Recommended Kashgar Folk Tourism Three-Day Itinerary as follows:
Day 1: Kashgar Old Town and Culinary Exploration
Morning: Upon arriving in Kashgar, first visit Kashgar Old Town. It preserves a large number of Uyghur traditional houses and handicraft workshops and is the best place to understand Kashgar’s historical culture. You can stroll through the alleys of the old town, admiring colorful doors and windows, exquisite woodcarvings and stone carvings, and feeling the strong ethnic flavor. Meanwhile, don’t miss watching the opening ceremony and folk song and dance performances of the old town (usually held at 10:15, 12:00, and 18:00).
Noon: Take a break at a teahouse within the old town to taste an authentic Uyghur tea or head to Kashgar Grand Bazaar to taste various authentic Xinjiang cuisines such as kebab and hand-grabbed rice.
Afternoon: Visit the Id Kah Mosque, a landmark of Kashgar Old Town and one of the largest mosques in Xinjiang. Afterwards, continue exploring within the old town or visit the Khan Bazaar Night Market in the eastern district, where you can find grilled meat, melons and fruits, handmade yogurt, and more.
Evening: Enjoy a culinary journey at the night market in the old town or attend a Uyghur song and dance evening to experience the enthusiasm and vitality of the locals.
Day 2: Natural Scenery and Handicraft Experience
Morning: Drive to Oytag Red Mountain to admire its unique red landscape. Then proceed to Baisha Lake, which is believed to be the prototype of the Flowing Sand River in Journey to the West. The lake intertwines with silver-white dunes, forming a serene and beautiful landscape.
Noon: Stop at the viewing platform near Baisha Lake to take photos and enjoy the scenery. Afterwards, head to Karakul Lake, a plateau lake with deep, dark waters that reflect the surrounding mountains.
Afternoon: Upon returning to Kashgar, participate in a handicraft experience activity, such as learning to make terracotta or carpets, to gain a deeper understanding of Uyghur traditional handicraft culture.
Evening: Taste local specialty foods at a restaurant in Kashgar city or revisit the night market to explore more delicious options.
Day 3: Taxkorgan County Exploration and Plateau Scenery
Morning: Drive to Taxkorgan County (Tashkurgan County), enjoying magnificent natural scenery along the way. Upon arrival, explore Stone City and Jincaotan Wetland to feel the vicissitudes of history and the tranquility of nature.
Noon: Taste local specialty foods in Taxkorgan County, such as pot-cooked mutton.
Afternoon: Traverse the盘龙 Panlong Ancient Road, whose dark asphalt pavement resembles a black python on the move, providing excellent photo opportunities. Afterwards, visit the Bandir Blue Lake, a paradise for photographers and a must-visit photo spot.
Evening: Return to Kashgar city to end the three-day tour. If time permits, you can stroll around the city and purchase some handicrafts as souvenirs.
This three-day tour combines Kashgar’s historical culture, natural scenery, culinary experiences, and handicraft exploration, allowing you to fully feel the unique charm of Kashgar.