Silk Road vs Xinjiang Tours: Which Should Be Your First Choice?

Most first-timers to Western China don’t realize the distinction between the Silk Road and Xinjiang. Actually, they overlap in history and geography, but are not the same trip. The Silk Road is approximately 4,000 kilometers, while Xinjiang province covers approximately one-sixth of China’s territory and stretches over an extremely vast region.

If you’re planning your getaway to Western China, here is whether to choose Silk Road tours or Xinjiang tours.

Silk Road vs Xinjiang Tours: Transport Comparison

Transport Along The Silk Road

Cities along the Silk Road are basically connected by high-speed railway. This is the gold standard. The excellent railway system allows you to travel freely among Xian, Lanzhou, Zhangye and Dunhuang in no time.

Efficiency:

Xi’an → Lanzhou: About 3 hours

Lanzhou → Zhangye: About 3 hours

Zhangye → Dunhuang: About 4 hours

Time needed: Perfect for 7 days.

Transport in Xinjiang

Xinjiang is ideal for a road trip. Trains run between cities, but for other remote destinations, it’s only accessible by car. You may see all four seasons change on this trip!

Efficiency: Prepare for the distance of about 6-8 hours of driving daily in Xinjiang.

Time needed: At least 7+ days and a few internal flights. Because Xinjiang is huge!

Which to Choose Considering Transport?

If you have a short time to have Western China tours, or hate long drives, choose the Silk Road.

If you like road trips, don’t mind long driving, and have enough time exploring, choose Xinjiang.

Silk Road vs Xinjiang Tours: Culture and Attraction Comparison

Culture and Attraction Along The Silk Road

To experience a sense of history, the Silk Road will surely bring it to life for you. Buddhist Grottoes, damaged parts of the Great Wall, and other historical places are all along it.

Must-see places:

Ancient Ruins and desert scenery

Mogao Caves Buddhist Art in Dunhuang

Historic trading posts and walled cities

Culture and Attraction in Xinjiang

Xinjiang is not in ruins as you imagine; it is alive today. It is also a big bazaar. Remember to drink some tea from the Uighur elderly in Kashgar’s old city and experience the local culture yourself.

Must-go places:

Kyrgyz felt yurts near Karakul Lake

Kashgar Ancient Town

Nomadic yurts in Ili grasslands

Which to Choose Considering Culture and Attractions?

If you love history, ancient ruins, caves, and desert, choose the Silk Road.

If you want a unique bazaars, lakes, grasslands, and mountains, choose Xinjiang.

Silk Road vs Xinjiang Tours: Scenery Comparison

Scenery Along The Silk Road

All the scenery along the Silk Road is oranges and golds. There are rainbow mountains in Zhangye, singing sand dunes at Dunhuang, and eerie Yardang landscapes.

Scenery in Xinjiang

North Xinjiang is all about green and blue. If you go to Kanas Lake and Nalati Grassland, it may look more like a part of Switzerland.

You will find gold in South Xinjiang. Taklamakan Desert and the Pamir snow-capped mountains can be seen from the Karakoram Highway.

Which to Choose Considering Scenery?

If you want orange and gold views, choose China Silk Road tours.

If you prefer green and blue views, choose Xinjiang tours.

Silk Road vs Xinjiang Tours: Food Comparison

Food Along The Silk Road

This is the carb kingdom. You can’t leave if you don’t have a try at Lanzhou beef noodles, Roujiamo and Liangpi.

Food in Xinjiang

This is the protein powerhouse. Taste Dapanji (big-plate chicken), hand-pulled laghman noodles, and the very best lamb skewers that you have never eaten.

Xinjiang is also the heaven for fruits. In July or August, grapes in Turpan and melons in Hami are at their best time to try.

Which to Choose Considering Food?

If you love noodles and carbs, choose Silk Road

If you prefer meat and fruits, go for Xinjiang.

Silk Road vs Xinjiang Tours: Travel Difficulty Comparison

How Difficult to Have a Silk Road Tour?

Very standard. If you’ve navigated Shanghai or Xi’an, you’ll be fine. Cities along the Silk Road are tourist-friendly and straightforward.

How Difficult to Have a Xinjiang Tour?

Travel safety across Xinjiang has been outstanding; however, there will be an increased occurrence of inspection points. Roadtrips may also be tiring at times.

Which to Choose Considering the Travel Difficulty Level?

If you want an easy trip, choose the Silk Road.

If you don’t mind checks and longer travel time, choose Xinjiang.

Silk Road vs Xinjiang Tours: Budget Comparison

This budget comparison is based on a 7-day trip per person.

If you are a budget saver, choose Silk Road.

If you seek a premium experience, choose Xinjiang.

Which Tour to Choose Between The Silk Road and Xinjiang?

If you only have 7 days and wish to explore the “cradle of Chinese civilisation,” choose the Silk Road tour.

If you plan on taking an over 7-day-long tour, wanting to travel by road and gain some new feelings for Chinese culture, choose Xinjiang tours.

Itinerary to Visit Both

If you have enough time and can’t choose, go visit both with “Golden Loop.”

Xi’an: (2 Days) Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Quarter.

Dunhuang: (2 Days) Mogao Caves & Camel trekking.

High-Speed Train to Turpan: (1 Day) Grapes and Jiaohe Ruins.

Urumqi/Hemu: (4 Days) Northern Xinjiang nature.

Flight to Kashgar: (3 Days) The ultimate Silk Road finale.

FAQs About Silk Road Tours vs Xinjiang Tours

Can I go traveling in Xinjiang now without worrying about safety?

Yes, it is safe. The crime rate is lower, and there are quite a few policemen around.

How many days do I need for each trip?

You can complete your trip within 7 days for the Silk Road tour; however, Xinjiang’s route needs to be arranged for no fewer than 7 days to allow sufficient time.

Which tour is easier for first-time visitors to China?

The Silk Road is much easier for first-time visitors, because it is a city-based travel and has stable transportation. Xinjiang is safe, but need longer travel times.

Can I combine Silk Road and Xinjiang in one trip?

Yes, they can be done together on one journey. A suggested 14-day route includes Xi’an, Dunhuang, Turpan, Urumqi and Kashgar.

When is the best time to visit cities along the Silk Road and Xinjiang?

May to June or September to October is most suitable for the Silk Road tours. At that time, it was relatively warm but not extremely hot. June to October in Xinjiang is suitable for visiting grasslands, lakes and tasting fresh fruit.