This is the essence of Kashgar, with a strong Uyghur flavor. Here, you can stroll along the ancient streets and alleys, admire the traditional Uyghur architecture, such as the earthy yellow rammed earth walls, exquisite wood carvings, and lattice windows, etc. You can also visit the Id Kah Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Xinjiang with a magnificent architecture and plays an important role in the religious life of Muslims.
Tickets: The old town is free to enter, and the ticket for the Id Kah Mosque is about 20 yuan.
Gaotai Residential Area
A traditional Uyghur residential area built on a high cliff. The houses are built along the cliff, layer upon layer, like a maze. However, it is currently under protective renovation, and you can appreciate its unique style around it.
Apak Khoja Mausoleum
It is a typical Islamic ancient architectural complex, and it is said to be the mausoleum of Apak Khoja. The architectural shape is magnificent, and the dome is very distinctive. The interior decoration is exquisite, with many valuable carvings and paintings.
Tickets: About 30 yuan.
Pamir Plateau
You can go on an in-depth tour of the Pamir Plateau from Kashgar. Along the way, you can enjoy magnificent snowy mountains (such as Muztagh Ata), glaciers, lakes (such as Karakul Lake), etc. You can stay in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County and experience the unique culture of the Tajik ethnic group.
Tour Route Planning
One-day Tour Route
Morning: Kashgar Old Town Id Kah Mosque
Noon: Taste special cuisine in the old town and take a rest
Afternoon: Apak Khoja Mausoleum Gaotai Residential Area (exterior view)
Multi-day Tour Route (Taking Three Days as an Example)
Day 1: Have an in-depth tour of Kashgar Old Town, including visiting various handicraft shops, folk museums, etc. Watch the night view of the old town at night and taste the food at the night market.
Day 2: Head to the Pamir Plateau, enjoy the scenery such as the Aoyitake Red Mountain along the way, arrive at Karakul Lake, enjoy the reflection of Muztagh Ata, and stay in Tashkurgan County at night.
Day 3: Visit the Stone City and Golden Grassland in Tashkurgan County, and then return to the urban area of Kashgar. You can buy some special souvenirs in the urban area.
Transportation Guide
External Transportation
Airplane: Kashgar Airport has many domestic routes and can directly reach cities such as Urumqi, Xi’an, and Chengdu.
Train: Kashgar Railway Station has trains from Urumqi and other places, and the railway transportation is convenient.
Internal Transportation
Bus: There are many bus lines in Kashgar City that can go to major attractions, but some attractions may require transfer or a short walk.
Taxi: It is more convenient to travel by taxi in the city, but remember to ask the driver to use the meter. To go to distant areas such as the Pamir Plateau, you can choose to charter a car or carpool. The price of chartering a car depends on the model and itinerary.
Food Guide
Special Cuisine
Kebab
The kebabs in Kashgar have tender meat and large pieces. They are usually skewered with red willow branches and roasted. The special aroma of the red willow will penetrate into the meat, giving it a unique flavor.
Hand-grabbed Rice (Polo)
It is made by stewing rice, mutton, carrots, onions, etc. The rice grains are distinct, the mutton is soft and tender, and the sweetness of carrots and onions is integrated into the rice, making the taste very rich.
Nang (Baked Flatbread)
There are various types, such as sesame nang, onion nang, rose nang, etc. The nang is crispy and delicious and can be stored for a long time. It is a common staple food on the table of Kashgar people.
Samsa (Baked Buns)
It is made by wrapping mutton and onion fillings in dough and baking it in a tandoor. The outer skin is crispy, and the inner filling is juicy and fragrant.
Cylinder Mutton (Gangzirou)
Put mutton and some simple seasonings in an enamel mug and simmer slowly over charcoal fire. The soup is fresh and the meat is delicious. It is very pleasant to have a mug in cold weather.
Pigeon Soup
The pigeon meat is stewed very tender. There are chickpeas and other ingredients in the soup. It is nutritious and delicious. It is great to eat with nang.
Yogurt Zongzi
This is a unique dessert. Pour yogurt over glutinous rice zongzi and then drizzle with honey or syrup, etc. It is sweet and sour, with a rich taste.
Food Streets and Recommended Restaurants
Wusitangboyi Road
There are many traditional Uyghur restaurants and snack stalls here, where you can taste various authentic cuisines, such as samsa, kebabs, etc.
Ouerdaxike Road Food Plaza
It gathers many food merchants with a rich selection and a lively environment.
Aini Chunyang Kebab Restaurant
It is famous for its delicious kebabs and roasted whole lamb and other dishes. The quality of mutton is excellent, and the roasting skills are superb.
Lan Gongyang Kebab Restaurant
The kebabs, samsa, etc. in the store are very popular and the price is affordable.
