The Silk Road through China stretches from Xian in the Shaanxi Province through to Dunhuang. In ancient times, however, the Silk Road was not a single road, but a collection of hundreds of routes used by traders to form a network. These roads allowed effective trade between Europe, China, and Central Asia.

The description of what is known as the Silk Road today was adopted by a German scholar known as Baron Ferdinand von Richtofen. The road, outlined in the middle of the 19^th century, passes through China’s Jade Gate and splits into four different directions.

There are, of course, several reasons to tour China’s Silk Road, each branch leading to Gansu, Shaanxi, Qinghai, or Xinjiang. Check out some of our favorite Silk Road destinations.

7. The City of Jiaohe

The City of Jiaohe, or what’s left of it, can be found on an island in the Yarnaz Valley. The city served as a garrison during the Han Dynasty and was built in the valley because of the natural protection provided by the 100-foot high hills surrounding it. Today visitors are welcome to explore the ruins of the 14^th century city. You’ll find remnants of a monastery, streets, an observation tower, and even a prison.

6. Heavenly Lake

Surrounded by the snowy mountains about three hours outside of Urumqi is Heavenly Lake. This particular lake is revered as one of the most beautiful in the entire country, with spectacular sapphire waters, lush hillsides, and amazing white flowers.

The lake is a favorite destination for tourists who are, unfortunately, leaving their mark on the land. You can visit the lake for the day or stay the night in a local yurt. We don’t recommend staying in the yurts unless you are fluent in Chinese or Kazakh; otherwise you won’t be able to communicate with your host.

5. Terracotta Warriors Museum

In Xian you’ll come across the Terracotta Warriors Museum. The museum is actually an archaeological site that was discovered back in 1974 by a group of farmers attempting to dig a well. Over 7,000 warriors were made of terracotta in order to stand guard around the tomb housing the remains of Qin Shihuang.

Qin Shihuang was unified China’s first emperor. Each warrior, of which 1,000 have been pieced back together, has its own unique characteristics. When you’re done exploring the statues, be sure to check out the exhibition hall to see some of the other artifacts that have been found in the area.

4. Labrang Monastery

The Labrang Monastery, found in the town of Xiahe not far from Lanzhou. The quiet town is the destination for hundreds of pilgrims looking to study in the monastery. Modern technology has slowly crept upon the area and now you’ll find Tibetan monks listening to music and surfing the web between prayers.

The monastery, originally built in 1710, used to house up to 4,000 monks at a time but had to close after the Cultural Revolution. During this time several monasteries were destroyed, but this one survived to reopen in 1980. Government rules place strict regulations on the number of monks that can be enrolled at any given time - a number that is now as low as 1,500.

3. Mogao Grottoes

Forty individual caves make up the Mogao Grottoes lying just south of Dunhuang. Within the caves you’ll find giant Buddha statues, and you’ll also have the opportunity to see the “library” cave in which almost 50,000 religious documents were uncovered only 100 years ago.

Bring a flashlight and hire a guide for your tour of these incredible grottoes. Your guide will be better able to help you understand why each cave is decorated the way it is today.

2. Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum

The incredible Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum is home to a collection of mummies. Each one was discovered throughout Xiajiang and was perfectly preserved.

The museum also showcases the plethora of artifacts that were buried with their owners. These include spectacular wool rugs, jewelry, pottery, and much more. The museum gift shop is a great place to pick up a carpet or antique of your own, which you can easily have shipped home.

1. Thousand Buddha Temple and Grottoes

The Thousand Buddha Temple and Grottoes is a must-see if you visit Lanzhou. The most interesting attraction is the Buddha that was once carved into the side of a cliff. The Buddha itself stands over 89 feet high.

Do not, however, attempt to visit this site on your own. The terrain makes travel difficult and you’ll end up spending money on three separate modes of transportation before you even arrive. Your best bet is to book a day-trip through a well established tour group.

The Silk Road holds some of China’s finest treasures. Take the time to explore what the area has to offer and you’ll walk away with not only an education but a series of incredible lifelong memories!

Image credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

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