Six Days and Five Nights Independent Trip to Kashgar for Over 2000 RMB

At the end of May, I flew from Guangzhou to Kashgar, Xinjiang for a six-day, five-night trip with a very relaxed itinerary. This was my first time in Xinjiang, serving as a preliminary exploration to lay the groundwork for future journeys to the region. I. Itinerary DAY1 Flight from Guangzhou to Kashgar DAY2 One-day group tour to the Pamir Plateau Details can be found in previous notes. Returned to Kashgar before sunset, and on the way back to the hotel, visited People's Square, People's Park, and East Lake Park—popular leisure spots for locals. DAY3 Morning: Watched the city gate opening performance at the East Gate of Kashgar Old Town (10:30) and briefly explored the main streets of the eastern district. Afternoon: Returned to the hotel to rest. Later, took a bus to the Kashgar Museum (15:30-17:10), then a taxi to the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine. Finally, before 20:30, took a taxi to Qishi Grand View Garden to witness a local Xinjiang wedding. At 21:50, took a bus back to the hotel. Though the schedule looked packed, it was actually very relaxed as all locations were close to each other. DAY4 Morning: Took a taxi to the Id Kah Mosque and explored the western district of Kashgar Old Town. Exited via the South Gate and took a bus to the Banchao Memorial (Panluo City Ruins Park). Afternoon: Returned to the hotel to rest. Evening: Visited the Gaotai Ancient Residential Area, then entered the Old Town through the East Gate, wandering through its alleys until the lights came on, enjoying the night view before heading back. DAY5 One-day group tour to the Kezhou Glacier Park, followed by an evening exploration of Kashgar Old Town. The day was sunny, but heavy clouds obscured the glacier, which was disappointing. Returned to Kashgar much earlier than expected. In the evening, visited the western district of the Old Town to watch the Princess Welcoming Ceremony performance and further explored its streets. Crossed the road to the eastern district and walked back to the hotel. DAY6 Morning: Slept in and played on my phone at the hotel. Afternoon: Headed to the airport for the flight back to Guangzhou. Rain prevented me from watching the city gate opening performance again. After the rain, dust filled the air, turning the sky yellow. Rain plus dust—basically like cement falling from the sky! Luckily, I was leaving that day, but visitors arriving for the Dragon Boat Festival might have been less thrilled. II. Cost Breakdown Flights: 730 RMB. The biggest expense for Xinjiang travel. I purchased a 2199 RMB "Fly Freely" package from Loong Air, expecting to use it for 4 round trips, so each trip cost 550 RMB plus 180 RMB for fees and fuel, totaling 730 RMB. Hotel: 530 RMB. Off-season rates were low. The hotel was clean, had separate wet and dry areas, and a laundry room, meeting my basic accommodation needs. Group tour fees: 310 RMB. Booked two one-day tours: 140 RMB for Pamir and 170 RMB for Glacier Park. Other attraction fees: 60 RMB. 30 RMB for the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine and 30 RMB for Guli's Home. Local transportation: 60 RMB. Including taxis and buses, with most travel in the Old Town done on foot. Food and drinks: 330 RMB. A rough estimate—food in Kashgar is quite affordable. Guangzhou airport transfers: 150 RMB. The airport is far, so the cost was high. Total: 2170 RMB. III. Attraction Highlights Pamir Plateau A must-visit 5A scenic area with vast landscapes. A one-day tour only covers White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake; a deeper exploration requires 2-3 days. Kashgar Old Town A must-visit 5A scenic area. I’ll write a separate note about my personal experience here. Kashgar Museum Worth visiting, especially with a guided tour. Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine 30 RMB entry. A staple for tour groups, but individual visitors may have mixed feelings—it’s essentially a cemetery. Qishi Grand View Garden Actually a restaurant. Highly recommend attending a local wedding here—call ahead to confirm if one is scheduled. I’ll share tips in a separate note. Banchao Memorial (Panluo City Ruins Park) Currently free. Worth a visit if you have time, though there’s not much to see—mostly for nostalgia. People's Square, People's Park, East Lake Park Local leisure spots near the Old Town. Easy to visit if passing by, with little time required. IV. Accommodation Stay near the Old Town. Staying inside offers an immersive experience but can be inconvenient with luggage and requires walking to other areas. Two special hotels: Lichen Hotel: Offers a full view of the Old Town from upstairs. Non-guests reportedly can’t access this—contrary to some online tips. Tianyuan Business Hotel: A common meeting point for one-day tours booked online. V. Dining Polo (pilaf) is delicious, freshly made naan is great, and lamb in a pot (guozi rou) is unique. Baked buns and roasted pigeon were average—I prefer Guangdong’s versions. VI. Weather Xinjiang’s weather is unpredictable, with forecasts reliable only a day in advance. So, relax, adapt, and enjoy the scenery! Kashgar Old Town