Cheshi Ancient Road
车师古道
A two-thousand-year-old Silk Road route over the eastern Tianshan, linking Beiting with Turpan. It alternates between spruce forest, alpine meadows and snowy passes, and is a classic heavy-duty hiking route in Xinjiang.
The Cheshi Ancient Road, also called the Jinling Ancient Road, linked the Later Cheshi state on the northern foot of the Tianshan, the Beiting Protectorate and the Former Cheshi state on the southern side (around present-day Turpan) during the Han and Tang dynasties. It was an important early north-south trade artery in the Western Regions. The northern starting point lies around Quanzijie Town in Jimsar County. The route passes spruce forests, valley meadows and high-mountain passes. After crossing the Tianshan and descending into the Turpan Basin, the scenery shifts from forests and snowy peaks to desert oasis, a striking contrast. A full crossing generally takes 2 to 4 days and is a heavy-duty hike. It is recommended to join a licensed outdoor team and register as required. Visitors who do not attempt the full crossing can take a short hike at the Cheshi Ancient Road scenic area on the Quanzijie side. Mountain weather changes quickly, so bring warm clothing even in summer.
Opening hours
Scenic area approx. 10:00–20:00; for the cross-mountain route, check registration requirements and mountain closure notices
Nearby sights
- Jiaohe Ruins
- Karez Wells (Karez Paradise)
- Turpan Museum
- Emin Minaret
- Flaming Mountains
- Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves
- Astana Cemetery
- Turpan Grand Canyon (Toksun)