Kashgar Old Town is a tourist attraction filled with exotic charm and historical flavor. It was once an international market on the Silk Road, with a long history and profound cultural heritage.
Below is a detailed introduction to traveling in Kashgar Old Town:
I. Recommended Attractions
Id Kah Mosque: As a landmark building of Kashgar, it is not only a religious venue but also a window to understand Islamic culture. With a unique architectural style and luxurious decorations, it allows you to feel a strong religious atmosphere.
Moer Pagoda and Xiangfei’s Ancestral Home: These places are also full of stories and historical traces and are worth visiting.
High-Platform Residences: Called ‘high-platform residences’ by the Uyghurs, this place is filled with rich exotic charm. However, it is currently under renovation and temporarily inaccessible, so it can only be viewed from afar.
Rainbow Alley: With its colorful walls and strong artistic atmosphere, it attracts numerous tourists. The morning light is best for taking photos.
Oil Painting Street: Filled with distinctive oil paintings and handicrafts, it exudes an artistic atmosphere and is suitable for purchasing souvenirs.
II. Travel Experiences
Night Tour of the Ancient City: Kashgar Old Town is one of the largest earthen architecture groups in the world, with labyrinthine city blocks. At night, the ancient city is illuminated by dim lighting, and the yellow walls of the ancient dwellings appear even more quaint in the darkness. Strolling through them feels like traveling back in time to the Western Regions of a thousand years ago.
Taste Authentic Cuisine: From nutritious eggs and goose eggs cooked over charcoal fire to roast whole sheep, flour lungs, and a variety of fruit stands, every dish represents the hospitality of Kashgar. Additionally, the melons and fruits of Kashgar are extremely abundant, such as哈密瓜 (Hami melons) and grapes, which are sweet and delicious and must not be missed.
Experience Tea Culture: The century-old teahouse within the Old Town is an experience not to be missed. Decorated in an antique style, Uyghur uncles will play musical instruments, sing, and dance, creating a lively atmosphere. Enjoying tea here not only allows you to taste traditional old tea but also feel the customs of the Uyghurs.
III. Practical Information
Ticket Information: The ticket information for Kashgar Old Town is user-friendly, and most places do not require tickets. The rear part of the Old Town requires only a ticket of 30 or 45 yuan (prices may vary by channel). The ticket price for Id Kah Mosque is 29 yuan per person, with discounts for seniors and students.
Transportation Guide: Kashgar is the transportation hub of southern Xinjiang, and it is easy to reach by plane, train, or bus. After arriving in Kashgar City, you can take a bus to Yawake Station and walk to reach the Old Town.
Dressing Advice: The ancient city is dominated by earthy yellow tones, so it is recommended to wear clothing in high-saturation colors such as white, red, or orange. Many inns offer ethnic costume rentals, or you can purchase and wear local clothing at the shops in the ancient city to immerse yourself in the local cultural atmosphere.
Kashgar Old Town attracts numerous tourists with its unique historical culture, exotic charm, and rich tourist experiences. Visiting here not only allows you to appreciate the charm of the ancient city but also feel the warm hospitality and unique cultural customs of the Uyghurs.