2025 Shache Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

This year, Altay can be described as crowded with people. Compared to Northern Xinjiang, I love the small towns of Southern Xinjiang more, especially the ancient city of Shache. With a history of over 3000 years, it is an important passage of the Silk Road and has several times become a famous tribal state in the Western Regions. The rich Western Regions' cultural atmosphere combined with the ancient characteristic buildings are worth spending a few days leisurely strolling in the ancient city~ Yecheng. Visiting the famous Xitiya Mystery City, also known as the "Immortal Cliff", through the wind and rain-eroded ruins, you can vaguely see the ancient city's past glory. Walking in it, it feels like traveling back to the ancient Western Regions. - Three days and two nights travel guide: - DAYO: Landing at Kashgar Airport - Shache - Old City Cultural Center - Homeland of Muqam Restaurant - Old City Road/Golbagh Road - Old City Night Market - DAY❷: Shache Museum - New Unity Tea Shop - Kazanqi Folk Street - Characteristic Alley - DAYO: Xitiya Mystery City - New Tibet Line Starting Point Landmark Check-in - Yecheng County Museum - Walnut Seven Immortals Garden Travel tips: 1. Visit Shache ancient city for the first two days, and Yecheng on the third day. It is recommended to rent a car after landing at Kashgar Airport for convenience. 2. The Twelve Muqam performance at the Old City Cultural Center has two time slots, 12:30 and 17:30. This is one of the world's intangible cultural heritages, and you must watch it if you come. There are also interactive sessions that are very interesting. 3. The New Unity Tea Shop has a very lively atmosphere. Afternoon tea costs only one yuan per pot, but you need to prepare cash in advance. 4. Kazanqi Folk Street is very suitable for taking photos and checking in. Many Xinjiang-style houses are very photogenic. 5. Visiting and taking photos in Xitiya Mystery City requires half a day. The Walnut Seven Immortals Garden is not easy to get a taxi to, so it is best to rent or charter a car to go there. ~ Photo check-in guide: 1. Shache ancient city is very suitable for taking cultural and street photos. Kazanqi Folk Street is more photogenic. ② The Old City Night Market is also more suitable for taking photos and checking in at night, with a very lively atmosphere. ~ Try to visit Xitiya Mystery City in the afternoon to catch the sunset for better photos. The New Tibet Line sign at the entrance of Xitiya Mystery City is also worth checking in. The zero-kilometer mark of the New Tibet Line is very photogenic for taking photos next to the sign.

Take a 2-hour train ride from Kashgar and you'll arrive in Shache~ Shache has a history of over 3000 years, where you can see the ancient Western Regions in your mind! - 🕌Must visit in Shache: Yerqiang Khan Palace, a palace built in the desert, the current palace is restored according to historical records. The entire palace is dominated by blue, and the most special thing is its domes, which are full of Islamic style. - 🕊️Must eat in Shache: We went to the 'Hetian Gokshal Kebab Shop', and it's really famous! It's really, really, really delicious! The roasted chicken and pigeon taste amazing! Large portions and affordable. Indeed, no pigeon can fly out of Shache alive hahaha - 🍵Shache specialty: You can go to experience the old tea house in Shache, where you can feel the life and cultural customs of Shache. - 🚂Train tips: 1⃣️Buy train tickets on 12306, be sure to grab them as soon as they go on sale 14 days in advance, otherwise it's hard to choose many times 2⃣️The seat arrangement of this train... is very magical I can only say😅 That is, he can't choose seats... and then we cancelled three times and finally bought consecutive seats 82 83 84 85, but only 83 84 seats are together, 82 85 are very far apart 3⃣️There are really a lot of local people in Xinjiang on the train! Xinjiang people love to chat and are very interesting!! Even if you don't sit with friends you know, you can chat with strangers for two hours! 4⃣️Be sure to arrive an hour early, the security check is very strict, because there are many people, probably half an hour early in line for ticket checking 5⃣️The way of reporting stations is also interesting! Everyone experience it for yourself hahaha -

Deep in the Pamir Plateau, at the westernmost point of China, lies a hidden ancient road—the Tashkurgan-Shache Ancient Road—winding between the Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges. This ancient road, just over 100 kilometers long, with its rugged, axe-hewn cliffs and the sparkling blue Yarkand River, still evokes the perils of a thousand years ago. ⚠️ Precautions for Traveling the Tashkurgan-Shache Ancient Road 1️⃣ Make sure to fill up your gas tank in Tashkurgan County before setting off; 2️⃣ There's almost no cell phone signal along the way, so it's best not to travel alone. Ideally, travel with a few cars together, and it's even better if someone is familiar with the road conditions; 3️⃣ There are several steep slopes along the way that are difficult for two-wheel drive vehicles to climb. If you're renting a car, it's best to choose an SUV. Four-wheel drive mode is very effective for climbing hills; 4️⃣ The entire route is basically a single-lane road with many sharp turns. You'll occasionally encounter oncoming vehicles, so be bold but cautious, and drive slowly; 5️⃣ Check the weather and road conditions before departure. If they're not good, it's not recommended to travel this route.

One-Day Tour of Yarkand Khan Palace and Shache, a Hidden Gem in the Western Regions Shache Palace, also known as Yarkand Khan Palace, boasts a unique architectural style. Its interwoven blue and yellow hues create a refreshing oasis in the desert, exquisite and distinctive. Every corner exudes Central Asian charm, making you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale from the Arabian Nights. 🕐【Opening Hours]: 10:30 am–8:00 pm 🎫【Ticket Price]: CNY 35/person 💥[Activities]: Twelve Muqam Folk Performance This is the birthplace of Shache. There are two performances daily inside the Yarkand Khan Palace. Don't miss it! 💃Performance Time: 12:30 pm–1:30 pm, 5:00 pm–6:00 pm 🚘【Transportation]: Train: The train from Kashgar to Shache takes about 2–3 hrs. Taxi: Taxis are available at the train station entrance and are easy to hail within the city. The only potential issue might be a slight language barrier. Car Rental: If possible, renting a car will make your trip more flexible and comfortable. 🌆【Itinerary]: Shache Railway Station → Yarkand Khan Palace → Royal Mausoleum → Shache Ancient City Gate (Opening Ceremony at 10:30 am) → Twelve Muqam Performance → Old City Wall Ruins 🎒【Preparation Before Departure]: 💠Plan your route and the time for watching the Twelve Muqam performance. Arrive early to secure a good spot. 💠Bring your ID card, student ID, and other discount certificates. 📝Tips: Shache is a small city, and one day is enough for sightseeing. If you have more time, consider staying overnight to experience the slow-paced life of Shache. The starting taxi fare in Shache is only CNY 5, but some drivers may not be fluent in Mandarin. Please be patient when communicating.

From Kashgar to Shache, set aside a day to immerse yourself in Shache. January 30, 2025 Lunar New Year is the off-season. There are few tourists in the Shache Kazanqi, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll without the crowds. The architecture is exceptionally unique, and every building is vibrantly colored. The people of this land have a special fondness for color, and their love for life is evident. The ruins of the ancient city of Shache are also distinctive. Here, you can experience the ancient battlefield and feel the indomitable spirit of humanity's continuous struggle for a free and beautiful life. Tips There are many delicious local specialties, which you can find on various review platforms. Buy fruits sold on the roadside, especially the Hami melons, which are affordable and delicious. Tips There are numerous high-speed trains between Kashgar and Shache throughout the day, offering convenient and fast travel while enjoying the scenery along the way. Tips Taxis are readily available within Shache city, and the ancient city seamlessly blends with the modern urban concept. Tips It's very safe; the entire Xinjiang region is very safe. Tips These are unedited photos straight from my phone. There are so many photos from my trip to southern Xinjiang that I haven't had time to organize them 😂

### Travelogue of Azina Mosque in Shache County Shache County is located in the southwestern part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. It is an important stop on the ancient Silk Road and boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. Azina Mosque, as an important religious building in Shache County, is not only a place for local Muslims to perform religious activities, but also an ancient monument with profound historical and cultural value. First impression of Azina Mosque On a sunny morning, I set out on a journey to Azina Mosque. The mosque is located in the old town of Shache County, surrounded by a peaceful residential area. From afar, the outline of the mosque stands out in the morning light, appearing solemn and majestic. The mosque's architectural style blends Islamic and Uyghur traditional elements, with a simple and distinctive exterior. Architectural features The architectural structure of Azina Mosque typically reflects the architectural style of Islam. The main buildings in the mosque include a prayer hall, a minaret, and a courtyard. The prayer hall is the core part of the mosque, with a simple and solemn interior, and a thick carpet on the floor for worshippers to use. The minaret is towering, serving as the landmark of the mosque, and calls worshippers to prayer five times a day. Religious atmosphere Entering the mosque, I was immediately enveloped in a peaceful and solemn atmosphere. Although I am not a Muslim, I could feel a sense of tranquility and peace here. The worshippers in the mosque performed their daily prayers with devotion, and their piety and focus moved me deeply. Cultural experience In the courtyard of the mosque, I had the chance to meet a local elder, who enthusiastically introduced me to the history and cultural significance of the mosque. Azina Mosque is not only a place for religious activities, but also a center for community cultural life. Here, people not only perform religious activities, but also gather together during festivals and celebrations, share food and stories, and enhance community cohesion. Conclusion As I left Azina Mosque, the sun was already high in the sky, and the sunlight shone on the walls of the mosque, reflecting a warm glow. This visit not only allowed me to appreciate the beauty of Islamic architecture, but also made me deeply feel the power of religion and the diversity of culture. Azina Mosque, a place with a rich history and cultural heritage, is worth a visit for every tourist who comes to Shache County.

Hey guys, here's a guide for an 8-day trip to Aksu, Xinjiang! This guide is all you need to explore Aksu. It's full of useful information, so save it now! -- 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon Explore the spectacular canyon and marvel at the wonders of nature. Day 2: Dolan Tribe Visit the Dolan Tribe to experience unique folk culture and customs. Day 3: China's Westernmost Monument Visit the westernmost point of China and make unforgettable memories. Day 4: Kazanqi Street in the Old Town Stroll along Kazanqi Street and enjoy the historical and cultural atmosphere of the ancient city. Day 5: Kashgar Old Town Explore Kashgar Old Town and discover the traces of ancient civilization. Day 6: Karakul Lake Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Karakul Lake and the tranquility of the mountains and lakes. Day 7: Baisha Mountain and Baisha Lake Climb Baisha Mountain and overlook Baisha Lake to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the desert and mountains. Day 8: Kashgar to Chongqing End your wonderful trip to Xinjiang and return to Chongqing from Kashgar. -- Must-visit attractions: ✨ Kashgar Old Town: Stroll through the ancient city and experience the unique architecture and crisscrossing streets, as if traveling through time and space. 🏞️ Tianshan Tomur Grand Canyon: This is a living museum of geological evolution in Xinjiang, and the spectacular geological wonders are breathtaking. 🌊 Karakul Lake: Located at the foot of Mount Muztagh Ata, the lake is crystal clear, like a pearl on the plateau. 🏔️ Baisha Mountain and Baisha Lake: The rocks on the top of Baisha Mountain have turned into powder, and the lakes and rivers at the foot of the mountain form a beautiful picture. -- Travel tips: 📸 Photo spots: Tianshan Grand Canyon and Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves. The red cliffs and Buddhist culture make for great photos! 🛍️ Local specialties: Aksu walnuts are of high quality and affordable, making them a great gift. ❄️ November weather: The temperature difference is large, with daytime temperatures around 9°C and nighttime temperatures dropping to -3°C. Remember to bring a thick coat to keep warm. 🎉 Customs: Experience a Uyghur wedding and the traditional Osman eyebrow dyeing. There are many folk activities, so don't miss out! -- Come to Aksu and experience the unique charm of Xinjiang! Don't forget to like and save this guide, and start your Aksu journey! 🚀

Celebrate Lunar New Year with a family trip to the Pamir Plateau and Panlong Ancient Road! Visit the Shache Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park, experience ethnic culture, and enjoy a fun family time! . 🛣️ Itinerary: DAY 1: Depart from Guangzhou - Arrive in Kashgar, free time after checking in. DAY 2: Karakul Lake Scenic Area - Pamir Tourist Area, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the plateau lakes and snow-capped mountains. Summary: Plateau lakes and snow-capped mountains, enjoy the magnificent scenery of Pamir. DAY 3: Head to Panlong Ancient Road, experience the charm of the ancient Silk Road. Summary: Walk along the ancient road, feel the weight of history and the fusion of cultures. DAY 4: Visit the Yingjisha County Pottery Village Scenic Area, learn about traditional handicrafts. Summary: Discover traditions in the pottery village, experience culture in handicrafts. DAY 5: Shache County Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park, experience colorful intangible cultural heritage. Summary: Intangible cultural heritage expo, in-depth Shache cultural tour. DAY 6: Dawakun Desert Tourist Scenic Area, enjoy the fun of desert adventure. Summary: Desert adventure, feel the grandeur and mystery of nature. DAY 7: Stroll through the ancient city of Kashgar, experience the rich Western Regions style. Summary: Stroll through the ancient city, experience the rich Western Regions style. DAY 8: Return from Kashgar - Back to Guangzhou, end of a pleasant journey. Summary: Return to Guangzhou, the journey ends but the memories last forever. . Travel tips: 📸 Photo spots: Panlong Ancient Road Observation Deck, overlooking the entire ancient road, every photo is a masterpiece! ✈️ Airport transportation: It is recommended to choose Kashgar Airport, then rent a car or take a taxi, which is more convenient and free. 🎁 Specialty prices: Plateau rhodiola, Tibetan medicine, and other specialties, remember to shop around and don't be fooled by high prices. 👗 Clothing suggestions: The plateau climate changes greatly, it is recommended to wear multiple layers, which is convenient for adding or removing clothes. 🍽️ Dining suggestions: Try the local specialty lamb skewers and pilaf, don't miss the delicious food! 💡 Altitude sickness: If you experience symptoms such as dizziness or shortness of breath, please rest and drink water in time. . Walking through the Panlong Ancient Road is like walking through the twists and turns of life. Come to the Pamir Plateau and measure your courage and determination with your wheels!

The Amanisa Khan Memorial Mausoleum is located in the center of Shache County and in the Mausoleum of the King of Yarkand Khan. It combines the essence of ancient and modern Islamic architecture into one, with a unique architectural style. It is a must-see tourist attraction in Shache. Travel during off-peak hours, so you don’t have to squeeze with other people. Just thinking about it makes me happy‼ ️ Amanisa Khan (1534-1568), the wife of Abdureshit, the second Khan of the Yarkand Khanate, and an outstanding Uyghur female poet in the 15th century. She entered the palace at the age of 13 and died of childbirth complications at the age of 34. The Khan wrote a mourning poem for her and died three years later due to excessive grief. The Twelve Muqams, which she spent 20 years compiling and creating, is famous both at home and abroad and has been included in the third list of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is a rare treasure of Uyghur music and dance art. 🌈Highlights: ✅The mausoleum is 22 meters high. It is built on a square base that is 2 meters high, 10 meters wide and 10 meters long. The top of the mausoleum is in the shape of a round tower. The names of the twelve sets of "Mukham" are inlaid on the walls of the mausoleum palace. ✅The 20 columns are beautifully carved, representing that it took Amanisa Khan 20 years to complete the "Twelve Muqams", and the 34 lotus flowers represent her death at the age of 34. ✅The mausoleum is very delicately decorated with printed tiles and surrounded by poems written by Amanisa Khan. 🎫Tickets: 15 yuan, including the Amanisa Khan Memorial Mausoleum, the Yarkand King Mausoleum, and the Altun Mosque 🚗Transportation: Navigation🧭Drive to

As beautiful as a fairy tale world, Shache Travel Guide 📷 Shache, the largest county in Xinjiang, The locals are not fluent in Mandarin, but they are simple and honest, Retaining the authentic Xinjiang flavor. . Route: 🔹Tashkurgan—Shache Self-driving: Wuhong Line—Tuhe Expressway 350 km, 7 hours ｜Most of the time is spent on provincial roads/country roads Self-driving is not recommended on the Tasha Ancient Road, which is not yet repaired. I experienced a section in Tashkurgan, and the road was really bad. 🔹Kashgar—Shache Self-driving: 200 km, 3 hours Public transportation: Green train 28 yuan (2 hours) . 1️⃣st stop: 📍 Shache Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park (the original site of the Yarkand Palace) This place is very photogenic, with a strong Western Region style. Don't come early, the light is good after 19:00, otherwise the colors will not be good. Next door is the Mausoleum (ticket 🎫10 yuan) and the Yarkand Palace is just across the street. ① Intangible cultural heritage performance "Twelve Muqam" every day at 12:30 and 17:30 ② "Shache Memory" Exhibition Hall introduces the history of urban development ③ City opening ceremony to welcome tourists every day at 10:30 am ④ Multiple folk exhibition halls on the first floor to learn about local culture, art, and folk customs ⑤ You can feed pigeons in the square with children ⑥ The main building of the palace is a restaurant, and it is very beautiful inside 🎫Ticket: 35 yuan (10 yuan/person for explanation; free explanation for buying a package for 10 people+) 🈺️Opening hours: 10:30-20:30 🅿️Parking: Not very convenient, parking spaces may be tight during peak season, you can park in the surrounding alleys . 2⃣️nd stop: 📍Old Town Night Market Cross the road and enter [Gulbagh Road] from [Carpet Lane] There are many streets that are night markets, very lively. The snacks here are similar to those in Kashgar, but the prices are cheaper than those in Kashgar. Lamb skewers are 10 yuan in Kashgar and 8 yuan here; Hami melons are 5 yuan in Kashgar and 1-2 yuan here; children will take the initiative to chat, they are very simple and cute, and I have not encountered the situation of asking for things or money like in Kashgar. 🌟🌟Food recommendations: [Old Barbecue Restaurant] It has many customers, and the lamb skewers are made in a naan pit, marinated before, without adding other seasonings, very fresh and tender. The baked buns have a crispy and fragrant crust, 5 yuan each. . ❤️TIPS: The locals are not very fluent in Mandarin, but it does not hinder communication. You can find children, they all speak Mandarin. . 🏨Accommodation: [Shache Jing'an Road Yunjv Hotel] The hotel is considered very good locally, the rooms are very large, and it is 2-4 km away from Shache attractions.

New Year's holiday is here! Urumqi-Korla 8-day tour, a super detailed guide to help you explore the two places, save it now! -------------------- 🚩Route overview: DAY 1: Shanghai✈️Urumqi After arriving in Urumqi, enjoy 24-hour airport transfer service. You can explore the city on your own. DAY 2: Luobu Village Visit the mysterious Luobu Village and experience the unique folk culture. DAY 3: Tianshan Grand Canyon Visit the Tianshan Grand Canyon, marvel at the natural wonders, and enjoy a visual feast. DAY 4: Shache County Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park Visit the Shache County Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park, learn about the rich intangible cultural heritage, and feel the weight of history. DAY 5: Baisha Mountain-Baisha Lake🏞——Karakul Lake🌊——Muztagh Ata🏔 Visit Baisha Mountain and Baisha Lake, and enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain scenery; go to Karakul Lake, and feel the tranquility of the plateau lake; finally, see Muztagh Ata from afar, and marvel at the magnificent snow-capped mountains. DAY 6: Kashgar Ancient Stone City🏰——Xinjiang Pamir Plateau Alar National Wetland Park🌳——Panlong Ancient Road🛣 Visit Kashgar Ancient Stone City, and feel the vicissitudes of history; visit Alar National Wetland Park on the Pamir Plateau, and enjoy the unique wetland scenery; challenge the winding Panlong Ancient Road, and experience the fun of driving. DAY 7: Kashgar Old Town🏠 Stroll through Kashgar Old Town, and feel the strong Western style, and savor the historical charm of the ancient city. DAY 8: Kashgar✈️Shanghai End the pleasant journey, return to Shanghai from Kashgar, and go home with full memories and gains. -------------------- Travel tips: 📸 Photo spots: Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, Kucha Ancient City, history and beautiful scenery coexist, and the photo rate is super high! 🍽️ Food: Must-try barbecue and pilaf, a feast for the taste buds not to be missed~ ✈️ Airport transportation: Korla Licheng Airport is convenient and accessible, plan your trip in advance for a smoother trip! 🏨 Accommodation suggestion: Choose a hotel in the city center, convenient for shopping and eating! 💡 Warm reminder: Xinjiang has long sunshine hours, so make sure to do a good job of sun protection. -------------------- Xinjiang's customs are waiting for you to explore, and the journey of Urumqi and Korla will leave unforgettable memories! 🌟Don't forget to share your travel stories~🚗

There is a section of ancient city wall in the north of the old city of Shache. The wind and rain have left traces of time... The part has been repaired, and there are stairs to go up to see the old city of Shache... On March 22, 2012, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region website issued the "Notice on the Announcement of the Protection Scope and Construction Control Zone of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Regional Key Cultural Relics Protection Units (First Batch)", and the Azni Michiti Mosque was listed as a regional key cultural relic protection unit in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region... It was surrounded and not allowed to enter. If you didn't check, you wouldn't know that this building with a difficult name is an ancient mosque... Shache·Kashgar Region

All of them are on Kazanqi Street, and the owners are all very nice. If you pass by, you can go in and have a look. 1️⃣ Golden Hand Carpet: The owner is very enthusiastic and invited us into the store, turned on the lights for us, and let us admire the beautiful carpets. He also agreed to let us take photos and waited for us for a long time. 2️⃣ The naan at the street entrance next to the old teahouse: It's a small stall, and the naan is very delicious, especially the honey-flavored one. 3️⃣ A musical instrument shop on the left side of the old movie teahouse: The music played by the owner is also very nice.

It wasn't until I arrived at Kazanqi Street in Shache County that I realized this was what I had originally expected to see in the Old Town of Kashgar. No deliberate pandering, you are naturally relaxed, I just want to see what your daily life looks like. Kazanqi Street was formed in 1870. In Uyghur, "Kazanqi" means "people who make a living by casting pots." Kazanqi Street got its name because a large number of folk craftsmen who made and sold iron and copper pots gathered here in history. Today's Kazanqi Street is a characteristic alley that integrates various folk skills such as food, handicrafts, and tea culture. It turns out that Shache County is the counterpart of Shanghai's aid. On this year's "May 19 China Tourism Day," Kazanqi Street in the Old Town Scenic Area of Shache was awarded the tourism brand of "Autonomous Region-level Tourism and Leisure Street" by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In response to the shortcomings mentioned in the 4A rating of the Old Town Scenic Area, the Shanghai Aid Xinjiang Team implemented the Shache Old Town Tourism Facility Improvement Project in 2023, carrying out the repair of characteristic street facades (walls), the improvement of tourist route signs and ecological facilities, and the beautification and lighting of 40 characteristic alleys in the historical and cultural district. But no matter what changes are made, the original residents must be kept. If all the businesses are outsiders, it would be meaningless to become another Old Town of Kashgar.

Shache is a county in Kashgar, Xinjiang It has a long history of more than 3,000 years It was known as the "Shache Kingdom" in ancient times and was one of the 36 kingdoms in the Western Regions Shache is the most culturally rich small town in Kashgar If you are traveling to Kashgar, it is recommended to reserve 1-2 days to visit Shache This time, I took a non-self-driving day trip to Shache I will share a super detailed transportation guide Save it first, you will definitely need it~ . ✅ Kashgar City to Shache County 1️⃣ By train Take a train from [Kashgar Station] to [Shache Station] There are a total of 6 trains every day, with a travel time of 1.5h-2h 🚞 Train numbers: 4:21 4:55 6:25 9:00 9:50 16:25 ▫️ Recommended train numbers: 6:25 9:00 9:50 ‼️ Note: Security checks at train stations in Xinjiang take a long time, so be sure to arrive at least 20 minutes in advance!! Kashgar's morning rush hour is from 8-10 am, and it is very congested, so be sure to allow enough time!! If you unfortunately miss the train, continue reading↓ 2️⃣ By bus Find the [Kashgar Bus Station] next to Kashgar Station Enter the station and buy a bus ticket from Kashgar to Shache Bus tickets are available for 7-seater business cars and buses Business cars depart when full and can accommodate 6 passengers Buses depart on time at 12:30 Business car tickets are 70/person, bus tickets are 39/person It is recommended to choose a 7-seater business car for more convenience and comfort The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with a 5-minute stop at a service area The service area has restrooms and sells water and snacks 3️⃣ From Shache Station to the scenic area You can confidently take a taxi in Shache I took taxis directly throughout Kashgar Sometimes it is difficult to hail a taxi using a mobile app in Shache Taxis are very convenient, with a low starting fare of 6-8 yuan Drivers do not take detours or refuse passengers, providing a great experience! I must praise Kashgar Cultural Tourism and Xinjiang Cultural Tourism for this!! ✅ Shache County to Kashgar City It is recommended to take a train, as bus schedules are not clear~ There are also 6 trains every day, taking about 1.5h-3h 🚞 Train numbers: 13:49 15:21 16:20 17:24 19:25 20:17 ▫️ Recommended train numbers: 17:24 19:25 20:17 ‼️ Note: Shache Station is not large, but you should still arrive at least 15 minutes in advance, as the security check process takes a long time. . 📖 Tips: When traveling from Kashgar to Shache, you can see the continuous snow-capped mountains on the right side of the train When returning from Shache to Kashgar, the left side of the train is backlit, making it difficult to see the snow-capped mountains, but you may catch a sunset (sunset time is around 8 pm)

Yarkant Day Tour in Xinjiang I thought of many ways to describe this place, but none of them seemed to do it justice. This is the place I've been looking for. It's more down-to-earth than Kashgar, and more rustic than the commercialized Lijiang and Dali. When I was having morning tea, the Uyghur man sitting next to me helped me clean the table. At noon, I wanted to eat watermelon but couldn't finish a whole one. I asked a Uyghur girl where I could buy some, and she took me to a nearby watermelon shop. I bought a sprout and asked how much it was. The Uyghur woman said it was free. I was so embarrassed. Life here is slow. You need to take your time to experience this city. It's not a place for checking in, but for living.

🏰The Yarkant Khan Palace in Shache was the place I was most looking forward to visiting on my trip to Xinjiang. When I saw this granite palace, I was amazed by its grandeur. 💭Here, it seems you can feel the accumulation of history. The Yarkant Khan regime, which lasted for 500 years, has only left this palace. I imagined the past glory here, and thought about the scenes of the kings and soldiers living and fighting here. It seems that history has been seriously experienced here, and I feel calm and happy. 🌟Features of the Yarkant Khan Palace in Shache - Long history: It was built during the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty; - Huge stone pile: It is built with granite boulders, each stone is similar in size, and they are very closely arranged; - Careful design: The layout of the palace walls and houses are all from Persian and Mongolian styles, showing the cultural integration at that time and the historical process of the formation of Han-Tibetan-Islamic culture. 🚗Travel plan Day 1: From Shache to Yarkant, enjoy the beautiful scenery of "mountains and pastures"; Day 2: Visit the Yarkant Khan Palace in Shache, learn about history and culture, and enjoy the magnificent scenery; Day 3: Visit the ancient city of Shache and the surrounding ancient tombs and ancient city sites, and enjoy the exotic style; Day 4: Go to the surrounding pastoral villages, learn about local culture, and taste local specialties; Day 5: Return to Shache and end this historical journey. 🏞Finally, I summarize this trip with a sentence— The footsteps of history stay here, and the free soul flies here.

Yarkant, as an important town on the southern route of the ancient Silk Road, still retains some of the Silk Road's cultural heritage. According to the "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions", the Tang Dynasty Xuanzang returned from the Western Regions to obtain the scriptures. In 643 AD, he passed through Yarkant and preached to the local residents for 3 days. At that time, Yarkant had less than 30,000 people, but every day 10,000 people came to listen to the scriptures. The preaching activities not only demonstrated Xuanzang's religious influence, but also reflected the profound foundation and widespread spread of Buddhist culture in the local area. The Xuanzang Cultural Exhibition Hall is located at the site of the Nuru Zidun site where Xuanzang preached. The exhibition hall uses the "site + art + technology" exhibition method to display the eastward spread of Buddhism on the Silk Road through physical objects, scenes, sculptures, multimedia and other forms. And the story of Xuanzang's journey to the west to obtain the scriptures, as well as the influence of Buddhism on the culture of the Western Regions and the Central Plains.

After a few days of rest and team formation in Kashgar, we finally began the first day of the G219 Xinjiang-Tibet Highway on September 6. Today, we arrived in Yecheng, the zero-kilometer starting point of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway is here. On the way, we also passed through Shache, a small town full of exotic charm. Unlike Kashgar, it has fewer tourists and commercialization (the people eating barbecue at the stalls are all locals). Shache County is the largest almond production base in the country, known as the hometown of almonds in China, with ethnic minorities accounting for more than 95% of the population. It has a history of more than 3,000 years. It was a famous tribal kingdom in the Western Regions, successively known as the Kingdom of Shache, the Kingdom of Qusha, and the Yarkand Khanate. The Yarkand Khanate Palace is not open to the public, so we could only check in from the outside, but the Amannisa Khan Tomb is very beautiful. Yecheng also has a 'City of Sitiya Ruins.' 'Sitiya' translates to 'Immortal Cliff' in Chinese. The ruins are estimated to date back to the Tang Dynasty, but this still needs to be verified. However, it is now just an artificial landscape, seemingly a local open activity venue. We happened to catch them holding an event, and then watched the 'Baduanjin' competition between various villages and teams on site for a while. Surprisingly, this is also popular in Xinjiang.

Shache is located on the southern route of the ancient Silk Road, two hours by train from Kashgar. Perhaps because Kashgar has a larger area and is more famous, it has been developed into a more touristy place. Shache, on the other hand, has preserved a more original appearance, which is more natural and friendly. For example, these quiet and beautiful alleys in the old city of Shache, which are full of life, are the scenery that restores life and the days that become poetry. Wandering in the alley, the sound of horse hooves came from behind, and when I looked back, it was a surprise. The legend of the Western Region horse suddenly appeared and immediately went away, disappearing in the depths of the alley...

Shache Palace is located in Shache County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang. The 'Palace' is a newly built (reconstructed) building, located opposite the Aletun Historical and Cultural Square. The overall planning of this tourist area is: one palace, three museums, two halls, one garden, six zones, and one center. One palace: Yarkand Khanate Palace; two museums: Shache Cultural Relics Museum, Shache Folk Museum; two halls: Folk Specialty Dining Hall, Folk Souvenir Exhibition (Sales) Hall; one garden: Folk Style Garden; six zones: Folk Live Performance Zone, Folk Experience Zone, Folk Display Zone, Folk Entertainment Activity Zone, Folk Cultural Landscape (Group) Zone, Functional Zone; one center: Visitor Center. The palace will feature Islamic architectural styles such as palaces, pavilions, and city towers. Inside the palace, there will be the Shache Cultural Relics Museum, Shache Folk Museum, Ethnic Specialty Dining Hall, Folk Hotel, etc. 🎈Not far from the palace, there are also the Aletun Mazar Yarkand Khanate Royal Cemetery, Aletun Mosque, and Amannisa Khan Memorial Mausoleum. The Aletun Mazar and Mosque were built in the 11th year of the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1533), with a history of over 470 years. The Amannisa Khan Memorial Mausoleum was built in 1992 to commemorate Amannisa Khan, the editor of the Twelve Muqam, and is now a national 2A-level scenic spot.

On the land of Shache, every inch is filled with stories. Today, let's delve into the depths of Yarkand's history and feel the traces carved by time. First, the Yarkand Royal Tomb is known for its simplicity. 🏛️ Unlike the luxurious royal tombs inland, the royal tombs here share the same resting place with the nobles and ministers, without elaborate burial items. This simple style reflects a detached attitude towards power and wealth, which is admirable. 👏 Next, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park (Yarkand Royal Palace) is still under renovation, and we can only catch a glimpse from the outside. ⚒️ This palace, which has witnessed countless historical changes, is gradually restoring its former glory. Each renovation is a respect for the past and an expectation for the future. 👀 Azna Mosque, a religious sanctuary built in the Ming Dynasty, though dilapidated, remains solemn and majestic. ⛪️ Although it is currently not open to the public, its existence itself is a testament to history, making one imagine the grand scenes of faith in those days. Walking under the ancient city walls of Shache, it feels like hearing the echoes of history. 🏺 These walls have witnessed many battles and peaces, with each stone engraved with the marks of time, telling stories of the past and present. Finally, the site where Xuanzang returned west to preach, was once a place where thousands listened to the Dharma. 📚 Here, Master Xuanzang's wisdom and compassion condensed into sound waves, traversing time and space, still resonating in people's hearts today. Standing here, it feels like hearing that loud and peaceful voice, guiding lost souls to find direction. Shache, this land full of stories, awaits every traveler's exploration. 🌟 Let us move forward with reverence and curiosity, for every step is a cleansing of the soul, and every pause is a heritage of history.

I stayed in Shache for two days. The last few pictures are the guide posted by the youth hostel where I stayed. You can make your own plans according to your own situation. It would be great if I could ride an electric scooter, sad. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :

⭐Travel guide: ✅Go to Yarkand Ancient City on the first two days and Yecheng on the third day. It is recommended to land there It is more convenient to rent a car after Kashgar Airport~ ✅The Twelve Muqam performance at the Old City Cultural Center has two time periods, 12:30-17:30. This is one of the world's intangible cultural heritage. You must see it when you come. There are also interactive sessions that are very interesting~ ✅New Tuanjie Tea Shop is very popular. Afternoon tea only costs one yuan a pot, but you need to exchange cash in advance~ ✅Kazanqi Folk Street is very suitable for taking photos and checking in. Many Xinjiang-style folk houses are very photogenic~ ✅You need half a day to visit the Lost City of Sitia and take photos~ ✅It is not easy to take a taxi to Walnut Qixian Garden. Try to rent a car or charter a car to take photos and check in. The ancient city of Yarkand is very suitable for taking pictures of people, sweeping the streets, and Kazanqi Folk Street. More of a film~ ✅The Old City Night Market is also more suitable for taking photos and checking in at night, it is very pyrotechnics ✅Sitia Lost City, try to go in the afternoon and wait for more movies to be released at sunset~ ✅The Xinzang route sign at the entrance to Sitia Lost City is also worth checking out. ✅The Xin-Tibet Line is 0 kilometers away and you can take pictures by the road signs, which is very photogenic~ For more photo check-ins and travel tips, please see Favorites. See you in the next issue~ 💛Twelve Muqam folk artist performances 12:30-13:30, 17:00-18:00 🍕🍕🍕Yarkand Food: The largest almond production base in the country, Yarkand melon, Yecheng walnut, cornstarch chicken, rack meat, roasted pigeon 🚗Transportation: Kashgar to Shasha (2 hours train)￥28.5 ￥Ticket: Yarkand Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park (Yarkand Khan Palace) ￥15

🕌 Only by visiting Shache can one deeply feel the cultural essence of southern Xinjiang. ⭐️ It is more niche, primitive, and simple than the ancient city of Kashgar, with a stronger cultural atmosphere. It is like Kashgar 20 years ago. 🉐 With a history of 5,000 years in China, this lesser-known county, Shache, has a history of 3,000 years! Once a crucial point on the Silk Road, it still retains a strong exotic charm today! Below👇🏻 is a guide prepared for everyone after several visits to Shache. 📍 Navigation: Shache Ancient City 🚗 Transportation: ① Self-driving; ② Kashgar ~ Shache train 🚞 10:45-12:35; 28.5 yuan/person; Shache ~ Kashgar, last train, 22:00-00:10; 🚶🏻‍♀️ How to play in Shache: ▫️ One-day tour route: Kashgar ⥤ Shache ⥤ Yarkand Palace (Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park) ⥤ Shache Old City Night Market ▫️ Two-day tour route: Kashgar ⥤ Shache ⥤ Yarkand Palace (Intangible Cultural Heritage Expo Park) ⥤ Watch performances ⥤ Mausoleum ⥤ Kazan Historical and Cultural Block ⥤ Check-in and drink tea at a local teahouse ⥤ Shache Old City Night Market to eat snacks ‼️ Important note, Yarkand Palace will be renovated internally in 2024. Please check the specific opening time before you go to avoid a wasted trip. ⭐️ Interesting and worth visiting points in Shache: 🕌 Yarkand Palace: The original has been destroyed, and this is a later reconstruction. The overall architecture is mainly in yellow and blue, with a strong Islamic style. The onion 🧅 dome is very interesting, and wearing a plain dress for photos is very picturesque; 💃🏻 Watch intangible cultural heritage performances: There are two performances by the Twelve Muqam Art Troupe in the palace every day, from 13:00-14:00 and 18:00-19:00; 👏 Kazan Historical and Cultural Block: There is a street full of Western style right outside the palace. Wear a Western-style dress and take photos 📸; 🍵 Go to a local old teahouse to drink tea with the locals: The prices in Shache are really like 20 years ago. Tea at the Unity Teahouse costs only one yuan, and you can sit there for half a day for just two yuan! 😦 Go to the night market to eat snacks: The local naan costs only 3 yuan for a big one! Lamb skewers are also only 3-5 yuan. At these prices, I could live here for a month with just 2000 yuan! 👻 Experiences worth having in Shache: 👉🏻 Bring your camera and don't hesitate to press the shutter to capture these beautiful moments; 👉🏻 Chat with the local children. They are really enthusiastic and will say: Take a picture of me! 👉🏻 Stay for a night to feel the charm of this small county with a history of over 3,000 years. 👯‍♀️ It is said that if you haven't been to Kashgar, you haven't been to southern Xinjiang. But if you haven't been to Shache, you can't feel the most intense cultural atmosphere of southern Xinjiang. So, have you been to Shache? Do you like this small county? I would love to hear your stories in Shache!

The biggest feeling when walking in southern Xinjiang is that there seems to be a stage everywhere, and you can see people dancing and singing at any time. It's not the kind of stage that is deliberately built, but just an open space. Suddenly everyone gets in the mood, and they gather to sing and dance for a while, and life is very joyful. There is an ancient street in the old city of Shache County, called the Karakax Historical and Cultural Street, adjacent to the Tomb of the Yarkand Khan. The old street is very lively, and you can eat from one end to the other. On the old street, you can enjoy the performance of the Twelve Mukam dances and songs, taste various local delicacies, and buy unique local handicrafts. The Karakax old street was formed in 1870. In the Uyghur language, 'Karakax' means 'a person who makes a living by casting pots'. Karakax old street got its name because it historically gathered a large number of folk craftsmen who made and sold iron and copper pots; now, Karakax street is a characteristic alley that integrates various folk skills such as food, handicrafts, and tea culture.

The news I got from various channels is that the road conditions are extremely bad and the journey is dangerous. I actually walked it and talked about my feelings. Road conditions: There are three sections of the road that are relatively difficult to walk. 1. Between Jieshan Daban and Dahongliutan, there are intermittent washboard roads, each section is about 100 meters. 2. Going up and down Mazada Ban are all washboard roads. Because the tunnel through the mountain is being built, the repairs have been abandoned. You need to drive carefully and slowly. It will save a lot of time when the tunnel is repaired in the future. (Just past Thirty Mile Camp, there is a Heiqia tunnel that was opened to traffic last year. It is the first 1.5H) 3. Arriving at Yecheng, you will climb up and down a certain board, a 30km wall, and your legs will feel weak. Scenery: Bangong Lake, Red Clay Daban, Longmu Co, Clouds The fairy-like Kunlun Mountains, these scenery are good. After passing the barracks for twenty miles, it was really ordinary.

This place, many people will take it as the cover of Shache. To be honest, it really has an exotic charm, and it's very eye-catching. As a result, many people, including myself, will have an impression of Shache as if it carries a Central Asian vibe, so when I went there, the difference was really huge. I've been thinking, can those people on the internet not throw away those hollow appearances, and just speak some big truths? . Those pictures you see online, to be honest, you can think of them as something like a Hengdian World Studios vibe. . ▪️ First of all, the palace is not very big, it's all newly built buildings, and if you seriously visit, it will take about half an hour to finish. The so-called photogenic pictures are just a bunch of people lining up in a few corridors to take photos. ▪️ When I was in Shache, I hadn't gone to Central Asia yet. But honestly, the construction of the palace is quite rough, and the details are not as good as imagined. So, if you are looking at the palace with the expectations from the internet pictures, you are likely to be disappointed. . 🌈 But there is still a place that can somewhat soothe me, and that is the performance of the Twelve Muqam in the palace. The Twelve Muqam was organized and completed by the queen Amanisha Khan, and there are a total of 16 sets of Muqam: Rak, Chabiyati, Mushawurek, Charbagh, Panjigah Uzhal, Aijem Ushak, Bayat, Navo, Sigah, Iraq, etc. Each set is divided into three parts: Jangnama, Dastan, and Maixirepu. . The number of performers in the palace is not very many, but it is still very interesting to watch. There are songs and dances, and performances like skits and magic, and in the end, they will even dance with the audience for a while. . If you are short on time and can't see the Twelve Muqam, I suggest you can go to ➡️ the Kazanqi street in the old town area, where basically, there will be locals dancing Maixirepu all day long. Actually, for Shache, my suggestion is to walk more in the old town alleys, which might be more interesting. . ➡️ Performance times: 12:30/17:30