Kashgar Old City is a major highlight of folk tourism in Xinjiang, attracting many tourists with its profound cultural heritage and rich folk activities. The old city not only retains its original charm but also showcases the unique folk culture of Xinjiang.?
In Kashgar Old City, tourists can deeply experience the local traditional culture. For example, they can visit the ‘China Xinjiang Ethnic Musical Instrument Village’ – Tuowanke Wukusake Village, located in Wukusake Town, Shufu County, Kashgar Prefecture. This village has a history of over 150 years of musical instrument making and is the first national-level intangible cultural heritage productive protection demonstration base. Tourists can choose and buy traditional musical instruments or handicrafts here, feeling the charm of ethnic musical instruments.?
Moreover, the handicrafts in Kashgar Old City are also famous for their variety and unique ethnic characteristics. In the streets and alleys of the old city, tourists can find hundreds of ethnic musical instrument shops and handicraft shops, which showcase the daily life and superb craftsmanship of Kashgari people. For instance, at the Kantuman Bazaar Iron Industry Commune, tourists can witness the process of iron craftsmanship inheritors hammering red-hot iron blocks into various practical utensils, feeling the charm of traditional handicraft culture.?
Besides culture and handicrafts, the cuisine in Kashgar Old City is also a major highlight. Tourists can taste the specialty foods of Xinjiang here, such as naan, mutton kebabs, pilaf, and baked stuffed buns. These dishes are not only delicious but also incorporate the unique ethnic characteristics and cultural elements of Xinjiang. For example, the mutton kebabs have tender meat with a balance of fat and lean, grilled on red willow sticks, giving them a unique wooden aroma; pilaf is made with rice, mutton, carrots, and other ingredients, and tastes wonderful.?
In Kashgar Old City, tourists can also participate in various folk activities. Such as folk performances and community fire performances during the Spring Festival, which add a strong festive atmosphere for tourists. These activities not only showcase the folk culture of Xinjiang but also allow tourists to deeply experience the local cultural life while enjoying the beautiful scenery.?
In summary, the folk tourism in Kashgar Old City is an unforgettable cultural journey. Whether it’s exploring traditional culture, admiring handicrafts, or tasting specialty foods, tourists can all feel the unique folk charm and cultural customs of Xinjiang.?