China Travel Forum

[Eric]

I'm going to China for 3 weeks and have decided on doing a stretch of the Silk Road.
At the moment, my rough plan is train travel from Beijing to Kashgar via Xian, Lanzhou (and Xiahe), Liuyuan (Dunhuang) and Turpan. I'm then planning to fly back to Beijing from Kashgar.
The main problem is, it all seems a bit rushed (not to mention an exhuastive train schedule!)- and apart from Kashgar, where I'm planning to stay for 4/5 days - I haven't allowed for that much time in each of the other places.
Bearing this in mind, I'm considering leaving Kashgar off my itinary and simply flying back to Beijing frm Urumqi, after visting Turpan.
So, my question basically is, how foolish would I be to miss out on Kashgar ??? I have in the past visted North Africa quite extensively - and someone has mentioned to me that Kashgar is not that dissimilar from places such as Cairo and Fez (in maroc).
If this is true, and Kashgar if fairly similar to places that I've been before, I wouldn't be that annoyed at missing it out, but I'm simply not sure if this is the case or not.....
I could give Xiahe a miss to create more time, but I've read that it's also a great place to go!

Anyway, adivce or insights would be greatly appreciated!

[David]

Kashgar is a great place.I absolutely loved Kashgar, especially the livestock market. It was a refreshing city, had good food, friendly people, nice hostels, good markets. Urumqi on the other hand should be skipped (but I understand you have to catch a flight from there). The trains are pretty good in China, just make sure you get a sleeper (bottom bunk is best if you want head space but beware that the Chinese will want to sit on your bed) and you'll feel totally refreshed after your travels. When I travelled throughout China I saw a lot but I never felt tired because I had good rest on the trains (it's not like travelling on buses or cramped trucks). So I really think you should consider going, it's worth it and gives you a new perspective on China. You won't even feel like you're in China! Have fun!