Silk Roads
Journey to the West

China’s capital is a fitting starting point for this incredible journey – a vast and vibrant city of great historic sights and cultural enclaves. Tiananmen Square, the elaborate grandeur of the Forbidden City and 2000 year old Great Wall are just a few of the attractions that Beijing has to offer.

Capital of Chinese empires for more than 2000 years, Xi’an is a city of ancient treasures - the most magnificent and famous of which is the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang Di. The city has many other attractions including the Great Mosque, a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and fantastic evening food markets – great spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.

With a long history as a vital stronghold at the head of the Hexi Corridor, staging post on the Silk route and a major crossing point on the Yellow River Lanzhou remains an important transport hub, stretched along a narrow valley on the banks of the Yellow River - thick and silty, 1500kms from the sea - home to the people of the Yellow Earth.

At the very end of the Great Wall, Jiayuguan was considered the western frontier of the empire during the Ming Dynasty. The town's impressive fort is a remarkable sight, with 17m-high towers flanking the main gates.

Dunhuang lies, literally, on the edge of the desert - there are spectacular sand dunes right at the edge of town. Set into cliffs above a dry river valley, the 4th Century Mogao Grottoes contain some of the most extraordinary Buddhist art to be found in China.

Climb into the Tian Shan (mountains) for a relaxing break exploring this stunning alpine area - home to semi-nomadic Kazak people. Savour the fresh air, hikeor horseride through pastures and woodlands towards Boga Feng (5445 m) or the brave can venture a swim in the refreshing waters of the lake.

Turpan is a beautiful oasis town famous for its vineyards, stone fruits and the nearby Flaming Mountains - once an important staging post on the Silk Road. Visit some of the many attractions surrounding the town including the beautiful Emin Minaret, the ruined city of Jiaohe and the famous Grape Valley to sample the grapes and wine of this region.

Your final Silk Road destination is the trading town of Kashgar, a fabulous place to wander around. The main landmark of the town is the famous Id Kah Mosque with its surrounding square and bazaar. Here you will encounter some of the many different nationalities bringing their wares into town for trade; Uighurs, Han Chinese, Kazaks, Kyrgyzs, Tajiks, Pakistanis, and Afghanistani!

Every Sunday around 100,000 people gather in the enormous Kashgar Bazaar area where you can buy anything from goats' heads and hooves to colorful painted wooden saddles. The traditional costumes and food give it an almost medieval feel and bring alive the legends of your trip along the Silk Road. Don't miss the huge animal market or the local craftsmen either.