1 independent reviews for Silk Road in China vacation
Reviews for Silk Road in China vacation
Genie Gabel-Dunk review 13 Oct 2015
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Finding a replica of a Tang Dynasty sancai glazed, funerary sculpture of a camel and rider, which I had first experienced as part of an exhibition of artefacts from the ancient Silk Route mounted by the British Library in 2004 in a shop in Jiayuguan at a price that I could afford. Even though the Mogao Grottos are becoming commercialised, being able to see the frescos that are available in the caves that are open to the public was a wonderful experience.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to be flexible as things don’t always go to plan; but, I note that this is part of the interest of this journey; approach the overnight train journeys with a spirit of adventure; be sure and have a good/powerful torch for visiting the caves otherwise you will not reap the full benefit of what is on offer.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I would consider that the purchases that my fellow travelers and I made during the 19 days of the journey, which were in the most part made in street markets and local community establishments, would go some way to benefit the local population. I also note that making use of China’s train network on three occasions environmentally sound. During the journey across China local guides within the distinct regions though which we travelled were employed, which bought more in-depth, authentic insight to our experience and it appeared that locally run hotels were used where feasible, thereby, providing employment for a number of members of the local communities through which we travelled. It appeared that local drivers were employed, the use of local guides and community based hotels would indicate that much of the operational costs were channelled into the local economy.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
I consider that the itinerary for this trip has been carefully thought out, offers a journey of high quality and certainly provided me with opportunities that I might otherwise not have had.Holiday Reviews
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