China travel answer · Destinations
What is the best time to visit Silk Road (Xinjiang & Gansu)?
Reviewed 2026-09-19 · Conditions and policies can change
Direct answer
May-October (avoid winter — extreme cold) is generally the best period to visit Silk Road (Xinjiang & Gansu). The right choice still depends on your tolerance for weather, crowds and seasonal scenery.
What to know
- ●Typical conditions: Continental desert — hot summers (30-40°C), cold winters (-10 to 5°C). Large day-night temperature swings..
- ●The destination is especially well suited to adventure travelers, history enthusiasts, culture seekers.
- ●Mogao Caves: book English tour in advance — limited daily quota
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