I never believed in One Thousand and One Nights until I came to Samarkand

This holiday, we came to Uzbekistan with the best travel buddies and their family. Samarkand was probably the most anticipated stop of this trip and also the highlight of the entire journey. I had never believed in One Thousand and One Nights before, but I never imagined that when I came to Samarkand, the scenes from the stories could be so vividly brought to life. 👉Shah-i-Zinda Almost every visitor who has been to Samarkand says that Shah-i-Zinda is the most worthwhile place to visit. This is the necropolis of the female members of Timur’s family, with blue mosaic tiles covering the buildings, featuring intricate and exquisite patterns that are unforgettable. Perhaps because we traveled in winter, there were very few tourists here. It is said that in summer and autumn, there are many people. If you want to avoid the crowds, it is recommended to come around 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., when you can also see Shah-i-Zinda illuminated. 👉Hazrat Hizr Mosque It is very close to Shah-i-Zinda, just a few hundred meters on foot. This mosque was built in the 8th century and has witnessed the vicissitudes of Samarkand’s history. From the platform at the back, you can get a distant view of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and much of the old city of Samarkand. Unfortunately, the weather was not good when we visited, but I believe it would be more beautiful on a sunny day. 👉Bibi-Khanym Mosque Once the largest mosque, it is named after Timur’s wife, Bibi-Khanym. It is said that India’s Taj Mahal was inspired by this mosque. The nearby Zagron restaurant is a good spot for views. Personally, I quite liked the food there, but many friends mentioned that the billing can be tricky and prices may be inconsistent. We didn’t encounter this, but indeed, the average cost here is higher than other restaurants. 👉Registan Square It can be said to be the local landmark. Whether at the train station, airport, or on the streets, you can see paintings inspired by Registan. It consists of Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilya-Kori Madrasah. In winter, don’t specifically wait for the 8 p.m. light show, as it most likely won’t happen. However, it is still very beautiful when lit up at night, truly giving a sense of One Thousand and One Nights. 👉Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum This is the tomb of Timur the Great and also the burial site of many members of Timur’s family. From Byzantium to the Ming Dynasty, Timur was a figure who stirred the waters single-handedly. The exquisite inlay craftsmanship, striking color combinations, and intricate designs inside his mausoleum are truly stunning.