• Tea Road

• "The Tea Road: China and Russia meet across the steppe" is a book by Martha Avery (ISBN 7-5085-0380-5). It describes itself as an economic and cultural history. That's a fair appraisal with tea being more than just a drink in China, and more than just a regular trade item with the rest of the world.

  This Tea Road, not to be confused with the Tea-horse Trail, links Beijing (and hence eastern China) to Mongolia, Siberia and then other parts of Russia. The route was officially recognised by a treaty between Russia and the Qing Dynasty in 1689 and really marks the beginning of relations between the two super-powers.

  The section within the modern Chinese territory which now, of course, includes Neimenggu Autonomous Region (Inner Mongolia) offers an unusual mix of sites for those willing to put up with some rough travel. Those intending to follow the route beyond can expect worse.

  The key to the early route is Zhangjiakou (aka Kalgan), the mountain pass used for horse-trading between the Ming Dynasty and Mongolian herdsmen and the easiest terrain for the transport of goods. Trade here was the most important though other centres, such as at Datong, was permitted.

  The main route is now the line of both the rail and a road links into Mongolia. The road becomes significantly less easy once it crosses the border and enters the Gobi Desert full on. The rail link is a good option for modern travellers being part of the Trans-Mongolian Railway, a branch of the Trans-Siberian. It could be possible to stop off at smaller towns within China but some of these, being in a border area, may require special permits.

  Not far off this main route is the site claimed to be that of Xanadu, Kublai Khan's capital. These are located about 20 kilometres from the modern town of Zhenglan though recent reports suggest that visitors are no longer encouraged/permitted.

• 
  
  

  ---

  
  
  

• Current Comments

  2 comments so far (post your own)

  Hi Daniel
  
  We don't sell TransMongolia trips regularly but can arrange tickets upon request.
  
  A bigger issue for you will be your Russian visa. Do you have this already? Otherwise it can be difficult in China.
  
  The Mongolia visa is easy enough to arrange in Beijing. Just check to see there are any public holidays that might disrupt your plans.

  Posted by China Journeys on Fri 9 Mar, 2012

  I want to take the TransMongolian from Beijing to Moscow. Do you sell tickets

  Posted by Daniel Singh on Fri 9 Mar, 2012

  Leave your comment:
  Name:
  Email:
  Comments:
  Please note: comments may take some time to appear, typically about one hour.
  We try to respond to all comments within 24 hours. There may be times when this is not possible.
  Anti-spam check. Please type the single digit indicated by the text number below:
  Five:
  	Note: Emails will not be visible or used in any way, and are not required. Please keep comments relevant. Any content deemed inappropriate or offensive may be edited and/or deleted. No HTML code is allowed. Line breaks will be converted automatically. Please use BBCode to format your text.

  ---

  If you like this, please spread the word

  Bookmark this on Delicious

  
  
  

Get Recommendations

• The Meridian Line

  

  We head from the seat of power in the north, Beijing, to the very different south. We see a mix of urban and rural life giving us a glimpse at the changes that are taking place in this fascinating country.

  Full holiday details ...

  From £ 1,950
• Yunnan And Yangtse

  

  This journey combines the excitement of discovery in remote Yunnan with a comfortable Yangtse Cruise and a comprehensive look at the most popular sites.

  Full holiday details ...

  From £ 3,290
• Red Star Express

  

  This quick journey is for those who have only one week and want to see the highlights. We visit the three most popular cities: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai.

  Full holiday details ...

  From £ 1,250
• Ancient Capitals

  

  We use the 6 ancient capitals as an excuse to explore the country. Each capital has developed differently and the contrasts help us to understand something of the real China.

  Full holiday details ...

  From £ 1,925

24/7 Sales Support:
   UK +44 (0)844 567 0953
   USA +1-877-526-3979