The Silk Road is a historically important international trade route between China and the Mediterranean. Because silk comprised a large proportion of trade along this road, in 1877, it was named 'the Silk Road' by Ferdinand von Richthofen, an eminent German geographer.
History:From the time Zhang Qian opened up the world-famous Silk Road during the Han Dynasty, until the collapse of the Yuan Dynasty, it enjoyed a history of about 1,600 years. Route: This ancient road begins at Chang'an (now Xian), then by way of the Hexi Corridor, and it reaches Dunhuang, where it divides into three, the Southern Route, Central Route and Northern Route. The three routes spread all over the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and then they extend as far as India and Rome. Scenery along the Road: The scenery and sights along the Silk Road are spectacular and intriguing. There are well-known Mogao Caves (Mogao Grottoes) in Dunhuang, the bustling Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar and exotic customs in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and more … Silk Road Adventure: There are all kinds of tour plans for traveling the world-famous Silk Road. TravelChinaGuide provides many tour lines for visitors to experience the adventures of this ancient trade road.
Recommended Silk Road Tours:
Classical Silkroad Tour: 14 Days Beijing-Urumqi-Kashgar-Urumqi-Turpan-Dunhuang-
Xian-Shanghai
In-depth Adventure: 22 Days Beijing-Urumqi-Korla-Kuqa-Aksu-Kashgar-Hetian-
Minfeng-Korla-Turpan-Dunhuang-Xian-Shanghai Culture: The Silk Road is not only an ancient international trade route, but also a splendid cultural bridge liking the cultures of China, India, Persia, Arabia, Greek and Rome. The Four Great Inventions of China and religions of the West were introduced into their counterparts. Other Silk Roads: In fact, besides the Silk Road in the northwest of China, there are another two trade roads in the southwest of China and by sea, which also contributed greatly to the development of the world. They are called the 'Southern Silk Road' and the 'Silk Road on the Sea'. Tips: It is necessary for tourists be aware of some travel essentials when they are on the Silk Road, such as weather, food, drink, accommodation, transportation and customs of minorities. Here provides detailed information about them. 
Pictures: The pictures of the Silk Road show the stunning scenery of this time-honored trade route. They display not only the beauty of places of historical places, but also the natural wonders.
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Travelers' Voices on Silk Road
1.
Jun. 23,2009 21:13 Reply
Ms.bla(oyl) said:
What's the weather there?
I heard that it can be 40C hot, and -0C cold.
2.
Apr. 30,2009 02:49 Reply
Mr.A said:
I want to clarify all misconceptions, if any.
The Silk Road is not a road literally. In ancient times, it's just a route.
No paved roads, no clear route marks, etc...pure general directions along the way from city to city...
May. 6,2009 12:34
Mrs.vagina(korea) replied:
is there proof
May. 12,2009 10:19
Ms.lala replied:
yeah is there any proof for that
3.
Apr. 30,2009 07:09 Reply
Mrs.vagina(korea) said:
The silk road is a 4000 mile long journey that is long and weird
4.
Apr. 21,2009 13:55 Reply
Ms.spence(USA) said:
Does anyone know why they had tihs silk road
♥kelcie
Apr. 22,2009 04:13
Mr.barbecue replied:
They built this silk road for easy trade and transportation between China and western countries in ancient times.
5.
Apr. 15,2009 07:29 Reply
Ms.Miami(florida) said:
What was the Silk Road first used for?
Apr. 15,2009 20:58
Mr.DOU replied:
The silk road was first used for trading goods between China and the western regions.
6.
Apr. 15,2009 07:32 Reply
Ms.Secret(USA) said:
What natural barriers made following the Silk Road difficult?
I need it for school and i can not fined the anwser. PLZ people, for all that is good reply.
Apr. 15,2009 20:55
Ms.Cora replied:
The terrain the silk road passed through is varied and changed through times. The climate became drier, the rains became little, the rivers became dried up or changed the original courses all made the natural environment unwelcome to the traders.
7.
Apr. 15,2009 07:35 Reply
Ms.Petunia(Argentina) said:
What was the Silk Road first used for?
Apr. 15,2009 20:35
Ms.Wong replied:
For trade, the bussiness men from China brought silk and woven goods to the western regions along the silk road, and the specialities such as grape, walnut,medicinal materials, fine horses produced in the western countries were transported to China.
8.
Apr. 13,2009 07:30 Reply
Mr.Volado on pencilshavings(Canadia!) said:
when, (as in what year) did the silk road begin to be made, and when (as in years) did they finish it?
and were there highway men and robbers, or was it safe?
Apr. 13,2009 22:24
Mr.kind-hearted replied:
It is hard to find an accurate year to define the begginning time of the silk road. But I can tell you that the silk road was started from the 2BC century to the 15th century. It is now a rather safe road except for the bad weather. Don't worry too much about robbers, it is not a common thing these days, but, still, I don't suggest you walk alone along the ancient silk road. It can be dangerous!
9.
Apr. 13,2009 07:37 Reply
Mr.Orpheus(Canadia) said:
Was the silk road dangerous? for example, if you were carrying gold and precious stones, would there be robbers and so on? or was it constantly buzzing with activity?
Because if you are walking to another post, and you were alone, could there be chances to get robbed? please answer.
Apr. 13,2009 21:57
Ms.Wong replied:
Hi, Mr.Orpheus, well, it was a common thing in the past when someone walked alone in the silk road and get robbed, but these days, it is a rare case. But if you love adventure, silk road is a good choice. The many and varied landscape along the silk road can be a real challenge to both of your audacity and skill.
10.
Apr. 13,2009 07:40 Reply
Mr.Daedalus(Canadia) said:
Wat was the silk road first used for? or was it trading right away_?
Apr. 13,2009 21:38
Mr.silk replied:
The silk road was first used to export silk to the western world, and later the gunpowder, compass, papaer making, silkworm rearing were also transported in the silk road.