Traveling to Kashgar during National Day is an excellent choice, allowing you to experience rich exotic customs and cultural activities. Here are some specific recommendations and precautions:
Exploring Kashgar Old Town:
Duration: Usually, you can have an in-depth experience of the old town in one day. But if you want a deeper understanding, it is recommended to reserve 2-3 days.
Travel Route: First, take a sightseeing bus for a round-trip tour to have a general understanding of the old town, and then explore it slowly. If walking, enter from the East Gate, follow the main street to explore the eastern district, cross Jiefang North Road to enter the western district, and use the square in front of the Century-Old Tea House as the starting and ending point to explore the western district.
Recommended Photo Spots: In the eastern district, there are Flowerpot Bazaar, Jiulongquan Street, Ironsmith Bazaar, etc.; In the western district, there are Mosques, Oil Painting Street, Antique Street, etc. Additionally, there are special photo spots like Rainbow Alley, Cloth Bag Alley, and Century-Old Tea House.
Food Experience:
Kashgar has abundant cuisine, such as Big Plate Chicken, Nang-Pit Roast Meat, Roast Buns, and so on. There are also special drinks like Kavas, Yogurt Ice Cream, as well as various fruits like Watermelon, Cantaloupe, and so on. They are all delicious and must-tries.
Recommended Surrounding Tours:
You can consider visiting Taxkorgan County to tour Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and other scenic spots. You can also walk along the盘龙古道 (Panlong Ancient Road) to feel the magnificent scenery of the plateau.
If you have time, you can also arrange to visit Bachu Populus euphratica Forest, Wensu Grand Canyon, Zepu Golden Populus euphratica Forest, and other places to admire the natural beauty of Xinjiang.
Cultural Activities:
During National Day, Kashgar Old Town may hold cultural activities such as the opening ceremony. Tourists can participate in them to feel the historical charm and cultural appeal of the old town.
You can also visit local tea houses, Grand Bazaar, and other places to experience Xinjiang’s unique tea culture and handicrafts.
Precautions:
The tourist boom in Kashgar Old Town continues during National Day, and the number of tourists may be large. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance to avoid peak hours.
Pay attention to the local climate and weather changes, and adjust clothing and itinerary arrangements in a timely manner.
Respect local customs and religious beliefs to avoid unnecessary troubles.
In general, traveling to Kashgar during National Day can let you experience the unique charm and exotic customs of Xinjiang. Both natural scenery and cultural activities are fascinating and unforgettable.