Expert: Tom Carter ~ Travel China Expert - 3/16/2008

Question
I intend to do Uzbekistan, China's Silk Road and Tibet this Summer and Fall.

If my trip must end in Beijing, what would be the most efficient and beautiful way to travel from Uzbekistan to the final destination, Beijing-USA.

I am willing to take planes and trains and bus (bus only if short distance of max 4-6 hours.

Please, give me your idea(s) on how to tackle this trip, as I say efficiently without compromising beauty and experience.

Thank you,
Milagros

Answer
Hi Milagros,

I probably don't have to remind you of the present situation in Tibet, which I fear will dramatically affect all tourism to that region from now through the summer. You might have to skip Tibet. Check with your local embassy.

From Uzbekistan, you will be coming into Xinjiang, which is China's Muslim region. I suggest checking out Kashgar and Hotan, though these places might be very similar in flavor and appearance to nations you have already visited in Central Asia.

If you can't get into Tibet from Xinjiang, then follow the Silk Road down Gansu (be sure to check out Langumsi or Xiahe for a small taste of Tibet. From there, your options are to visit southwest China (Sichuan, Guangxi, Yunnan, etc.) or progress eastward towards Beijing.

The big difference will be in either experiencing the ethnic minority villages of China (west) or historic Han culture (interior and east). Either way, sounds like you have the trip of a lifetime ahead of you. Please let me know how it turns out.

As for transportation, bus and train routes are extensive, though train tickets are less costly...and thereby more difficult to acquire. In all reality, a bus trip in China lasting under 6 hours is rare unless you plan on getting out at every town and city you pass through. Otherwise, 10 hours is about average for inter-province travel. Trains are different in that respect, but your destination options are more limited. And of course, if you are taking a plane, you will be missing huge chunks of China and defeating the purpose of your own journey.

Regards,
Tom Carter
http://www.tomcarter.org
Thank you in advance for your support of my upcoming book of photography, CHINA: Portrait of a People.