There are multiple route options for traveling to Kashgar. Here are several classic routes recommended based on different time and attraction arrangements:
I. 2-Day Tour of Kashgar Old Town and Surroundings
Day 1:
Morning: Visit Donghu Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kashgar city. It is suitable for family leisure and takes about 3 hours.
Afternoon to evening: Explore Kashgar Old Town, the soul of the city with a long history, winding streets, and strong ethnic flavor. Walk around the old town, visit popular spots like Rainbow Alley and Cloth Bag Alley, and taste local delicacies like pot mutton and baked buns. The visit takes about 5 hours.
Day 2:
Morning: Visit Gaotai Residential Area, a treasure of the Uyghur people and a model of ancient residential architecture. The visit takes about 3 hours.
Afternoon: Head to Xiangfei Garden to learn about the legendary story of Xiangfei, visit her tomb, and feel the charm of history. The visit takes about 5 hours.
II. Kashgar 5-Day 4-Night Comprehensive Guide
Day 1:
Visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake to admire the scenery of lakes and mountains and take photos. Tickets for Baisha Lake are 20 yuan, and boating at Karakul Lake costs about 30 yuan.
Day 2:
Explore Taxkorgan, Stone City, and Blue Lake. Stone City witnesses the prosperity of Silk Road culture, and Blue Lake has azure waters, making it perfect for picnics. In the afternoon, challenge the Panlong Ancient Road and experience the charm of "China’s Most Healing Highway".
Day 3:
Visit Amanishahan Memorial Tomb and Yarkand Palace to learn about the history and culture of the Yarkand Khanate. Tickets for Amanishahan Memorial Tomb are 10 yuan, and student tickets are 5 yuan; tickets for Yarkand Palace are 35 yuan.
Day 4:
Choose to continue exploring attractions around Kashgar or return to Kashgar city based on personal interests, and enjoy local cuisine and night market culture.
Day 5:
End your trip and return to your departure point or continue with other itineraries.
III. 4-Day Self-Drive Route in Southern Xinjiang, Kashgar
Day 1:
Visit Kashgar city, including Kashgar Old Town and Etiqar Square. Experience Kashgar’s night market and food culture in the evening.
Day 2:
Depart from Kashgar and head towards Taxkorgan along National Highway 314. Enjoy natural attractions such as the Oytag Glacier and Red Valley along the way. Stay overnight in Taxkorgan upon arrival.
Day 3:
Visit the盘龙古道 (Panlong Ancient Road) and Xiabandi Reservoir. The Panlong Ancient Road has over 600 turns and is very spectacular; Xiabandi Reservoir is an important water conservancy project in Taxkorgan, with beautiful lakes and mountains.
Day 4:
Returning to Kashgar from Taxkorgan, you can make up for any missed attractions along the way. End your self-drive journey in southern Xinjiang.
The above routes are for reference only. The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal interests and time. During the trip, please pay attention to safety and respect local customs and habits.