【Blog】Explore the Mysterious Silk Road - Xinjiang

The Skil Road

'Silk Road' is in fact a relatively recent term, and for the majority of its long history, these ancient roads had no particular name. In the mid-nineteenth century, the German geologist, Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen, named the trade and communication network Die Seidenstrasse (the Silk Road). The term, also used in the plural, continues to stir imaginations with its evocative mystery.

The Silk Road evokes a resplendent past of trade uniting ports and people, cities and cultures.

The northern route of silk roads, which is the narrowly-defined as original Silk Road, starts at Chang'an (now called Xi'an), the capital of the ancient Chinese Empire.

The route travels northwest through the Chinese province of Gansu from Shaanxi Province, and splits into three further routes, two of them following the mountain ranges to the north and south of the Taklamakan Desert to rejoin at Kashgar; and the other going north of the Tianshan mountains through Turpan, Talgar and Almaty (in what is now southeast Kazakhstan).

Xinjiang

Xinjiang was a major stop on the Ancient Silk Road which makes it one of the most unique cultures in China.

Located in the northwestern border region of China, in the Mongolian Uplands, Xinjiang, lauded variously as a land of song and dance, melons and fruits, precious stones, and carpets, is situated in the heart of the Eurasia Continent. Xinjiang was a key link on the Silk Road and a hub for east-west cultural exchanges in ancient times.

Turpan

Turpan was an important center and post on the ancient Silk Road, with richest open-air archaeological resources. This is a city of mystery, with Jiaohe Ruins, Gaochang Ruins, Karez Wells, to Emin Minaret, Grotto Temple and Flaming Mountain. If you look for adventure, Turpan is the place for you to explore on the many ancient paths on the Tianshan Mountain.

Gaochang Ancient Ruins

Located 30 kilometers southeast of Turpan City, Gaochang, is an ancient city built on the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert and to the south of the Flaming Mountains. Built in the 1st century BC, Gaochang, was an important area along the Silk Road. It was burnt down and destroyed in the 14th century due to increased warfare. The old palace and city ruins can be seen today as they’ve been well-preserved.

It is said that, “If you want to learn about the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, Gaochang Ancient Ruins will show you.”

Kashgar

Kashgar’s written history goes back 2100 years. It is the political, economic and cultural center, transportation hub, and the largest distributing center in South Xinjiang. Kashgar serves as an significant place of business, transport and intersection of civilization between the east and the west back in its prime time on the ancient Silk Road.

Abakh Khoja Tomb

Abakh Khoja Tomb in Haohan Village is 5 kilometers east of Kashgar. It  is considered the holiest Muslim site in Xinjiang. Abakh Khoja Tomb is also called Xiangfei (Fragrant Imperial Concubine) Tomb because legend has it that the most beloved imperial Concubine of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty called “Xiangfei” was buried there.

It was said that the granddaughter of Abakh Khoja was presented to Emperor Qianlong as an imperial concubine. She was called Xiangfei (Chinese pinyin) because of the rich fragrance of flower emitting from her body. After she died, her remains were escorted back to Kashgar and buried in the Abakh Khoja Tomb. This is why the mausoleum is also called Xiangfei Tomb.

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