• Silk Roads

• Name in Chinese characters: 西游记

• The Silk Roads, and we use the plural as there were many, transported a whole range of goods between China and the rest of the world; the lands to the west in particular. Silk was only one of the more valuable and interesting ones.

  The term Silk Road (Seidenstrasse in his original German) was first coined by Freiherr (usually translated as Baron) Friedrich von Richtofen, uncle to the more infamous 'Red Baron'. This uncle travelled widely in pursuit of his geographic and geological interests. Between 1868 and 1872 he came to China on a series of expeditions and the mountains marking the southern edge of the Gansu Corridor (now known as the Qilian Mountains) were at one time named the Richthofen Range in commemoration of his achievements.

  The Silk Roads went from China through Central Asia as far as the Mediterranean Sea. At least one branch heading south to India was also considered a Silk Road. In that section which is now Chinese territory, there were two major routes; one to the north of the Taklamakan Desert through Hami and Turfan to Kashgar and then later another to the south through Khotan and Yarkand. A rail line now follows that northern route making that the most accessible by far for visitors.

  Little direct evidence of the actual caravan routes exists these days. There is however a wealth of cultural sites that will suit most tastes.

  Buddhist Grottoes Along The Silk Roads

  Perhaps the biggest draw these days are the many Grottoes left behind by Buddhist patrons hoping to gain divine protection in their all-too risky ventures. If their safety from the elements and bandits could not be assured at least they could hope for a decent afterlife.

  Buddhism spread from West to East along the Silk Roads and so the earliest Buddhist Grottoes are to be found near to Kashgar. The style and appearance of the grottoes change significantly en-route. Anyone interested in this subject will probably have read Peter Hopkirk's 'Foreign Devil's on the Silk Road'. If you have not it is highly recommended.

  Perhaps the most famous Buddhist Grottoes of the whole Silk Road are the Mogao Grottoes outside of Dunhuang. There are many, many others, each with their own significance. Further details can be found under the prefecture in which they are to be found.

  Ancient Cities

  The ruins of several cities have been preserved often because the original site became unsuitable and new developments took place elsewhere and because desert conditions have meant minimal erosion. Gaochang and Jioahe are conveniently visited from Turfan. Beiting can be visited from Urumqi.

  Muslim Sites

  Islam spread to the area now known as Xinjiang from the Seventh Century, though it was not until the Eleventh Century that it became widespread. There are many mosques, tombs and monuments dating back throughout this period and these are generally easily visited and in a good state of repair.

  
  

  The area is such a melting-pot that much interest is to be found all around you:

  Peoples

  For anyone interested in different cultures the lands adjacent to the Silk Roads offer an amazing array of ethnic groups. There are obviouly the Han Chinese and the Muslim Uyghurs but there are many others. Hui Muslims are to be found all along the Chinese Silk Roads and even further afield. You will find Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Tadjiks and Mongols in sizeable numbers in Xinjiang, and in smaller numbers elsewhere. Then there are various anomolies such as the Xibo - formerly a Manchurian people sent to the far west during the Qing Dynasty and still living in the Ili River Valley.

  Each different ethnic group has its own cultural features. The food is one that every visitor can enjoy sampling. Look out for opportunities and try a little of everything.

  Local Products

  Since trade is the catch-word of the Silk Roads it is not surprising to find a wide range of crafts people along the routes offering high quality goods. Metal and wood working are particularly well developed, with some towns being famous for one item or another. look out for musical instruments, knives, copper pots, hats and carpets. With a little effort you can see some of these being made in small workshops.

  Anyone interested in the Silk Roads may also find the following routes interesting:

  • Tea Road
  
  
  • Tea-horse Trail
  
  
  • Rhubarb Road
  
  
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