All About History - Issue 111, 2021_

Places to Explore

VISIT THE SILK ROAD

From medieval cities to museums and

mountains, the wonders of the Silk Road await

CHINA NATIONAL

SILK MUSEUM

HANGZHOU, CHINA

The China National Silk Museum was opened in 1992

and houses an enormous collection of ancient Chinese

silks and textiles that tell the story of a changing world.

Its attractions include an extensive Silk Road Gallery, in

which many of the exhibits on display were excavated

from historic sites along the ancient Silk Road and are now

conserved for future generations. The museum’s galleries

offer a unique insight into changing textile methods and

fashion, from China and across the globe.

The museum is one of the most important centres

for textile research and conservation in China and

the largest silk museum in the world. As a centre of

research excellence, it facilitates collaboration between

museums, universities, archaeological sites and other

institutions along the old trade routes. The China National

Silk Museum is an excellent starting point for visitors

who want to know more about the historic Silk Road.

Mon: 12.00pm-5.00pm, Tues-Sun: 9.00am-5.00pm

Free entry

BUKHARA

BUKHARA REGION,

UZBEKISTAN

The ancient city of

Bukhara is more than

2,000 years old. It was an

important stop on the Silk

Road, where it established

itself as a place of trade

and cultural exchange.

This historic centre of

Bukhara has been listed

by UNESCO as a World

Heritage Site, while the

region around the city

has been continually

inhabited for  more  than

5,000 years.

Bukhara is a breathtaking example of a Central Asian medieval city, and the

most complete example of its kind that exists today. Travellers to the vibrant city

can visit over 100 historic monuments, including the 10th century tomb of Ismail

Samani, the Poi-Kalyan ensemble and the 17th century great mosque of Magoki

Kurns. A walk through Bukhara can feel like a walk back through time itself, and

this remarkable city offers travellers a true Silk Road experience, from bazaars

stocked with local goods to architecture and monuments that span the centuries.

Bukhara offers a unique insight into a changing world, as well as the cross-cultural

influences that can be found along the Silk Road.

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Bukhara is one of the Silk Road’s

most significant stops, and

a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The China National Silk

Museum tells the story of

textiles along the Silk Road,

with a wealth of exhibits

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