Kashi Ancient City in Xinjiang is a tourist attraction full of historical charm and ethnic flavor.
Kashi Ancient City, also known as Kashgar Ancient City, is currently the only preserved traditional historic district with typical ancient Western Regions characteristics in China and one of the largest existing earth architecture groups in the world.
Most of the buildings within the ancient city are earth-wood and brick-wood structures. Many traditional residences have a history of over a hundred years. Their styles integrate architectural features from Central Asia, West Asia, and other regions, with a strong ethnic flavor. The streets and alleys are crisscrossed and lead to secluded paths, with a flexible layout. Being there is like entering a maze.
In Kashi Ancient City, tourists can visit the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang, which was first built in 1442 and has a typical Muslim architectural style.
Moreover, Gaotai Residential Area is also a must-see attraction. It is located on a loess cliff hundreds of meters long at the highest point in the southeast of Kashi Ancient City. The alleys of Uyghur residents here have a unique ethnic flavor.
In addition to historical and cultural relics, Kashi Ancient City also offers rich folk activities and handicraft experiences. Tourists can experience making earthenware pots at Huapen Bazaar to feel the charm of traditional craftsmanship; they can watch the primitive and ancient ironmaking process at Tiejiang Bazaar to feel the focus and enthusiasm of the blacksmiths; and they can select exquisite wooden handicrafts as souvenirs at Woodware Bazaar.
Of course, when visiting Kashi Ancient City, the cuisine is absolutely not to be missed. There are numerous delicacies within the ancient city, including grilled mutton skewers, baked stuffed buns, kebab in a缸子 (a traditional cooking vessel), pilaf, Kashi yogurt, and baked naan. Especially the Hanbazha Night Market, which gathers various Xinjiang specialty foods such as red willow grilled mutton skewers, baked eggs, grilled lamb intestines, and grilled pumpkin, with unique flavors that linger in one’s memory.
In addition, Kashi Ancient City offers a variety of entertainment activities. Tourists can participate in the city-opening ceremony and dance with local residents; they can also overlook the entire old town from the hanging gardens and feel the magnificent scenery of the ancient city.
In short, Kashi Ancient City in Xinjiang is a tourist attraction that integrates history and culture, folk customs, cuisine, and entertainment. It is a rare destination for both tourists who love history and culture and those who enjoy food and shopping.