Both Zhangye and Kashgar are great destinations for tourism, but they belong to different geographical and cultural regions and require separate travel itinerary planning. Here are detailed recommendations for traveling to Kashgar:?
Best Travel Time:?
The climate in Kashgar is relatively cold, even in spring (e.g., March), so it is necessary to prepare warm clothing such as long down jackets, thick cotton-padded clothes, and sweaters.?
Must-visit Attractions:?
Kashgar Ancient City: The soul of Kashgar, with a long history, winding streets, and a rich ethnic flavor. It is recommended to allocate at least three days for an in-depth tour, exploring the narrow alleys and experiencing the local Islamic-style houses and green scenery.?
Baisha Lake: About 3 hours away from Kashgar along National Highway 314. There are two observation decks, with the second offering better views. On sunny days, the blue tone of the lake is absolutely stunning.?
Muztag Ata Glacier Park: A place where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of glaciers and is a paradise for mountaineering enthusiasts.?
Tahman Wetland: A suitable place to encounter the tranquility and beauty of wetlands, with particularly spectacular views from the observation deck at sunset.?
Gaotai Residential Area: A treasure of the Uyghur people and a model of ancient residential architecture, showcasing rich folk customs.?
Xiangfei Garden: A great place to learn about the legendary story of Xiangfei, including Xiangfei’s Tomb, where you can feel the charm of history.?
Food Recommendations:?
Inside Kashgar Ancient City, you can try the meat and vegetable hand-grabbed rice at Master Maimaiti Shawuti’s son’s rice restaurant, paired with a large bowl of tea to relieve greasiness.?
The hand-grabbed rice at Dawaihezhuazhua Rice Restaurant and the tangkeng meat at Tugongyang Barbecue Restaurant are also worth trying.?
Lodging Recommendations:?
You can choose to stay at homestays near Kashgar Ancient City, such as Nashiman Homestay or Guli’s Homestay, which offer moderate prices and good service.?
Baiman International Hotel (Kashgar Ancient City Branch) is also a good choice, as it is within walking distance of the ancient city and has new, clean, and hygienic facilities.?
Transportation and Precautions:?
If you are driving to Taxkorgan County, you need to pay attention to the speed traps along National Highway 314 and drive carefully.?
There are not many gas stations along the way from Kashgar to Taxkorgan County, so remember to fill up with gas before setting out and refuel in Taxkorgan County on the way back.?
Regarding travel recommendations for Zhangye, they have not been specifically mentioned in the question, and Zhangye differs greatly from Kashgar in terms of tourism resources and cultural characteristics, so detailed explanations have not been provided here. If you need travel recommendations for Zhangye, you can ask another question or consult relevant materials.?