Xinjiang: The Ancient Capital of the Southern Silk Road

Xinjiang (not to be confused with Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region), also known as Xingyi, in southern Shanxi Province, was one of the most important cities on the ancient Silk Road. As the capital of the Southern Silk Road during the Han Dynasty, it controlled trade between China and Central Asia. Today, this small city preserves extraordinary historical sites that most foreign tourists never see.

Han Dynasty Legacy

Founded in 111 BCE, Xinjiang was the administrative center for China's western frontier. The Han Dynasty established military colonies (tuntian) here, and the city became a melting pot of Chinese, Central Asian, and nomadic cultures. The city's location on the Wei River made it a natural transportation hub.

Xinjiang Museum

The Xinjiang Museum houses one of China's finest collections of Silk Road artifacts. Bronze vessels, jade carvings, and ceramics date from Neolithic times through the Tang Dynasty. The museum's pride is its collection of ancient documents, including early paper samples that predate the commonly accepted invention date.

Famen Temple Connection

About 30 kilometers away, Famen Temple (in Fufeng County) is one of Buddhism's most sacred sites in China. It allegedly houses a finger bone of the Buddha. The temple complex includes a 148-meter-tall pagoda and extensive museums. Pilgrims come from across Asia; the temple's treasures include Tang Dynasty gold and silver artifacts.

Traditional Architecture

Xinjiang's Old Town retains Ming and Qing dynasty streets and buildings. Unlike tourist-oriented ancient towns, this is a living community: residents cook in courtyards, children play in lanes, and markets sell fresh produce. The city walls, partially preserved, once enclosed a thriving metropolis.

Local Crafts

Xinjiang has a tradition of paper-making, bronze-casting, and jade-carving. Workshops produce handmade paper using ancient techniques. Jade from nearby mountains has been carved here for millennia. These crafts are experiencing a revival as interest in traditional culture grows.

Shanxi Cuisine

Shanxi is famous for its noodles, and Xinjiang offers numerous varieties: knife-shaved noodles, hand-pulled noodles, and noodle soups. Vinegar, a Shanxi specialty, features in many dishes. "Oil-splashed noodles" — noodles topped with sizzling hot oil and chili — are a local favorite.

Getting There

Xinjiang is accessible by train from Xi'an (about 2 hours) on the high-speed line. The city is small enough to explore on foot or by bicycle. Accommodation is basic but adequate. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit; summer is hot, winter can be cold.