RoadAtlas
Xinjiang Silk Road — China — Historical
East Asia

Xinjiang Silk Road

China

In short: Xinjiang Silk Road is a 1,800 km historical road trip in China, typically driven over 10–14 days, best in Apr–Jun / Sep–Oct. Highlights: Ürümqi, Flaming Mountain, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.

Distance
1,800 km
Duration
10–14 days
Best Season
Apr–Jun / Sep–Oct
IconicModerateHistoricalPermit required

Through the heart of ancient Central Asia, from Ürümqi across the Turpan Depression (the world's second-lowest point) and along the Silk Road to Kashgar's jade-domed bazaar, where traders from China, Persia, and Rome once converged for two thousand years.

~3 refuels
~6 charges
Practical notes
Xinjiang requires foreigners to register accommodation carefully, and police checkpoints are frequent throughout the region. Some sites near Kashgar and the Turpan Depression require separate entrance permits; carry your passport at all times and allow extra time at checkpoints.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Ürümqi — Departure — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Departure
Ürümqi
The city furthest from any ocean on Earth. The Xinjiang Museum holds 4,000-year-old Silk Road mummies in remarkable preservation.
Hotels
Kuqa — City — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
City
Kuqa
Ancient capital of the Kucha Kingdom, a crossroads where Indian, Iranian, and Chinese cultures fused along the northern Silk Road for centuries.
Hotels
Kashgar Old Town — City — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
City
Kashgar Old Town
A living Uyghur city where the Sunday bazaar has run for 2,000 years. The Id Kah Mosque, China's largest, anchors the ancient quarter.
Hotels

Things to Do

Flaming Mountain — Nature — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Nature
Flaming Mountain
Red sandstone ridges immortalised in Journey to the West, surface temperatures hit 70°C in summer in the 154-m-below-sea-level Turpan basin.
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves — Landmark — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Landmark
Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
Buddhist cave chapels in a desert cliff, decorated by Uyghur artisans between the 5th and 14th centuries before Islam arrived here.
Kizil Caves — Landmark — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Landmark
Kizil Caves
China's oldest Buddhist cave complex, predating Dunhuang. 236 caves cut into red sandstone by Kucha Kingdom artists above the Muzart River.
Jiaohe Ancient City — Historic Site — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Historic Site
Jiaohe Ancient City
Explore the ruins of an ancient city dating back over 2,000 years, showcasing unique earthen architecture.
Karez Irrigation System — Historic Site — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Historic Site
Karez Irrigation System
Discover an ancient underground irrigation system that has sustained local agriculture for centuries.
Id Kah Mosque — Religious Site — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Religious Site
Id Kah Mosque
Visit one of the largest mosques in China, known for its impressive architecture and cultural significance.
Apak Hoja Mausoleum — Historic Site — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Historic Site
Apak Hoja Mausoleum
Explore the beautifully decorated tomb of a prominent religious leader, reflecting Islamic architecture.
Kashgar Sunday Bazaar — Market — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Market
Kashgar Sunday Bazaar
Experience a vibrant market offering a wide range of goods, from spices to textiles, reflecting local culture.

Where to Eat

Eden Café — Uyghur — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Uyghur
Eden Café
Offers traditional Uyghur dishes like hand-pulled noodles and lamb kebabs in a cozy setting.
Kashgar Night Market — Street Food — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Street Food
Kashgar Night Market
A bustling market offering a variety of local street foods, from grilled meats to sweet pastries.
Altun Orda Restaurant — Uyghur — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Uyghur
Altun Orda Restaurant
Serves authentic Uyghur cuisine with specialties like polo (pilaf) and samsa (meat pastries).
Sultan Restaurant — Middle Eastern — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Middle Eastern
Sultan Restaurant
Features a blend of Middle Eastern and Uyghur dishes in an elegant atmosphere.
Kucha Night Market — Street Food — Xinjiang Silk Road — China
Street Food
Kucha Night Market
Offers a variety of local delicacies, including grilled skewers and fresh naan bread.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Xinjiang Silk Road drive?

The Xinjiang Silk Road covers 1,800 km from start to finish.

How long does the Xinjiang Silk Road take to drive?

Most travellers spend 10–14 days on the Xinjiang Silk Road, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Xinjiang Silk Road?

The recommended season for the Xinjiang Silk Road is Apr–Jun / Sep–Oct.

Where does the Xinjiang Silk Road start and end?

The Xinjiang Silk Road runs from Ürümqi to Kashgar Old Town.

What are the main stops on the Xinjiang Silk Road?

The Xinjiang Silk Road passes through Ürümqi, Flaming Mountain, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves.

Can I drive the Xinjiang Silk Road in a regular car?

Yes — the Xinjiang Silk Road is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Xinjiang Silk Road?

Yes — the Xinjiang Silk Road requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Xinjiang requires foreigners to register accommodation carefully, and police checkpoints are frequent throughout the region. Some sites near Kashgar and the Turpan Depression require separate entrance permits; carry your passport at all times and allow extra time at checkpoints.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Xinjiang Silk Road?

Plan around 3 refuels (or about 6 EV charges) along the Xinjiang Silk Road, based on its 1,800 km length.

Is the Xinjiang Silk Road safe to drive?

Xinjiang requires foreigners to register accommodation carefully, and police checkpoints are frequent throughout the region. Some sites near Kashgar and the Turpan Depression require separate entrance permits; carry your passport at all times and allow extra time at checkpoints.

What scenic tier is the Xinjiang Silk Road?

The Xinjiang Silk Road is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.