Overview
Take a trip to The Silk Road on your China Vacation
Considered a ‘cultural bridge’, splendid civilizations among China, India, Greece, Persia and Rome were exchanged along The Silk Road, a collection of historically important and famous trade routes, now to be discovered on tours to China.
Used from the 2nd century B.C. to the end of the 14th century A.D., The Silk Road originated from Xian to the east and ended at the Mediterranean in the west, linking China with the Roman Empire. Starting in the Han Dynasty, The Silk Road reached its most prosperous stage during the Tang Dynasty (618–907) and continued to flourish until the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). The Silk Road stopped serving as a shipping route around 1400, after the fragmentation of the Mongol Empire.
Although named for its lucrative Chinese silk trade, the most significant commodity carried along The Silk Road was religion. Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Manichaeism, and Islam all spread across Eurasia through trade networks using these routes.
Other cultural exchanges included the west receiving Chinese technologies such as paper making, printing, gunpowder and compass, while China received grapes, clover, walnuts, carrots, peppers, beans, spinach, cucumbers, pomegranates, rare animals, medicinal materials, flavourings and jewelry.
With many stories sure to be told along the various routes, modern-day tours of The Silk Road are sure to demonstrate its significant role in Asia’s developing history to be experienced on China travel.
Other cultural exchanges included the west receiving Chinese technologies such as paper making, printing, gunpowder and compass, while China received grapes, clover, walnuts, carrots, peppers, beans, spinach, cucumbers, pomegranates, rare animals, medicinal materials, flavourings and jewelry.
With many stories sure to be told along the various routes, modern-day tours of The Silk Road are sure to demonstrate its significant role in Asia’s developing history to be experienced on China travel.
At a Glance
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Chinese Yuan (CNY)What do the experts say?
It is very enjoyable to travel in China by high-speed train, but you should avoid travelling during the National Holidays from October 1 to 7 and from May 1 to 4, as they get extra busy.
Jinxian Road in Shanghai is a small road but full of superb, Michelin-recognized restaurants. I highly recommend visiting here on your travels to China.
China's many beautiful natural sights and rich cultural areas are what I love most about visiting. Some of my personal favourites are Yunnan's Shangri-La, Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie, and the 5 Great Mountains.
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