starting point of the Silk Road. Tourists can visit famous attractions such as the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the City Wall to experience the historical atmosphere of the ancient capital.

Dunhuang is an important station on the Silk Road. Tourists can visit the Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain, and Lunar Spring to enjoy the ancient mural art and desert scenery. Xinjiang tours are also popular travel choices. Travelers can explore cities such as Turpan and Kashgar, visit ancient minority cities and diverse natural scenery.

Local Folklore and Cuisine

Many ethnic groups gathered along the Silk Road, forming a rich folk culture. During the journey, tourists can participate in local folk activities, such as the Grape Festival in Xinjiang and the Camel Bell Festival in Gansu, to experience the ethnic customs of the regions along the route.

Moreover, the culinary delights along the Silk Road are absolutely worth trying. As tourists indulge in these dishes, they can casually gain insights into the local food culture, including Shaanxi’s famous meat buns, Xinjiang’s Dapan chicken, Gansu’s succulent beef and mutton, and more.

Transportation and Accommodation

The Silk Road is a vast area, and visitors can choose transportation by train, bus or plane. In China, traffic rules may differ from some countries. Foreign visitors should know and follow Chinese traffic rules to ensure safe driving.

Along the Silk Road, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance and choose suitable accommodation according to your budget. To ensure safe and comfortable accommodation, foreigners are advised to choose hotels or inns with foreign-related qualifications. During the tour, you can also choose to stay in a B&B and interact with the locals.

Respect for Local Culture

While visiting the Silk Road, tourists need to respect local customs. In some religious places, such as mosques or temples, dress appropriately and try not to take portraits. When communicating with local residents, try to maintain a friendly attitude and avoid touching on sensitive topics. Observe the rules when visiting temples, palaces and other places. When unsure you can observe locals or consult staff.

Weather

The Silk Road traveled through several climate zones and the best season to travel varies from region to region. Generally speaking, spring and fall are the best seasons to travel the Silk Road. In spring, the climate is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful. In the fall, the sky is high and the tourist crowds are relatively small, so you can better enjoy the travel process.