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.

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.

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.

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.

Shache Let's take a break and look around. Amanisha Khan looks a bit like Tsangyang Gyatso. 15 yuan, not bad value. The attraction isn't big, about an hour's visit. There's a night market nearby.

It's worth going. I'm Chinese, I'm proud, and I give a thumbs up to the soldiers guarding our border! 👍

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.

Five stars for this unique waterside poplar forest in southern Xinjiang! Compared to the poplars in the vast Gobi Desert, the Zepu Golden Poplars possess a completely different kind of gentleness. The Yarkand River transforms the entire forest into a flowing oil painting, making it well worth the special detour. The scenic area is vast, and you must buy a shuttle bus ticket upon entry. There are five stops in total, allowing you to hop on and off at will; you simply cannot explore it all on foot. The first stop, the Water Poplars, is the highlight. Clumps of golden poplars stand amidst the clear water, sunlight filtering through the branches and leaves, reflecting the golden hues of the trees on the lake's surface—everywhere you look, you can take a wallpaper-worthy photo. Further on is the Millennium Poplar King, its trunk thick and vigorous, adorned with red ribbons for blessings. Standing beneath it, you can truly feel the weight and significance of this ancient tree. The Longevity Folk Culture Village has a lively atmosphere; you can sample local cuisine and occasionally witness ethnic song and dance performances, blending natural scenery with the culture of southern Xinjiang. The Educated Youth Memory Park is perfect for leisurely strolls, offering an extra layer of historical depth. The only downside is that the shuttle bus queues can be long during peak season, and if you arrive before the peak viewing period, the leaves won't be fully yellow, significantly diminishing the scenery. The best time to visit is roughly from mid-October to early November, so be sure to time your visit carefully. The boardwalk is gently sloping, suitable for the elderly and children, without requiring strenuous hiking. It's about a two- to three-hour drive from Kashgar, a long journey, but seeing the lake full of golden poplars along the way makes all the travel fatigue worthwhile. If you're looking for a relaxing and photogenic poplar paradise in southern Xinjiang, this is the place to go.