Visiting Kashgar during summer vacation is an excellent choice, as you can experience the unique customs of southern Xinjiang and its rich natural landscapes. Here are some detailed travel suggestions:
Itinerary Planning:
You can choose a 4-6 day itinerary, which allows you to fully experience the charm of Kashgar without being too exhausted.
Recommended itineraries include Kashgar Old Town, Gaotai Ancient Village Site, Kashgar University, Xiangfei Garden, Xiaoyalang Wetland Park, Kashgar Grand Bazaar, Kashgar Museum, etc.
If time permits, you can also consider visiting Taxkorgan County to explore natural landscapes such as Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, and the Muztagh Glacier.
Accommodation and Dining:
The off-season for tourism in Kashgar is from mid-May to early June. During this time, hotel accommodations are more cost-effective, so it is recommended to travel during off-peak times to save money.
Kashgar has many local restaurants with good value for money. If you are not accustomed to the local taste, you can also choose Sichuan or Hunan cuisine restaurants.
It is recommended to try the specialty foods of Kashgar, such as roasted stuffed buns, pilaf, thin-skinned stuffed buns, and mutton kebabs.
Recommended Attractions:
Kashgar Old Town: It’s worth staying for a few days, at least three days, to appreciate the combination of ancient charm and modernity, and to experience the architectural art with Xinjiang characteristics.
Baisha Lake: It takes about 3 hours to get there from Kashgar, with two viewing platforms along the way. The view from the second platform is better.
Taxkorgan County: Driving there allows you to experience the beautiful scenery of National Highway 314, but be aware of speed traps and driving safety.
Other attractions: places like the Wakhan Corridor,盘龙古道 (a name that doesn’t have a direct English translation but can be described as ‘Winding Ancient Road’), Bandier Blue Lake, etc., are also worth visiting.
Practical Tips:
Prepare necessary documents and items before traveling, such as ID card, student ID, sunscreen, lip balm, portable charger, etc.
Kashgar has long sunshine hours, so it is recommended to bring sunscreen and a light jacket.
When visiting Kashgar Old Town, you can choose to go out before 1 PM or after 6 PM to avoid the scorching sun.
Transportation and Expenses:
Kashgar has an airport and a railway station, with convenient transportation and relatively inexpensive airfare.
There are few scenic spots in the city center that charge admission fees. Besides Xiangfei Garden, which costs 30 yuan, the rest are basically open for free.
In summary, visiting Kashgar during summer vacation not only allows you to experience the unique customs of southern Xinjiang, but also offers a rich array of natural landscapes and human history. I hope these suggestions can help you with your trip to Kashgar.