Silk Road Cultural Journey launched in NW China

Performers dressed as security guards from ancient China stand next to police officers during an inauguration ceremony of the Silk Road Cultural Journey, in Jingyang, Shaanxi province Sept 19, 2014. Organized by Shaanxi government and a local tea company, the journey, started on Friday in Jingyang, Shaanxi province and was expected to finish in Kazakhstan more than a year later. A total of 136 camels, eight horse-drown carriages and more than 100 people in ancient Chinese costumes will travel an estimated 15,000 kilometers (9,321 miles) along the Silk Road with tea leaves while giving performances and promoting the tea products on the way, local media reported. [Photo/Agencies]