Things to do in Kashgar Prefecture

The Ancient City of Kashi is probably the main attraction in the city of Kashgar, one of the most illustrious destinations along the Silk Route. By way of preservation of traditional art forms, cuisines and crafts, fashion and architecture, the ancient city offers a look into the past of this part of the region. Many travelers would consider this spot a must-visit, as an important historical site where there are a number of world intangible cultural heritage projects involving many crafts from the city's history, such as Uyghur pottery and clay-molding, and medicinal food therapy. More than just a scenic area, this ancient city is a combination of older and newer elements, and has many interesting experiences in store for visitors.

The scenery is beautiful, but the altitude is very high. It offers a close-up view of the hardships faced by soldiers guarding the frontier. Due to the high altitude, those with high blood pressure or heart disease should proceed with caution. A medical clinic is located at the exit; oxygen can be used to alleviate altitude sickness if necessary.

It's a very off-the-beaten-path attraction. I didn't buy a show ticket, so I just strolled around the park briefly. There were so many different kinds of flowers inside, they were really beautiful. Taking my time to look around and walk at a leisurely pace was truly delightful.

Embark on a journey to the Pamirs, fulfilling a promise to snow-capped mountains and lakes. The vastness of this plateau cannot be fully captured by photographs. The G314 highway offers breathtaking scenery: the crystal-clear White Sand Lake, the Karakol Lake reflecting the Muztagh Ata peak, creating a dreamlike scene; driving along the Panlong Ancient Road, one understands the meaning of "after all the detours, the road ahead is smooth"; strolling through the Golden Grasslands, watching cattle and sheep graze on the meadows, one feels the vibrant atmosphere of the Tajik Plateau. The journey encompasses Gobi Desert, glaciers, meadows, and lakes, both desolate and gentle. A reminder for future travelers: be sure to obtain your border permit in advance; the high altitude brings strong winds and low temperatures, so don't skimp on warm clothing; as the altitude increases, avoid strenuous activity and proceed according to your physical capabilities. Only after visiting the Pamirs can one truly understand the charm of Southern Xinjiang. The vast landscape makes this trip worthwhile and memorable.

There was a staff member inside who offered free explanations every now and then. For those unfamiliar with the area, the explanations of the rugs on the walls were what truly conveyed the maker's heartfelt intentions and blessings. However, there were too many people attending prayer, and in the end, it was too hot to explore much.

The immersive performance, with its passionate and dedicated actors, lighting and set design perfectly complementing the scene, elevates the theme and makes it suitable for audiences of all ages. However, during peak holiday seasons, children will require parental supervision.

I've always longed to see the green-gold sarcophagi in the Aletun Mazar Open-Air Cemetery in Shache. Finally…🛑 Here lies the authentic double sarcophagi of Rashid Khan and Amanisha Khan of the Yarkand Khanate, dating back to the mid-16th century, a Ming Dynasty relic, over 400 years ago. The long, rectangular sarcophagi are adorned with arched gates at both ends, painted in gold on a green background. Green symbolizes the oasis and paradise, while gold represents sanctity. The outer walls feature abstract scrolls and geometric patterns, and the arches are inscribed with Quranic prayers, without any biographical details. The Yarkand Khanate was a regional regime in southern Xinjiang with Shache as its capital from the 15th to the 17th centuries, reaching its cultural peak in the 16th century, where the Twelve Muqam were established. It was later destroyed by the Dzungars. I gazed silently at the two green-gold sarcophagi, over 400 years old. According to old burial customs, the remains are buried deep in the soil below, not inside the stone coffin; it is merely a marker above the tomb. Carefully studying the patterns and inscriptions on it, one can imagine the dedication Amanisha Khan poured into the Twelve Muqam.

The name of this attraction is a bit confusing; it's actually located in Tashkurgan County, specifically at the Stone City and Golden Grassland. The entire attraction can be completed in about two hours. This is an easily overlooked spot, but it's highly recommended. Absolutely recommended! It's right in the county town. A fantastic location for viewing the reflection of Muztagh Ata Peak. We arrived in the morning. The Golden Grassland offers excellent views of the snow-capped mountains or the reflection of Stone City. Drones are prohibited from flying nearby due to the presence of an airport.

Golden Poplar Forest truly lives up to its name. This road trip through southern Xinjiang took me to many poplar forests, each with its own unique characteristics. Unfortunately, in some places I visited, there was more green than yellow. But here, it was different. Golden poplars formed vast forests, the lake water was crystal clear, and the reflections of the poplars were exceptionally beautiful. The water and sky seemed to merge, the golden poplars standing out uniquely in the water—a breathtaking sight. It's worth the pilgrimage to this "three-thousand-year-old" place thousands of miles away.

Panlong Ancient Road, located in Wacha Township, Tashkurgan County, Kashgar Prefecture, is a renowned scenic highway on the Pamir Plateau. The 36-kilometer-long road winds its way through the Kunlun Mountains, featuring over 600 S-shaped and U-shaped bends, resembling a giant dragon lying across the landscape, hence its name. The road's altitude rises from 3000 meters to 4216 meters, a drop of over 1200 meters. Built along the contours of the mountains, the road is tightly wound and intricate, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Looking around, vast valleys, rolling hills, and distant snow-capped peaks create a magnificent panorama of the plateau. Originally a rural path, the road was paved with asphalt in 2019, greatly facilitating travel for local villagers. The slogan at the exit, "Having traversed all the winding roads today, from now on, life will be smooth sailing," imbues the road with a beautiful meaning, making it a unique and memorable destination for countless self-driving travelers.