scheduled flights that can operate throughout the year, means of transportation such as roads, railroads, etc, and access to main tourist destinations, the introduction of air conditioned buses so that comfortable travel in the winter could be made possible, and accommodation facilities that provide air conditioning and hot water 24 hours a day. In addition, it would be worthwhile looking into tactics in promoting the participation of overseas tourists in traditional events such as Chinese New Year, etc., home stay systems or others to make the low season more inviting.
At the final visiting place of our journey, while lying down in 包(bao, movable tent-house) built on the lakeside of Lake Karakuli located 3600 meters above sea level, we held discussions based on the findings of the research studies including the past twice ones. How can tourism on the Silk Road in China be possibly enhanced with its diverse historical and cultural resources scattered here and there? We reached the conclusion that we should try to work out a model excursion itinerary so that those main tourist destinations along whole portion of the Silk Road in China can be visited within a fixed number of days and everybody can enjoy the wonders and sights. Briefly put, it is a trip with arrival in Xi'an by air either from Shanghai or Beijing, spending two weeks traveling around Dunhuang, Turpan, Kuqa and Kashgar, visiting the main historical and cultural resources and returning home. We presumed that travel between the main tourist destinations should be made by air as much as possible, the use of buses minimized and the period set at two weeks or less.
If such excursions were to become popular, interest in other tourist resources along the Silk Road will surely increase, and we think it will be possible for the entire Silk Road region to benefit from tourism in the future.
On the journey back, we dropped by the National Historical Museum in Beijing. The exhibitions were abundant and well organized. Numerous brochures, etc. were provided and it was helpful in gaining a basic knowledge of the history and culture of China. Before leaving on a trip to the Silk Road as part of an excursion tour, it might be useful to stop by for advance orientation, which should increase the attractiveness of the trip.
This research visit to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region completes, in general, the research study on the Silk Road in China conducted by the Silk Road Tourism Promotion Committee, although
