The ancient Silk Road, an extensive trade network that once linked the Orient with the Occident, has been my playground as a tourist and a history writer. The time is now ripe for me to let you know about the top ten oh-so-gorgeous Silk Road cities that are good fits for tourism.
These beautiful Silk Road cities, immersed in old tales as well as the parade of their creative spirit, are purveyors of a different past while, at the same time, they reveal their modern dynamism.
Exploring Beautiful Silk Road Cities for Travelers
In this latest listicle guide for travelers, I am going to share the unique and charming yet beautiful Silk Road Cities with map. If you love train tours and train rides and want to explore Major trading cities along the Silk Road, this travel guide is for you.
1. Xi’an, China
From where everything starts, Xi’an is one of our Most beautiful silk road cities in China. This city is where the world-renowned Terracotta Army was formed, which were sculptures showing the armies of China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang. The city walls and the Muslim Quarter with their vivid animations and the noisy restaurants are among the many marvelous products offered by these cities.
2. Dunhuang, China
Dunhuang, an oasis city among the Gobi Desert, allured me to the extent of making me wish to explore further when I stepped into the Mogao Caves. The caves are an outstanding testament to the art of Buddhism that first originated from the early period 1,000 years ago; as such, they are treasures of Buddhist art. The solar eclipse of the vicious Vinjai sand dunes makes a unique experience under the blazing sun.
3. Turpan, China
Turpan, also known as the “Grape Valley,” is drizzled with a dollop of fame due to its karez (underground irrigation system). I was struck by the old city of Jiaohe, a relic that rivals the ancient Silk Road earth settlements and is one of the most well-preserved earthen citadels.
4. Kashgar, China
The westernmost city in China, Kashgar, is culturally enriched with the cumulation of many people from all various parts of the world who live in the city. The central attraction of the place is the Sunday Bazaar that was in the 15th century the main market in Central Asia. It was a full sensory experience of the market that I for sure enjoyed.
5. Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The “Crossroads of Culture” or Samarkand was the first of the two historic cities that I marveled during my trip. This dynamic city has so many major sites such as the world-famous Registan Square; which left me in awe of the people and the place even more instead of the other way around. The blue color ceramic tiles and mausoleums of Samarkand are a living proof of the city’s historical accomplishments.
6. Bukhara, Uzbekistan
It took me back in time as soon as I set my eyes on Bukhara’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The iconic piece of the lost Lord, the Kalyan Minaret, and the Ark Fortress that make the whole city look like a treasure box are just two examples of the things that should be seen.
7. Khiva, Uzbekistan
Indecipherable, you will wonder out loud how you could be standing inside the walled inner city discovery center of Khiva, the Itchan Kala. Yes, you will be absolutely taken by the Kilta Minor Minaret covered with blue tiles and the fascinating, complex wooden carving of the Juma Mosque.
8. Merv, Turkmenistan
Merv, one tip of the main cities of the world for many centuries, is a large field of archaeology today. The Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum is a sign of how upper Merv city has been captulated. It is like being the guard of the ruins and we can say it makes the old Merv look so lonely and so sad that we were once happy and lively shared many moments of history over the years together.
9. Isfahan, Iran
Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the most prestigious square in the world, is surrounded by a very huge royal building such as the Great Mosque, splendidly made with different kinds of tiles. I have spent the time which I took a look at the pictures and analyzing the Shah Mosque’s painting, as well as in the noisy bazaar.
10. Istanbul, Turkey
The east meets the west, where I end my journey in Istanbul in Turkey. The city’s magnificence therefore reaches the retreats of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which still bear the one-time Byzantine and Ottoman command. In addition, the Grand Bazaar, a small town of over 4,000 shops, is the romantic gateway to the ancient northern road through Asia that has existed for over 3,000 years.
Conclusion
Each of these Beautiful silk road cities in the world recreates the splendid tapestry of such diverse aspects of culture, religion, and tradition, as enchant from city to city, which for example also shaped our world.
You may visit these beautiful Silk Road cities by train or whatever, in order to take a walk down the Silk Road, and let the miracle come up with your own eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best city to visit on the Silk Road?
The beautiful Silk Road cities to get to on the Silk Road is Samarkand and Uzbekistan.
2. What 5 cities significantly impacted by the Silk Roads?
1. Chang’an (modern-day Xi’an), China
2. Samarkand, Uzbekistan
3. Baghdad, Iraq
4. Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), Turkey
5. Merv, Turkmenistan
3. Who was the most famous travel along the Silk Road?
The most well-known person for traveling along the Silk Road was Marco Polo. This 13th-century Venetian tradesman’s extensive tours and detailed tales of his travels in his book “The Travels of Marco Polo”.
4. What were 3 cities found along the Silk Road?
China’s Xi’an, Uzbekistan’s Samarkand and Bukhara are some of the most notable cities that were founded along the Silk Road.
5. Where did the Silk Road start and end?
The Silk Road always began in Chang’an (today’s Xi’an), China, and ended in Constantinople (today’s Istanbul), Turkey.
