Tracing the Silk Road

The Silk Road is not a single road, but a network. The Xinjiang section has the highest density of preserved sites in China, and most can be seen up close.

Empirical Map

• Jiaohe Ancient City (Turpan): A complete city made of rammed earth, the former royal court of the Cheshi people.
• Gaochang Ancient City (Turpan): The capital of the Qu family in Gaochang, and the place where Xuanzang lectured during his westward journey.
• Bezeklik Caves (Turpan): Murals from the Uyghur period, still impressive despite countless looting.
• Kizil Caves (Baicheng): Kucha murals that predate the Mogao Caves, and the hometown of Kumarajiva.
• Subashi Buddhist Temple Ruins (Kuqa): A major Kucha temple where Xuanzang stayed for two months.
• Kashgar Old City and Id Kah Mosque: The living end of the Silk Road, with trade and daily life continuing to this day.

Travel Suggestions

Nine-day “Origin Line”: Enter through Urumqi — two days in Turpan — Kuqa (Kizil + Subashi) — two days in Kashgar — one day in the Pamirs — return from Kashgar. East-west railways and flights are smoothly connected, and the driving time between sites is manageable. Most sites are outdoors with no shade, so hats and water bottles are essential; photography is prohibited inside the mural caves, and listening to the explanations is more rewarding than taking photos.