A Kashgar Guide After 5 Visits

Kashgar's charm lies in its West Region ambiance. Trip Overview Kashgar, a dazzling pearl on the western frontier of China, exudes a rich exotic charm. This three-day itinerary will take you through the ancient city's streets and alleys, exploring the high-platform residences, immersing yourself in folk culture, and unlocking the unique charm of this Silk Road town, embarking on a soul-stirring journey through the Western Regions. Daily Itinerary Day 1: Unveiling the Ancient City 📍Kashgar Old City: Kashgar Old City is one of the largest existing earthen architectural complexes in the world. Stepping into the old city is like traveling back to the Middle Ages. With its earth-colored buildings and maze-like alleys, stroll through the city, encounter traditional handicraft shops and spice stores, and experience the ancient life of the Uyghur people (the old city is free, some home visits are charged). 📍Id Kah Mosque: The largest mosque in Xinjiang, solemn and majestic, with magnificent architecture, its domes and minarets gleaming in the sunlight. On religious holidays, believers gather here, creating a spectacular scene, allowing you to quietly feel the sacred power of religious culture (Tickets: ¥45). 📍Century-old Tea House: Find a century-old tea house in the old city, order a pot of brick tea, pair it with naan bread, watch the locals drink tea and chat, listen to traditional Uyghur music, and experience a leisurely afternoon (Cost: ¥30-50). Day 2: Experiencing Folk Culture 📍High-Platform Residences: A Uyghur residential area built on a high platform, with scattered houses full of primitive and simple charm. Although some are under renovation, you can still experience the unique folk customs, exploring the traditional residential structures and life scenes (currently not open, external visits are free). 📍Apak Hoja Tomb: The legendary garden of the Fragrant Concubine, with exquisite architecture, including the tomb of the Fragrant Concubine and the scripture hall. Learn about the legendary story of the Fragrant Concubine, admire the unique Uyghur garden landscape, and immerse yourself in the romantic and mysterious atmosphere (Tickets: ¥120, including performances). 📍Kashgar Grand Bazaar: The largest market in Xinjiang, with a dazzling array of goods, from exquisite carpets and gorgeous Atlas silk to various dried fruits and spices, the sound of bargaining rises and falls, allowing you to experience the rich commercial atmosphere (Free). Day 3: Admiring Natural Scenery 📍Pamir Plateau Day Trip: Departing from Kashgar, head to the Pamir Plateau, admiring the scenery of the Gobi, snow-capped mountains, and lakes along the way. Pass by Karakul Lake, where the azure lake water contrasts with the white sandy mountains; arrive at Muztagh Ata, and experience the majestic "Father of Icebergs" up close, the plateau's magnificence is breathtaking (Carpool: ¥300-500, including scenic spot tickets). 📍Tashkurgan Stone City: An important royal city in the ancient Western Regions, although only ruins remain today, it stands on the plateau, overlooking the Golden Grassland, recalling its past prosperity, and evoking a sense of historical vicissitudes (Tickets: ¥30). 📍Golden Grassland: Adjacent to the Stone City, the water and grass are abundant in autumn, turning golden yellow, with picturesque wetland scenery, complemented by the distant snow-capped mountains, like a fairy-tale world. Stroll through it and feel the gifts of nature (Free). Must-Eat Food List: Kashgar on the Tip of Your Tongue ✅Lamb Kebabs: A signature Xinjiang dish, Kashgar's lamb kebabs are made with fresh local lamb, large and delicious, grilled over charcoal fire, sizzling with oil, sprinkled with cumin and chili peppers, and fragrant. One skewer: ¥5-10. ✅Plov: Lamb, carrots, onions, and rice are perfectly blended, oily, golden, soft, sweet, and nutritious. Price per person: ¥30-50. ✅Baked Buns: Thin-skinned buns filled with tender lamb and onions, baked in a naan pit until golden brown, with a crispy crust and juicy filling. One bite brings a mouthful of happiness. One bun: ¥3-5. ✅Lamb in a Pot: Stewed lamb served in an enamel pot, paired with naan. The lamb is tender, the soup is delicious, warming and nourishing. One pot: ¥20-30. Photography Tips: Capture Beautiful Moments 1️⃣Kashgar Old City Streets and Alleys: In the early morning or evening, the soft light sprinkles on the old city. Dressed in bright ethnic clothing, stand in front of the characteristic patterned doors, and use the light and shadow to take exotic photos. Side backlighting can highlight the texture of the clothing. 2️⃣Apak Hoja Tomb: With exquisite buildings and carved archways as the background, strike elegant poses. When the afternoon sun shines obliquely, the light and shadow hit your face, creating beautiful retro photos. 3️⃣Pamir Plateau: By Karakul Lake, with the azure lake water and white sandy mountains as the background, wear a jacket and sunglasses, capture moments of jumping and cheering, showcasing the vitality of the plateau. Sunny weather with sufficient light makes the picture even more stunning. Pitfalls to Avoid: Tips for Avoiding Trouble 🚗Transportation: Taxis are convenient in the city. It is recommended to carpool or charter a car to the Pamir Plateau. Negotiate the price and itinerary in advance. Pay attention to safety due to complex road conditions on the plateau. 🍱Food: Choose restaurants based on local patronage to avoid inauthentic flavors. Pay attention to the quality and price when buying dried fruits to avoid being cheated. 🎫Tickets: Purchase tickets online in advance for popular attractions like Apak Hoja Tomb, as there are often discounts and you can skip the line. The altitude is high at plateau scenic spots, so prepare medicine in advance if you are not feeling well. 👟Clothing: Wear comfortable flat shoes for walking around the old city. Bring thick down jackets, jackets, and sunscreen to the plateau to cope with temperature differences and strong ultraviolet rays. Hidden Gems: Exploring Niche Treasures 1️⃣Oytagh Red Mountains: Unique Danxia landform, with red mountains contrasting sharply with the surrounding green trees and rivers, offering magnificent scenery. Hike and appreciate the natural wonders (Free). 2️⃣Corners of Kashgar Old City: Avoid the hustle and bustle of the main streets and delve into the corners of the old city to explore traditional musical instrument workshops and copperware shops, watch artisans at work, and experience the charm of ancient craftsmanship (Free). 3️⃣Yengisar Knife Village: If you are interested in Yengisar knives, visit the knife village to watch the knife-making process and buy authentic knives (can be mailed). Pay attention to the regulations on carrying knives.