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1. Lose Yourself Among Lane-Ways with Xinjiang Chic in Kashgar Old City
- Location: Kashgar Old Town, Kashgar City, Xinjiang, China
- Attraction Highlights: Uighur architecture, local artisan shops, vibrant street life.
- Recommended Time: Half a day to Full Day to explore thoroughly.
The Top Thing to Do in Kashgar is to visit the charming Kashgar Old Town, the Very Iconic Attraction embodies the essence of Kashagar and Silk Road Heritage of Xinjiang in general.
This historical attraction showcases a mix of ancient Uighur architecture and a lively, modern atmosphere. While Kashgar has undergone significant changes, Kashgar Old City has retained much of its original charm, surprisingly with a few tourist friendly updates as well, making it a must-visit attraction for any visitor to Xinjiang.
Things to Do in Kashgar Old Town:Explore, Eat, Shop, Selfie & More
Discover local artisans: Wander through the narrow alleyways of Kashgar Old Town and discover local artisans selling handmade crafts such as pottery, carpets, and traditional Uighur clothing. Each street is a lovely little bazaar for specific goods, get ready to be surprised!
Taste authentic Xinjiang snacks: This area is also home to several small shops and eateries, offering a chance to taste authentic Xinjiang snacks like the Xinjiang Trial Mix, Matang, and other great Xinjiang Food.
Engage with locals: One of the best things to do in Kashgar is to engage with locals and experience the vibrant street life. Stir away a little from the bustling street and wonder into the back alley, you'll meet friendly Kashgar local people and have a chat with them.
Take Insta-Worthy Photo: The view in Kashgar Old City is so lovely that taking pictures and selfies has become one of the most popular things to do there. There will be road signs pointing you to the famous photo spots in Kashgar's Old City.
2. Witness the Most Well Preserved Kashgar in Gaotai Ancient Home
- Location: Gaotai Ancient Home Residential Area(高台民居), Kashgar City, Xinjiang, China
- Attraction Highlights: Traditional Uighur dwellings, historical insight.
- Recommended Time: 1-2 hours
After visiting the Kashgar Old City, if you are looking for hidden gem in Kashgar. Our suggestion would be visiting Gaotai Ancient Home, another highly recommended thing to do in Kashgar.
There are arguments saying that the “Ancient Kashgar Vibe” has faded. Well, certainly not in this area. Though not a famous attraction in Kashgar, the Gaotai area features some of the best-preserved ancient homes, offering a glimpse into how life was in Kashgar centuries ago. And the Kashgar locals live their lives in a way that is quite similar to the old days.
Things to Do at Gaotai Ancient Home of Kashgar
Interact with locals: At Gaotai Ancient Home, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the local residents.
Explore the narrow streets: Wander through the narrow streets and admire the beautiful architecture.
Admire authentic earthen-buildings: Discover authentic earthen-buildings in the original Kashgar style.
Take stunning photos: Gaotai provides stunning views of the cliffside homes and the Kashgar city below, making it a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
If a photo taken in Kashgar Old City is chic and Instagram-worthy, then a photo taken in Gaotai Ancient Home is artistic and gallery-worthy. Either way the taking photos in Karshgar is a best things to do!
3. Go On Shopping Spree at Dazzling Bazaars in Kashgar
- Location: Various Kashgar Bazaars, Kashgar City Suburb, Xinjiang, China
- Attraction Highlights: Hat Bazaar, Gold Bazaar, Carpet Bazaar, exotic spices, handmade crafts.
- Recommended Time: 2-3 hours
Kashgar has been one of the most significant trading hub for centuries. Naturally a must-do thing in Kashgar is exploring its vibrant bazaars, where you can experience the lively atmosphere and rich trading history of the region.
The good things is that you can still find various bazaars throughout Kashgar today, just like in the golden ages of Silk Road!
Things to Do at Various Bazaar in Kashgar
The Kashgar City area, featuring various bazaars and sections for specific items.
Explore the Hat Bazaar: Discover colorful traditional Uighur hats at the Hat Bazaar.
Admire intricate gold jewelry: Visit the Gold Bazaar to see beautiful gold jewelry.
Discover beautiful carpets: Explore the Carpet Bazaar to find beautifully woven carpets that reflect the artistic heritage of Kashgar.
Experience the bustling markets: Stroll through the bazaars and find stalls filled with exotic spices, local handicrafts, and delicious street food.
Engage with friendly vendors: Interact with friendly vendors, haggle for unique souvenirs, and sample local delicacies like lamb kebabs and fresh naan.
4. See How Kashgar Conduct Daily Trade at Kashgar Livestock Market
- Location: Near Kashgar Bazaar, Kashgar City, Xinjiang, China
- Attraction Highlights: Livestock trading, local culture, traditional Uighur market.
- Recommended Time: 1-2 hours
Another fascinating thing to do in Kashgar is to experience the Kashgar Livestock Market. Though a bazaar as well, this traditional market, usually held every Sunday, showcases the age-old practice of livestock trading.
It has been a part of Kashgar's culture for centuries. That's why we at Asia Odyssey Travel has listed this Livestock Market as a separate thing to in Kashgar.
Things to Do at Kashgar Livestock Market
Watch local farmers haggle: Witness the bustling trade of livestock as local farmers haggle over prices.
Experience traditional rural life: Get a glimpse into the traditional rural life of the region by visiting the market.
Take photos: The Kashgar Livestock Market offers photographers plenty of vibrant scenes and cultural moments to capture.
Can I Pet the sheep? Yes! For travelers who are not familiar with country farm life, seeing sheep and other livestock can be quite an exciting thing. So interestingly, petting the sheep at the market has become a popular thing to do here.
Tip:Our Asia Odyssey Travel guide will lead you through this eye-opening bazaar. In the meantime, please mind your safety when interacting with livestock. Be prepared for the odor of animals at the bazaar.
5. Sip Xinjiang Tea with Performance at The Hundred Year Old Tea House of Kashgar
- Location: Near Kashgar Old City, Kashgar City, Xinjiang, China
- Attraction Highlights: Traditional Uighur tea culture, live performances.
- Recommended Time: 1-2 hours
Sipping tea at the Hundred-Year-Old Tea House is one of the most culturally enriching things to do in Kashgar.
This historical tea house, nestled in the heart of Kashgar Old City, is famous for its traditional Uighur tea and cultural performances.And this attraction is the filming site of the Oscar-winning movie The Kite Runner. So, Kashgar city itself truly embodies the essence of Central Asia.
Things to Do at Kashgar's Oldest Tea House
Simply unwind: Take a break from exploring Xinjiang Attractions , and unwind in a beautifully preserved setting and learn about Kashgar's tea traditions.
Enjoy a cup of Xinjiang tea: Savor a delicious cup of Xinjiang herbal tea paired with local snacks like matang, dried fruits and nuts.
Experience live Uighur music and dance: Enjoy cultural immersion with live performances.
Tip: The live performance at this iconic Kashagar attraction is randomly on, like a Jazz Jam, when Kashgar local feel like it they would just start the music, and even invite you to join the dance!
6. Visit Largest Mosque in Xinjiang - Id Kah Mosque
- Location: Central Kashgar City, Xinjiang, China
- Attraction Highlights: Islamic architecture, Uighur culture, spiritual significance.
- Recommended Time: 1 hour
One of the most important Kashgar attractions is the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang and a significant spiritual site in China.
Located in the heart of Kashgar, this mosque has served as a place of worship for over 500 years. It's easily accessible in Kashgar city.
Things to Do at Kashgar's Id Kah Mosque
Marvel the impressive architecture: Explore the grand prayer halls and courtyard.
Experience a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere: Visiting the Id Kah Mosque is a serene and reflective experience.
Admire intricate tilework: Appreciate the beautiful details of the mosque's architecture.
7. Experience Xinjiang Local Culture at Abakh Hoja Tomb
- Location: 5 km northeast of Kashgar City, Xinjiang, China
- Attraction Highlights: Mausoleum, Ethnic history, Islamic architecture.
- Recommended Time: 1-2 hours
The Abakh Hoja Tomb is a significant Kashgar attraction and a beautiful example of Islamic architecture, housing the remains of the famous Fragrant Concubine(香妃), adding to its historical significance.
This mausoleum complex not only offers stunning design but also serves as a cultural hub where visitors can experience Uighur traditions. It could be a major highlight of Xinjiang Itinerary .
Things to Do at Abakh Hoja Tomb
Visit the Abakh Hoja Tomb: Explore this historical site and witness cultural performances.
Watch historical reenactments: Enjoy performances that reenact local wedding ceremonies and other historical events.
Engage with local artisans: Discover the talents of local artisans showcasing their crafts.
Relax in the serene gardens: Enjoy a peaceful atmosphere and reflect on the history of the region.
8. Take a Wild Road Trip from Kashgar through Pamirs Plateau along Karakoram Highway
- Location: Starting from Kashgar, Xinjiang to Tashkurgan
- Attraction Highlights: High-altitude passes, nomadic culture, Baisha Mountain-Baisha Lake Scenic Area, golden grasslands, Stone City
- Recommended Time: Full day or more (depending on stops).
A road trip along the Karakoram, or China–Pakistan Friendship Highway(中巴友谊公路), from Kashgar is one of the most exhilarating experiences when visiting beyond Karshgar city. This legendary highway takes you through the breathtaking Pamirs Plateau.
Xinjiang is known for its vast and dramatic landscapes, some of which are extremely epic, yet suited for seasoned travelers only. The great thing about this Karakoram road trip is that all the attractions along the way offer a perfect balance between accessibility and an spectacular travel experience.
Things to Do on the Kashgar Road Trip
Visit the Baisha Mountain-Baisha Lake Scenic Area(白沙湖景区): Discover breathtaking natural beauty and picturesque views.
Admire the golden grasslands (金草滩): See local herders grazing their livestock against a backdrop of towering peaks.
Explore the ancient Stone City(石头城): Discover the rich history of the region at this fascinating site.
Tajik Family Visit for Culture Diversity: To many people's surprise, Xinjiang's cultural diversity encompasses more than just the Uyghurs; there are Tajik, Han, Hui, Sibe, and many more fascinating cultures rooted deep in the region.
So, along the way, visit the hospitable Tajik people (塔吉克族) for an afternoon tea party celebrating cultural diversity!
Join a Xinjiang Silk Road tour with Asia Odyssey Travel, a top travel agency, leading the way through epic landscapes and cultural insights starting from Kashagar!
9. Witness Ever-Changing Color of Karakul Lake
- Location: 200 km southwest of Kashgar, Xinjiang, China
- Travel Highlights: High-altitude lake, stunning natural scenery, photography.
- Recommended Time: Half a day or more
Visiting Karakul Lake(喀拉库勒湖) is one of the most stunning things to do in Kashgar. This high-altitude lake, located along the Karakoram Highway, is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Xinjiang.
Things to Do at Karakul Lake
Soak in the view: Experience the mesmerizing changing colors of the lake.
Take photos: The lake's beauty attracts photographers from all over.
Hike around the shores: Explore the surrounding area and enjoy the tranquil environment.
Visit local nomads: Meet Kyrgyz and Tajik nomads in their tents or join their nomad life, and enjoy a cup of tea in their yurts.
Travel Ideas for Xinjiang Tour
Urumqi (1-2 days): Start your journey in Urumqi. Visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum and explore the Grand Bazaar. Consider a day trip to the scenic Heavenly Lake for hiking and relaxation.
Kashgar & Tashkurgan (3-4 days): Explore the Old Town, dazzling Bazaars. Take a day trip to Tashkurgan to see the stunning scenery of the Pamir Plateau and visit Tajik family.
Turpan & Korla (2-3 days): Travel to Turpan, famous for its unique desert landscape and historical sites like the Karez irrigation system and the Flaming Mountains. Then, head to Korla to explore the ancient Iron Gate Pass and enjoy local Xinjiang Food.
Kuqa & Hotan (2-3 days): Next, visit Kuqa to explore the Kizil Caves and local culture. Continue to Hotan, known for jade, silk production and the ancient ruins of the Hotan Kingdom.
Aletai, Hemu Village & Kanas Lake (3-4 days): Venture north to Aletai, where you can explore picturesque valleys and enjoy outdoor activities. Visit Hemu Village for rural experiences, and head to Kanas Lake for breathtaking sunrise/sunset views.
Burqin & Karamay (2 days): Visit Burqin to see the Rainbow Mountains and enjoy outdoor activities. Then, explore Karamay, known for its unique geological formations and the Ghost City.
Yining & Naraty Grassland (2-3 days): Travel to Yining, explore local markets and attractions. visit Naraty Grassland for horseback riding and a taste of pastoral culture.
When planning your Xinjiang Itinerary, do consider how vast Xinjiang is as a travel destination. So allocate your time to maximize your Xinjiang Trip.
Browse more Xinjiang tours with Asia Odyssey Travel or simply get in touch with your Travel Expert; tell us your travel interest, we have you covered. Contact us now!
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel, Culture & Nature Xinjiang Tour
First-time visitor or not, Xinjiang is Not What You Think. It's More Than What You Imagine!
Looking for natural grandeur? Experience the the sunrise at pristine Kanas Lake, the sky-touching Naraty Grassland, the boundless Taklamakan Desert along the acient Xinjiang Silk Road.
Looking to broaden your horizons? Discover exquisite Uyghur crafts at the bazaars at Kashgar, the nomadic dances of Tajiks on the Pamir Plateau at Tashkurgan, and the finest vineyards at Grape Valley at Turpan. You can even visit the oldest Buddha Grottoes in China!
Your Xinjiang Trip will be an eye-opening adventure and a soul-touching journey!
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