A Silk Road tour in China's wild west is always exciting and can even change your life. Follow the ancient trade route that connected the East and West to learn about its colorful history, interesting culture, and beautiful landscapes. See amazing sights like the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the ancient Gaochang Ruins in Turpan, and the busy Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar.
Our Silk Road tours offer an unforgettable adventure and are designed for comfort, making sure everyone will enjoy their Silk Road travel experience.
Most Popular Silk Road Tours in China
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China Silk Road Tours FAQs
- 1. What is the Silk Road?
The Silk Road, both overland and maritime, was a pivotal ancient trade network linking Asia and Europe, facilitating goods and cultural exchange between various civilizations. Starting from Chang'an (now called Xi'an) or Luoyang in the east, the northern overland Silk Road - often referred to - traversed over 7,000 kilometers across Central Asia, the Pamir Plateau to the east coast of the Mediterranean.
- 2. Which countries does the Silk Road pass through?
The Silk Road, existing for millennia, traverses various empires, kingdoms, territories, and communities throughout history. The main Overland Silk Road passed through China's Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai, and Xinjiang provinces, over the Five Stans in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan), then across Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Syria, and Iraq before finally reaching Greece and Italy.
- 3. What are the must-see historical sites on the Silk Road?
Key highlights along the Chinese section of the Silk Road include Xi'an, renowned for the Terracotta Army, and Luoyang, famed for the Longmen Grottoes.
Another significant stop is Dunhuang, celebrated for the stunning Buddhist art in the Mogao Caves. Zhangye, with its breathtaking Rainbow Mountains, and Jiayuguan, home to the westernmost pass of the Great Wall, are also major destinations.
Turpan adds to the route's allure with its unique desert landscapes and ancient irrigation systems. The journey continues through Kashgar, a vibrant trading hub with a rich blend of cultures, leading to Tashkurgan, the last major stop before the route extends beyond China.
- 4. How long does a Silk Road classic trip or an in-depth tour take?
Classic tours along the Silk Road in China typically take about 10-12 days, allowing you to explore key destinations like Xi'an, Dunhuang, Turpan, and Kashgar. If you wish to delve deeper into specific regions such as Xinjiang or Gansu, please allocate 14 days or more for a comprehensive tour. Sample itineraries above are customizable to suit your needs.
- 5. What visas are required?
As of 2024, China has implemented a visa-free policy for short-term visits from citizens of 15 countries. This policy is in effect from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, and allows ordinary passport holders from the following countries to enter China without a visa and stay for up to 15 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, and transit: Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, Poland and Luxembourg. For holders of ordinary Singaporean passports, entry into China is visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. Visitors from other countries have to apply for a China visa before departure for the tour.
If your itinerary includes countries along the Silk Road outside of China, such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, or Turkey, you will also need to obtain the respective visas for those countries.
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