Traveling to Kashgar Old City is an experience filled with exotic charm and historical flavor.
Kashgar Old City, also known as Kashgar Ancient City, is a bright pearl in the Kashgar Prefecture of Xinjiang, rich in historical and cultural heritage and unique Uyghur customs.
Below are some detailed suggestions for traveling to Kashgar Old City:
I. Attraction Recommendations
Kashgar Old City Itself: Most of the buildings within the old city are made of earth, wood, and brick, with many traditional houses having a history of over a hundred years. The streets and alleys crisscross in a flexible and varied layout, as if entering a labyrinth. This is a concentrated reflection of the lifestyle of ethnic minorities in southern Xinjiang, where traditional wisdom in iron art, painting, woodcarving, silk weaving, and other aspects can be appreciated.
Id Kah Mosque: The largest mosque in Xinjiang, with magnificent architecture, it is a place for local people to conduct religious activities and socialize.
High Platform Residences: Located on a long, hundreds-of-meters-long loess cliff at the highest point in the southeast of Kashgar Old City, the Uyghur alleyways exhibit unique ethnic customs.
Fragrant Princess Tomb: The entire architectural complex is magnificent, with beautifully decorated glazed bricks around the tomb that integrate elements of Uyghur and Central Plains cultures.
II. Culinary Recommendations
The culinary offerings in Kashgar Old City are rich and affordable. You can taste dishes with Central Asian and Arabic flavors, such as roasted naan bread, hand-grabbed rice, grilled mutton kebabs, baked stuffed buns, and meat cooked in a缸子 (a traditional Chinese cooking utensil). Additionally, the snack street next to the old city is bustling, and specialty foods like pomegranate juice and flat peaches are worth trying.
III. Dress and Transportation
Dress Suggestions: Kashgar Old City is located at a high altitude with large diurnal temperature variations. It is recommended to bring a light jacket and hat for sun protection and warmth.
Transportation Guide: Transportation in the urban area is convenient, with buses and taxis directly reaching the old city. Riding a bike or walking allows you to immerse yourself in the charm of the old city and become a popular spot for social media check-ins.
IV. Other Precautions
Travel Time: A shallow visit can be done in 1-2 days, while a deep experience requires 3 days. Some attractions charge fees, but the prices are reasonable and offer high cost-effectiveness.
Accommodation Suggestions: There are various types of homestays in the old city with affordable prices. It is recommended to book in advance during holidays to avoid not finding suitable accommodation on the day.
Opening Ceremony: The opening ceremony held three times a day (morning, noon, and evening) is an excellent opportunity to experience the charm of the old city and feel its solemn atmosphere.
In summary, Kashgar Old City is a charming tourist destination that is worth exploring and experiencing in-depth, whether it be for its historical relics, culinary culture, or ethnic customs.