Along The Ancient Silk Road in China

China is a fascinating, mysterious country that has only recently opened up to the West. Following an itinerary that visited many sites described by Marco Polo, this audio visual reconstructs the world of the ancient camel caravans which crossed the forbidding Taklimakan desert bearing precious cargos of Jade, gunpowder, sandalwood, and silk. Fundamental ideas of art, science and religion also traveled in both directions on this road transforming East and West . . The Chinese inventions of paper, gunpowder, and the compass made their way westward while the religions of Buddhism and Islam , traveling east , took root and flourished in Western China's oasis towns. This program highlights the ancient city of Xian with its terra cotta army, the Forbidden city in Beijing, abandoned desert towns like Jiohe, the fabulous Buddhist treasures of the Mogao caves, as well as remote stretches of the Great Wall which meanders for 4,000 miles across China. Cost $500 per day.