Hi, a friend and I are thinking of travelling the Silk Road in mid-October.
1) Is this a good time of year to visit - ie. will it be super cold?
2) What's the best way to go about booking domestic flights? We're thinking of flying from Beijing to Urumqi/Kashgar. I've checked out China Eastern's website, but it's hard to navigate with my limited Chinese and I can't seem to find a direct flight
Any tips will be much appreciated.
JT
use searching website,enter words in english i think it's
possible and convenient for you
Travelling the Silk Road in mid-October is a very good choice. The fall is the best season for travelling in Northern China.
But you'd better bring some thick clothes with you, for the temperature in the daytime is very good, 22 C, but when the night come, it is about 2 C, cold.
my suggestion is that you fly to Beijing, then take the special train to go to Silk Road. it is not so interesting if you fly to there, there are less flights to there.
if you want to take the train, you can ask China Youth Travel Agency, they begin the Silk Road Trip by train this year. I do not remember their website, you can google it.
if you want to stay in Beijing for some time,you can visit -snip- for more interesting trip.
[ Edit: No promos allowed. ]
Thanks, checked out their website <http://www.cots.com.cn/aboutus/aboutus.htm>
I'm not really looking for a tour. I just want to get the train or plane tickets. And it doesn't look like China Youth Travel Service does this. I've emailed them.
Any other sites to recommend?
http://www.lotour.com/member/travel/2720/product-43233.html
but I am sorry it is chinese website.
phone: 86 10 65211505, 85110170
15 days, ￥5280 RMB
sorry I can not find their email
Hi, I've got some itinerary for you Silk Road trip in English version. You can visit
-snip-
Hope it will help your trip . 
[ Edit: No promos allowed. ]
Well, sth to add.
You have choose the right time there. the weather in mid October is pleasant and the autumn harvest makes the markets more brisk.
But also you had better prepare some winter clothes. Because the weather would change dramatically.
Anyhoe wish you good luck during your trip.