Ask a QuestionUpdated: 2026-09-01
As a major country of the Silk Road, China plays a significant part in Silk Road. Main sections in China can be traced from some major cities. So although the best time to the silk road is from May to October, it varies from different major cities along silk road including Xian, Dunhuang, Turpan, Karshgar and Urumqi.
Xian, known as Chang’an and Jingzhao in ancient times, is the capital of 13 dynasties in the history of China. Xi’an is the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Xi 'an has a history of more than 6,000 years. As the capital and political, economic and cultural center of China for more than 1,200 years, it is known as the Museum of Natural History, one of the earliest historical cities in the world established by UNESCO and an internationally famous tourist destination city.
Xi’an is warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. However, the climate is changeable in spring, hot and rainy in summer, cool and rainy in autumn, and dry and cold in winter. The annual average temperature is 13℃. April to May and September to October are the best time to travel to Xi’an. The advantage of choosing the intersection of spring and summer and the intersection of summer and autumn is that the temperature is moderate and the sun is shining, so you can enjoy the infinite beauty more comfortably.
Dunhuang, located at the westernmost end of Hexi Corridor in Gansu Province, was once the throat artery connecting eastern and western civilizations, where multiculturalism met and merged. Boasting exquisite grottoes, sand dunes, ancient passes and oasis, Dunhuang is an important stop in Gansu Province. Generally speaking, many tourists will visit Qinghai Province together with Gansu Province.
Spring and autumn(May to June, September to October) are the best time to visit Dunhuang. Dunhuang belongs to temperate continental arid climate, with hot summer often exceeding 35℃ and cold winter below minus 15℃. During the prime time from May to June and from September to October, the average temperature during the day is 20℃-28℃, which is comfortable and the rainfall probability is extremely low, making it an ideal choice for outdoor exploration and cultural immersion.
Turpan is one of the most attractive areas in Xinjiang, with rich cultural relics, rich ethnic customs and unique ecological environment. It is called the museum of history, nature and culture in the western regions. It is like a dragon winding on the earth. In Turpan, you can experience the hotness of Flame Mountain, the hottest place in China. And you can also taste the grapes and cantaloupes at the Grape Valley.
Spring, summer and autumn are the best time to visit Turpan. In spring(April to May), you can visit Turpan with less crowds. In summer, you can taste the most delicious fruits in Turpan. Also, June to August is the peak season of Xinjiang. In September and October, you can visit Turpan with comfortable climate and less crowds.
With unique history, rich cultural heritage and colorful ethic customs, Kashgar is one of the most popular destinations in southern Xinjiang. You can visit the Kashgar Ancient City(Ancient City of Kashi) and the Han Bazaar, taste the delicious mutton and experience the taste of the exotic.
May to November is the best time to visit Kashgar. In May and June, you can visit Kashgar with less crowds and comfortable weather. In July to August, you can taste the sweetest fruits in Kashgar. While July to August is also the summer vacations of schools in China with many tourists. September to November is one of the best time to visit Kashgar with comfortable weather. And you can taste various of fruits in Kashgar in autumn.
Urumqi is located in the north central Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at the northern foot of the middle Tianshan Mountains and the southern edge of Junggar Basin. Located in the geographical center of the Asian continent, it is an important city in central Eurasia and the second largest city in Central Asia after Almaty in economy. The pure Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountain, the smiling Uighur girl and the passionate Urumqi open the door to the western regions for you.
May to October is the golden season of Urumqi tourism every year with blooming flowers, sweet melons and fruits. Urumqi is the farthest city from the ocean in the world, with a continental arid climate in the middle temperate zone. The hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 26℃. The coldest is January, the average temperature is -15℃, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. It is recommended that you visit Urumqi in September with comfortable temperature.
Overall, the best time to visit the cities alongside the ancient Silk Road is spring and autumn, and September to October is more recommended with comfortable weather and beautiful scenery.
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9 Days Silk Road Adventure by China Orient Express: Xian-Lanzhou-Jiayuguan-Dunhuang-Turpan-Urumqi
14 Days Best Silk Road Tour: Shanghai-Xian-Dunhuang-Turpan-Urumqi-Beijing
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