In Northwest China's vast sun-scorched desert, a camel train plods along the ancient Silk Road.

The 7,000-km road linking East Asia and Europe was once jammed with caravans of Chinese silk, Indian spices and Persian brocade. Now the camels carry tourists from around the world.

"Those merchants must have been expecting a good price for their goods after all this hardship," said Beijing accountant Guo Ying, 25, after her bumpy camel ride.