China travel answer · Practical
What mistakes should I avoid when visiting Silk Road (Xinjiang & Gansu)?
Reviewed 2026-09-19 · Conditions and policies can change
Direct answer
The main mistakes are underestimating travel time, ignoring seasonal conditions and trying to cover every highlight in too little time. Build the itinerary around a few priorities and verify operational details before arrival.
What to know
- ●Mogao Caves: book English tour in advance — limited daily quota
- ●Bring a scarf and sunglasses — desert dust storms possible
- ●Kashgar Sunday Bazaar is the livestock market — go early
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