The Silk Road was the main transportation route connecting ancient China with the Western Regions and Europe. As a key hub on the Silk Road, Xinjiang was an important channel for exchanges between ancient China and other civilizations. Due to it historical status, geographical location, and diverse culture, Xinjiang has become the starting point for best China Silk Road tours.
The Silk Road History of Xinjiang
During the Han Dynasty, marked by the establishment of the Protectorate of the Western Regions, the Xinjiang area was liberated from Xiongnu domination and came under Han administration. With the opening of the Silk Road, Chinese silk, ironware, lacquerware and other goods were transported to the West through the Western Regions. These commercial exchanges promoted the economic and social development of Xinjiang.
The Silk Road also contributed to the integration of diverse cultures in Xinjiang during the Han Dynasty. The Silk Road significantly increased interactions between the Western Regions and surrounding areas. Cultural exchanges between East and West also flourished with the movement of people. As a transit region, Xinjiang became a place of exchange for all famous ancient civilizations on the Eurasian continent.
Geographical Location of Xinjiang
Xinjiang was an essential passageway for ancient China to communicate with the West via the Western Regions. This is determined by the natural geographical environment of the Eurasian continent. The complex geographical environment of the Eurasian continent restricted exchanges between the East and West in ancient times.
Xinjiang is located in the heartland of Eurasian continent, boasting exceptional geographical advantages. It is bordered by the Mongolian Plateau to the north, the Tibetan Plateau to the south, Central Asia to the west, and the Central Plains to the east. The ancient Silk Road started from Xian and passed through the Hexi Corridor into Xinjiang. This region connected Central Asia, West Asia, South Asia, and Europe, forming an important hub on the Silk Road.
Rich Silk Road Heritage Sites
During your China Silk Road tours, Xinjiang is a great place to learn about the splendid history of the Silk Road. Here you can visit many precious relics of the Silk Road.
Jiaohe Ruins
Located in the Turpan Basin of Xinjiang, Jiaohe Ruins were important sites for cultural exchange along the Silk Road. This site is the oldest and best-preserved earthen architecture city in the world. The Jiaohe Ancient City was constructed on a natural loess platform, with the river valleys on both sides towering 30 meters above the urban area.
Jiaohe was an important transportation hub connecting the East and the West. In Jiaohe Ruins, you will observe architectural ruins such as large courtyards, government offices, warehouses, and temples. Strolling through the streets, the dilapidated pagodas and broken earthen walls around you will give you an insight into the rich history of this region.
Kezil Thousand-Buddha Grottoes
Kezil Thousand-Buddha Grottoes stand as a testament to the Buddhist exchange and cultural fusion along the ancient Silk Road. Kezil Thousand-Buddha Grottoes were carved out around the 3rd century AD and gradually ceased construction in the 8th to 9th centuries.
The Kezil Thousand-Buddha Grottoes consist of four cave areas, with a total of 236 officially numbered caves. This place preserves a large number of precious Buddhist art treasures. You can admire a large number of exquisite stone carvings in ancient monks’ quarters and Buddhist temples. In addition, there are 81 caves here that preserve exquisite murals. These murals depict the lives of ancient people in this region and Buddhist stories.
Kashgar Ancient City
Kashgar Ancient City is located in Kashgar City, Xinjiang, with a history of more than 2,000 years. Kashgar is located at the center of the Eurasian continent. In Kashgar Ancient City, you will explore diverse cultures and learn about the history of cultural exchanges between the East and the West.
The buildings here blend architectural features from Central Plain and Western Regions, making them representative sites for studying ancient Silk Road culture. Walk along the streets to observe the exquisite traditional houses on both sides and admire the diverse handicrafts of ethnic minorities. Also learn about the culture and history of this place by watching the exciting performances in the ancient city.
Gaochang Ancient City
Gaochang Ancient City represents the largest surviving urban archaeological site in Xinjiang. This site was once an important town and cultural center along the ancient Silk Road. Here admire spectacular architectural ruins and rich cultural heritage.
The architectural style of Gaochang Ancient City is similar to that of Chang’an City during the Tang Dynasty. Here visit historical buildings such as city walls, beacon towers, and pagodas. In the southwest corner of the outer city, there are the ruins of the largest Buddhist temple in the city. These sites contain exquisite murals, sculptures, and documents, showing the exchange between different religions and cultures.
Diverse Cultural Activities
During your Xinjiang tours, diverse cultural activities will also demonstrate the achievements of world cultural exchange.
Visit the Silk Road Museum
The Xinjiang Museum is an excellent place to learn about the history of the Silk Road and Xinjiang culture. The museum’s collection of 50,000 artifacts records the history of the Silk Road, minority cultures, and religious development. Observe exquisite pottery, stoneware, murals and other artifacts to learn about the cultural fusion of the Silk Road.
The Kashgar Silk Road Museum is a specialized museum dedicated to the history of the Silk Road, established in 1992. The museum houses hundreds of artifacts excavated from across Xinjiang. Besides, the museum has seven large exhibition halls arranged according to the origin and development of the Silk Road.
Explore the International Grand Bazaar
Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, located in Urumqi, serves as a cultural hub for experiencing ethnic minority traditions and Silk Road heritage. Here witness exquisite ethnic handicrafts and taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine. Also wander through the streets to admire the exquisite traditional architecture of Xinjiang and experience the bustling local life.
A 100-meter-high Silk Road Observation Tower stands in the center of the square. Climb the observation tower to overlook the magnificent buildings here. The observation tower also features classic scenes from the 36 countries along the ancient Silk Road and the unique folk culture of Xinjiang.
Visit Religious Architectures
Located in the eastern suburbs of Turpan City, the Sugong Pagoda is a distinctive Islamic tower. This pagoda is an important symbol of the cultural exchange of architecture along the Silk Road. Sugong Pagoda was constructed entirely of brick masonry without using any horizontal beams. The surface of the pagoda is layered with 15 geometric patterns, showcasing the style of Islamic architecture.
Id Kah Mosque is one of the largest mosques in China. There are many spectacular buildings with Islamic characteristics in the mosque. The architectural style of the Id Kah Mosque blends Persian and Chinese styles, reflecting the exchange of techniques along the Silk Road. The painted dome combines Buddhist lotus patterns with Islamic geometric designs, showing the fusion of different civilizations.
Summary
As an important passageway along the Silk Road, Xinjiang witnessed the prosperity of the Silk Road. The numerous precious Silk Road relics here make it an important starting point for China Silk Road tours. By visiting historical sites and exploring local life, you can learn about the development of the Silk Road.
