KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Tianshan Mountains are a fairy-like place that comes under UNESCO World Heritage.
- The Taklamakan Desert is one of the world’s biggest deserts.
- Kanas Lake has received the title of being the most beautiful lake in China.
- Zhangye Danxia is made up of different color sandstones.
- Qinghai Lake is a 220-mile-long lake.
The Silk Road was regarded as one of the world’s biggest trade routes, and it has been around for over 1,500 years. But did you know, now it has turned into a tourism resource and connects diverse cultures and natural wonders?
Tourists from around the world come here to witness breathtaking mountains, lakes, deserts, and whatnot. But the question is, what are the best places that can’t be missed?
Well, here’s a guide for China Silk Road tours and what are the top natural wonders here. So, without wasting any time, let’s jump right into our journey.
Heavenly Landscapes of the Tianshan Mountains
Once you step into the Tianshan Mountains, your trip to Xinjiang is half done. Its beauty got it registered under the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and now the Tianshan Mountains are being protected, and the culture is being admired even more.
Known as this range’s fairy-like place, Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) sits at 6,000 feet (1.83 km), and is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and spruce forests. In summer, follow the trails into a foggy forest. Want to do ice skating? Come here in winter and have fun doing various activities.
The Otherworldly Beauty of the Taklamakan Desert
Who said China doesn’t have a desert? The Taklamakan Desert is considered one of the largest deserts in the world. Here, a camel will be your ideal partner when travelling through deserts.
Tired and thirsty, you may want to have a rest at oases like Kashgar, a home to Uyghur culture. There are some new eco-friendly campsites in 2025.
Kanas Lake – A Blend of Serenity and Adventure
Renowned as one of China’s most beautiful lakes, Kanas Lake is another star in your Xinjiang tours. During the Quaternary Period, it was formed under the force of glacial erosion.
In the shape of a crescent, the lake is about 1,374 meters (4,508 feet) high above sea level, and stretches about 24 km (15 miles) in length. Due to mineral content and light reflection, the color of the lake will shift between emerald green, azure blue, and milky white.
Like a gem along the Silk Road, Kanas Lake invites visitors to have a sightseeing binge.
Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye Danxia
Who flips God’s palette? Zhangye Danxia is the answer. What makes this place, so special is its hues of red, gold, and green, which make it look as if it were painted by someone, but in reality, it’s all natural. Over 24 million years, these colorful sandstones reach their maximum at sunrise. Nearby, the Matisi Temple stands along the cliff, looking far away into the other side of the mountain.
Qinghai Lake – The “Blue Sea of the Plateau”
ALT TEXT: Qinghai Lake (COPIED IMAGE)
Qinghai Lake is China’s largest saltwater lake. In spring, the migratory birds flock here. In summer, the rapeseed flowers blossom, and the vast golden fields reflect themselves in the mirror-like water. What’s more, cyclists can have a ride around the 220-mile-long lake.
Mount Hua’s Daring Trails
Besides the Terracotta Warriors, Shaanxi also boasts Mount Hua, which is one of China’s Five Sacred Taoist Mountains. Thrill-seekers are attracted by Its plank walk—a steep path bolted to a 7,000-foot cliff. From the mountain’s five peaks, you can enjoy the whole the Yellow River Basin.
DID YOU KNOW? The Silk Road is 4,000 miles or 6,437 kilometers long!
Why 2025 is Ideal for Silk Road Exploration
With infrastructure improved, tourism along the Silk Road becomes more and more accessible. Did I mention the high-speed rails? They connect Xi’an to Urumqi, improving the overall connectivity.
Whether you’re drawn to China Silk Road Tours for history, photography, or adventure, the year of 2025 will make your China tours valuable.
Pack your curiosity and passion, as well as a good camera, for a journey that combines history and nature.
Is the Silk Road still active?
While the original Silk Road is not completely active, some of its parts are used as a highway to connect the Uyghur Autonomous Region of Xinjiang in China with Pakistan.
Who was the father of the Silk Road?
Zhang Qian is considered the father of the Silk Road. When he returned from Han China, it was his biggest achievement, as he had found the safest route for travel and trade.
Who traveled to China on the Silk Road?
While many have traveled to China on the Silk Road, Marco Polo is the most popular Western person who did it. His journey lasted 24 years and started in 1271.
