Baoji prefecture

The Han-river in Baoji

After the 33-hour high-speed train journey that started in Kunming, I arrive at Baoji city in central China. Greater Baoji is actually a valley, quite similar to Malaysia's Klang-valley which is also referred to as Greater Kuala Lumpur. Baoji has hills and mountains on three sides and only on the east-side the prefecture is relatively flat. Baoji is also located alongside the Han river and passing through the city is the ancient Silk Road, through which for centuries silk, spices and other trade was transported. The silk road traditionally connects the old capitol of China, Xi'an to the west (all the way to Turkey, via Iran (Persia)). The silk road is about 2600 kilometer long and Baoji is one of the most northern stops.

The ancient silk road from Turkey to
the east of China

The city of Baoji was first created during the 21st century BC (some 4000 years ago) to facilitate a strategic trading point between Xi'an and the west. Nowadays, Baoji is primarily an industrial city, although it has a lot of cultural heritage to see. Baoji is also considered the gateway between western and eastern China since most trains from Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an pass through here on their way to Sichuanand Tibet, as well as the major regions in the north-west and the central-south. I will be travelling onwards to Urumqi, which is located in north-western China, close to the borders or Kazakhstan and Russia.

Famen temple in Baoji

Baoji's Fa Men Si (Famen temple), home to one of Buddha's finger bones, is also located in Baoji County. The Baoji area was home to the legendary Yandi, one of the Han Chinese forefathers. His tomb is located in the southern part of the city and his temple is located in the North. I hope I have enough time to visit the Famen temple, it would be a great experience!