Kashgar is one of the prominent tourist destinations in Xinjiang (China), attracting tourists with its rich ancient city, bustling markets and majestic plateau landscapes. With a 7-day itinerary, tourists can combine exploring culture, cuisine and nature to fully appreciate the beauty of this land.
On the first day, the journey begins in the ancient city of Kashgar with the opening ceremony at the East Gate, where folk songs and dances take place. After that, visitors can stroll around the colorful Kozchiyabeshi street, visit Id Kah Mosque, the hundred-year-old tea shop and Wustangboyi street to feel the slow pace of life of local people.
Lunch is traditional Uighur dishes such as hand-pulled rice, pancakes and grilled buns, while in the evening you can enjoy stewed meat, vermicelli and rice sausage at the ancient town's night market. When visiting the church, visitors need to wear polite clothes and avoid going into prayer hours.
The second day is an opportunity to learn more about local culture with destinations such as Tuong Phi Garden, Cho Lon Kashgar and Gaotai residential area. At Tuong Phi Garden, visitors can watch programs recreating the traditional wedding customs of Uyghurs. Cho Lon Kashgar is a place selling many types of dried fruits, handicrafts and local specialties. Meanwhile, Gaotai residential area impresses with its traditional terracotta architecture and panoramic view of the ancient city. When shopping at the market, visitors can bargain but should avoid bargaining if they do not intend to buy.
The next two days take visitors to the Pamir plateau. From Kashgar, the journey passes through the Oytak glacier, White Sand Lake, Karakol Lake before staying overnight in Tashkurgan district.
The next day, tourists explore Stone City, Golden Grass Field and conquer the famous Panlong ancient road with hundreds of curves. This is also a road loved by many people thanks to its majestic natural scenery. Due to the high terrain, tourists should prepare off-route maps, limit strenuous exercise to avoid getting high and consider using tourist car services instead of self-driving.
Day five is the journey to the Red Beach Scenic Area and Dolan painting village. This place stands out with birch forests, reed swamps and Dolan Muqam music performances imbued with traditional cultural values. This route has little public transport, so tourists are recommended to travel in groups or use combined vehicles.
On Friday, visitors have the opportunity to experience the daily life of Kashgar people when visiting local agricultural markets, handicraft workshops and ancient city night markets. Typical fruits of Xinjiang such as grapes, cantaloupe or plums are sold at reasonable prices. At craft workshops, visitors can try making ceramics or Atlas silk weaving and bring homemade products as souvenirs.
On the last day, before leaving Kashgar, visitors can spend time strolling through the ancient streets, buying souvenirs such as dried figs, almonds, raisins, Atlas silk scarves or handicrafts. If traveling by plane, check luggage regulations and avoid buying products related to wildlife.
Not only possessing ancient structures and unique highland landscapes, Kashgar is also attractive for its peaceful pace of life, rich cuisine and hospitality of local people. Preparing papers, luggage, choosing reputable services and respecting local customs will help visitors have a complete and memorable Kashgar exploration journey.
