Xinjiang Silk Road
China
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.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Ürümqi
The city furthest from any ocean on Earth. The Xinjiang Museum holds 4,000-year-old Silk Road mummies in remarkable preservation.
- 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
Buddhist cave chapels in a desert cliff, decorated by Uyghur artisans between the 5th and 14th centuries before Islam arrived here.
- Kuqa
Ancient capital of the Kucha Kingdom, a crossroads where Indian, Iranian, and Chinese cultures fused along the northern Silk Road for centuries.
- Kizil Caves
China's oldest Buddhist cave complex, predating Dunhuang. 236 caves cut into red sandstone by Kucha Kingdom artists above the Muzart River.
- 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.
Where to Eat
- Eden CaféUyghur
Offers traditional Uyghur dishes like hand-pulled noodles and lamb kebabs in a cozy setting.
- Kashgar Night MarketStreet Food
A bustling market offering a variety of local street foods, from grilled meats to sweet pastries.
- Altun Orda RestaurantUyghur
Serves authentic Uyghur cuisine with specialties like polo (pilaf) and samsa (meat pastries).
- Sultan RestaurantMiddle Eastern
Features a blend of Middle Eastern and Uyghur dishes in an elegant atmosphere.
- Kucha Night MarketStreet Food
Offers a variety of local delicacies, including grilled skewers and fresh naan bread.
Things to Do
- Jiaohe Ancient CityHistoric Site
Explore the ruins of an ancient city dating back over 2,000 years, showcasing unique earthen architecture.
- Karez Irrigation SystemHistoric Site
Discover an ancient underground irrigation system that has sustained local agriculture for centuries.
- Id Kah MosqueReligious Site
Visit one of the largest mosques in China, known for its impressive architecture and cultural significance.
- Apak Hoja MausoleumHistoric Site
Explore the beautifully decorated tomb of a prominent religious leader, reflecting Islamic architecture.
- Kashgar Sunday BazaarMarket
Experience a vibrant market offering a wide range of goods, from spices to textiles, reflecting local culture.
Travel advisory
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.