How do I plan a Silk Road trip?

A Silk Road trip across China stretches roughly 4,000 kilometers from Xi'an to Kashgar (or reverse). Plan for two to three weeks, travel between May and October, and be ready for dramatic shifts in landscape, altitude, and cuisine along the way.

The ancient Silk Road still offers some of the most spectacular scenery in all of Asia.

You can travel east-to-west (Xi'an to Kashgar) or west-to-east (Kashgar to Xi'an). Most Chinese travelers start in Xi'an and head west, which mirrors the historical flow of trade and lets you build gradually toward the more remote western landscapes. Starting in Kashgar and heading east works equally well -- you get the dramatic desert and mountain scenery first, then wind down in the cultural heartland. Flights into Xi'an are generally cheaper and more frequent, so many international travelers use that as their entry point.

The Silk Road is not a single road but a corridor of cities and landscapes. Here are the essential stops, in order from east to west:

Xi'an -- The traditional starting point. See the Terracotta Warriors, walk the old city walls, and explore the Muslim Quarter where Silk Road trade left a lasting culinary legacy.

Lanzhou -- Capital of Gansu province and the gateway to the west. Famous for its hand-pulled beef noodles (lamian). Many travelers spend just a night here before pushing on.

Zhangye -- Home to the extraordinary Danxia Landform, where rainbow-striped sandstone hills glow in reds, oranges, and yellows at sunrise and sunset. Worth a full day.

Dunhuang -- The Mogao Caves hold some of the finest Buddhist art in the world, with murals spanning a thousand years. The nearby Mingsha Dunes and Crescent Moon Spring are iconic desert scenery. Book Mogao Cave tickets in advance -- they sell out.

Turpan -- One of the lowest and hottest places in China. The ancient Jiaohe ruins, the Karez irrigation system, and the Flaming Mountains (yes, from Journey to the West) make this a fascinating stop. Visit in the early morning to avoid the worst heat.

Urumqi -- The capital of Xinjiang. A large, modern city with excellent food markets. The Xinjiang Regional Museum houses well-preserved Tarim mummies.

Kashgar -- The western terminus and perhaps the most atmospheric city on the route. The Old Town, the Sunday Livestock Market, and Id Kah Mosque are highlights. Kashgar feels distinctly Central Asian rather than Chinese.

May through October is the travel window. June to August is peak season with the warmest weather, but also the most crowded at popular sites. May and September offer a sweet spot of pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. Winter is harsh across much of the route, with many guesthouses and attractions in Gansu and Xinjiang closing from November to March.

Trains -- China's high-speed rail network connects Xi'an, Lanzhou, and Urumqi. Slower overnight trains run between many stops. Train travel is comfortable, affordable, and scenic.

Flights -- Dunhuang, Urumqi, and Kashgar all have airports with domestic connections. Useful for skipping long desert stretches if you are short on time.

Driving -- Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility, especially for reaching Zhangye Danxia and remote desert viewpoints. Note that foreign travelers need a Chinese driver's license to rent -- an International Driving Permit alone is not recognized.

For most of the route (Xi'an through Urumqi), no special permits are needed beyond a valid Chinese visa. However, certain border areas in Xinjiang (near Tajikistan, Pakistan, or Afghanistan) may require a military permit or a travel permit arranged through a local agency. Kashgar itself does not require a special permit, but if you plan to continue toward the Karakoram Highway toward Pakistan, check requirements carefully.

Days 1-2: Xi'an (Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter, city walls) Day 3: Train to Lanzhou, explore the city Day 4: Travel to Zhangye, afternoon at Danxia Day 5: Sunrise at Danxia, travel to Dunhuang Days 6-7: Dunhuang (Mogao Caves, Mingsha Dunes) Day 8: Train or flight to Turpan Day 9: Turpan ruins and landscape Day 10: Travel to Urumqi Day 11: Urumqi (museum, markets) Day 12: Flight or train to Kashgar Days 13-14: Kashgar (Old Town, Sunday Market, Id Kah Mosque)