A journey from Xi'an, the birthplace of the Silk Road in China, to Lanzhou in the country's north-west, discovering the legacy of goods like tea and silk, the impact of imported ideas like Buddhism, and importance of cutting-edge innovations.

Explores excavated archaeological artefacts in Uzbekistan, Turkey's intricately built underground cities, and an ancient game that the Kyrgyz nomads still play on horseback.

Examines the ancient marks left behind on the Silk Road by travellers, including cave paintings and imposing architectural feats, and modern engineering marvels that make the journey from east to west easier.