The Silk Road, as one of the major travel routes in northwestern China, has seen years of development and infrastructure improvement. It has become one of the most attractive themed routes among China tour offerings.
From culture-rich city of Luoyang to the vast western frontier of Xinjiang, these destinations align the Silk Road are closely linked by the threads of history. This article will explore both Luoyang and Xinjiang from three aspects: historical and cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and travel experiences—helping travelers find the ideal China Silk Road tours.
Discovering Ancient Majesty in Luoyang
Iconic Historical Sites and Cultural Heritage
If you want to learn about the rise and fall of dynasties throughout history, just look at the city of Luoyang. The city is home to numerous cultural heritages and historical sites, vividly depicting the origin and development of early dynasties in China and showcasing the brilliant achievements of Chinese civilization.
Baima Temple
Baima Temple is located in Luoyang City, Henan Province. It was first built in the 11th year of Yongping in the Eastern Han Dynasty and is the first ancient temple in China and a world-famous Buddhist temple. It is also the first official temple built after Buddhism was introduced to China and is the birthplace and ancestral home of Buddhism in China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan and Europe and America.
The temple preserves a large number of Yuan Dynasty lacquer and dry lacquer statues such as the Three Buddhas, the Two Heavenly Generals, and the Eighteen Arhats, which are extremely precious. Among them, the “Baima Temple Bell Sound” symbolizes good luck and happiness and is listed as one of the “Eight Scenic Spots of Luoyang”.
Longmen Grottoes
Longmen Grottoes is a treasure house of stone carvings with a large number of statues and a large scale in the world. It has been rated by UNESCO as “the peak of Chinese stone carving art” and is also a World Heritage Site. It is known as one of the three major grottoes in China along with the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Yungang Grottoes. There are currently 2,345 caves and niches and over 100,000 statues in Longmen Grottoes, as well as more than 2,800 inscriptions and carvings. Among them, the “Twenty Masterpieces of Longmen” are the essence of Wei steles, and the “Yique Buddha Cave Stele” written by Chu Suiliang is a model of early Tang Dynasty regular script art.
Festivals, Flowers, and Local Experiences in Luoyang
The festival activities in Luoyang are rich and diverse, among which the Luoyang Peony Culture Festival is particularly eye-catching. The China Luoyang Peony Culture Festival originates from the Luoyang Peony Flower Fair, and it has been selected as a “National Intangible Cultural Heritage”. With the aim of “a grand gathering of peonies and a festival for the people”, this festival has become one of the few well-known local festivals in the country.
Every spring, when the peonies are in full bloom, during the flower fair, tourists can stroll through the peony garden, enjoying the various peonies vying for beauty. While admiring the flowers, tourists can also participate in a wide range of activities, such as flower photography contests and poetry recitation contests. In addition, during Luoyang tours, tourists can take part in activities like ancient costume experiences and handicraft making, to deeply experience the local cultural charm.
Immersing in the Vast Landscapes of Xinjiang
Xinjiang’s Magnificent Natural Scenery
A vast land covering one-sixth of China’s territory, Xinjiang is a paradise for travelers. There are diverse landscapes from snow-capped mountains and grasslands to deserts and lakes.
Kanas Scenic Area
Kanas Scenic Area is located in the northern part of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is a national 5A-level scenic area and has been called “the last unexploited landscape resource on Earth” by UN officials. It integrates natural landscapes such as alpine lakes, forest canyons and grassland scenery with the unique folk culture of the Tuwa people, and is known as “the Garden of the Gods”.
Sayram Lake
Sayram Lake is located in the west of Xinjiang, close to Hohot, Yili. It is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang and is known as “the last tear of the Atlantic”. The lake water is as blue as a gem, surrounded by vast grasslands and majestic snow-capped mountains, creating a picturesque scene. When the season transits from spring to summer, you see wildflowers blooming by the lake, complementing the blue water and presenting a breathtaking view. In winter, the lake freezes over, resembling a huge mirror that sparkles under the sunlight.
Cultural Diversity and Silk Road Echoes
Xinjiang is a place where multiple ethnic groups live together. The cultures of these ethnic groups are an integral part of Chinese culture. Throughout history, various cultures have coexisted in Xinjiang.
The costumes of the Uyghur and Kazakh ethnic groups are brightly colored and intricately patterned, showcasing unique ethnic styles. Their cuisine is equally mouthwatering, such as naan, pilaf, and kebabs, each dish brimming with rich ethnic flavors. Historical sites like the Jiaohe Ruins in Turpan and the Old Town of Kashgar bear witness to the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road.
Best Travel Seasons
The best time to visit Luoyang is in April, when the city is a sea of flowers. From September to October, the weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for mountain climbing and ancient sites visiting. December to February is a great time to enjoy the snow scenery of Laojun Mountain and the hot spring experience.
May to October is the golden season for Xinjiang tours, with green grasslands, abundant fruits, and relatively comfortable weather.
Leave A Comment