The New Silk Road is also called the Belt and Road Initiative. It links countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa together. The plan was initiated by Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China. The New Silk Road focuses on investment for railway, highway and port construction
Historical Background of the Silk Road
The ancient Silk Road was established during the Han Dynasty era (206 BC – 220 AD). The Han Empire expanded to the west and built a trade network with Central Asian countries, and it even connected the empire with Europe. The Han people traded silk, spices, and jade to other countries, and they bought glass, gold, and other noble metals.
The ancient Silk Road acted as an exchange bridge for trade, culture, and religions between China and Western countries. However, due to the Arab conquest of Central Asia during the Tang Dynasty era (618–907) and their attack on Tang trading outposts, the trade diminished.
However, trade boomed when the Mongols established a vast empire covering much of Eurasia. When the Yuan Empire (1279–1368) was overthrown, the Mongols became the enemies. They retained control in Xinjiang and stopped the trade.
When the Manchu Qing Empire (1644–1912) arose in alliance with Mongols, even though they had control of the Silk Road routes, there was little use for overland transport because ship construction and navigation technologies improved substantially. Maritime trade flourished. The Central Asian countries were isolated and developed little economically.
For more detail see The History of the Silk Road in China.
A New Silk Road Initiative
In 2013, President Xi Jinping proposed that a new Silk Road should be constructed. The 'Belt' refers to the overland routes and the 'Road' refers to the sea routes. The Belt and Road Initiative is a new Silk Road project that promotes global cooperation and economic development.
The Silk Road Economic Belt
On September 7th, 2013, the Silk Road Economic Belt was initiated that aims to connect Central Asian countries. The "One Belt" route stretches to the Baltic Sea area via Central Asia and Russia, to the Mediterranean Sea area via Central Asia and Western Asia, and to the Indian Ocean area via southwest China.
Countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt:
Countries in Central Asia such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan are just across the border from China. They are closely connected with China's economy.
Middle-eastern countries such as Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey mainly trade oil and gas. They look forward to developing other industries and agriculture through cooperation with China.
Other countries on the boundary between Europe and Central Asia such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova are expected to achieve economic integration.
Russia is an important part of the Silk Road Economic Belt. It has a close relationship with Central Asian countries, the countries of the Caucasus region, and Western Asian countries.
If the issues in Afghanistan can be resolved peacefully, then the development of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India will also be promoted by the Belt and Road Initiative.
The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road
On October 3rd, 2013, the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road was initiated with the purpose of connecting the member countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The "One Road" route stretches to Europe via the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, and it stretches to the South Pacific Ocean via the South China Sea.
The main cities on the route of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is: Quanzhou – Fuzhou – Guangzhou – Haikou – Beihai – Hanoi (Vietnam) – Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – Jakarta (Indonesia) – Colombo (Sri Lanka) – Kolkata (India) – Nairobi (Kenya) – Athens (Greece) – Venice (Italy).
Why China's Silk Road Is So Significant has more information about the modern Silk Road.
Recommended tours:
- 11-Day Tour from Xi'an to Kashgar — Along the Great Silk Road
- 3-Day Quanzhou Tour with Anxi Oolong Tea Experience — Discover the Starting Point of the Maritime Silk Road
Traveling Along the New Silk Road
The Terracotta Army in Xi'anThere are more than 60 countries along the New Silk Road. Lots of tourism resources are waiting for you to explore them.
In China, most inland cities will develop quickly due to infrastructure construction such as high-speed railways, highways, and airways. Traveling to cities like Xi'an, Urumqi, Kunming, Guilin, and Lhasa will be more convenient. Also, applying for a tourism visa will be more convenient for countries located along the New Silk Road.
Popular Tourist Cities Along the New Silk Road in China
Mogao Caves in DunhuangXi'an was the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, and today it's located along the New Silk Road. It's a popular tourist city that is well-known for the Terracotta Army and the long history of ancient China.
Recommended tours:
Dunhuang is a well-known city that was located on the ancient Silk Road. To protect trade along the Silk Road, the government set up military defenses at Dunhuang. Dunhuang is famous for the Buddhist caves containing beautiful Buddha statues and mural paintings.
Recommended tours:
Urumqi is in Western China and is close to Central Asian countries. Cities near Urumqi, such as Turpan and Kashgar, were main trading towns along the ancient Silk Road. Urumqi was the first city to construct a tourism distribution center on the Silk Road Economic Belt.
Recommended tours:
- 7-Day Xinjiang Highlights Tour
- Contact us to create a trip according to your needs
Travel Along the Silk Road with Us
Dunhuang Mogao CavesIf you want to travel along the Silk Road, see our popular itineraries below for inspiration. Our tours are flexible and can be customized.