Xinjiang China - on the Silk Road

The Silk Road stretches from Xian to the northwest of China at Urumqi and to Kashi or Kashgar as it is also called on the Afgan boarder. The nationalities are often mixed in this area with ancestors from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Turkey, Siberia, Ugars and others. Mostly Muslims, it is one of the most interesting areas of China. Above photos are from Kashgar once known as the largest trading area on the Silk Road. Today the Sunday Animal Market is still held and the shops and stalls are full of merchandise of all kinds from surrounding countries all during the week. The calling to prayers in the main square of Kashgar is interesting to see. The Square can be quiet and mostly empty until the announcement on the loud speaker calls them to prayer and all of a sudden the Square is full as you see above. The food is fantastic and you must try Goat Ice Cream which has to be the best in the world. Travel on the Silk Road includes Turpan in the middle of the desert at the second lowest place on earth, Dunhuang with its Buddhist Caves and of course Xian with the Terra Cotta Warriors site. I will be working this fall up on the Silk Road inspecting hotels and checking out some of the changes since my last trip there to keep updated for my tour business. This is my 25th year doing Tours to China and acting as a China Travel Service and Tour Operator to China. Let my experience with 50+ working trips to China and my Chinese Associate partners help plan a tour just for you.