Live Your Best Lives
Explore the ancient ruins of the Kashgar Stone City, admire the intricate stone carvings, walk along the historic pathways, and learn about the city's historical significance as a trade center along the ancient Silk Road. Visiting the ruins of old homes and temples offers insight into the region's rich culture.
Kashgar Stone City was built on a hilltop, constructed of stone blocks interspersed with earth. Its outer walls, sometimes intermittent and sometimes continuous, create an extremely steep and precipitous terrain. The remaining walls reach up to 6 meters in height, with the tops ranging from 1 to 3 meters. Horse-faced chariots remain on the west and north walls. Watchtowers once stood at the four corners, but they have since collapsed. Hearths have been found in the houses within the city, and artifacts such as pottery fragments, valuable Tang and Qianyuan treasures, and woolen cloth have been unearthed. It is a renowned ancient city site along the ancient Silk Road in Xinjiang. Located north of Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Tashkurgan means "Stone City" in Turkic.
Temperate continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers, large annual temperature differences, concentrated precipitation, and four distinct seasons.
Suitable for all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours;
Nearby attractions: Aral Golden Grassland, Aral National Wetland Park, Tajik Folk Village, etc.
Tickets: 30 yuan
10:30-19:30 (Monday-Sunday, January 1-December 31)
Kashgar Stone City, also known as the Old Kashgar Stone City, dates back over 2,000 years and was once a bustling city along the Silk Road. The site consists of ancient stone-built structures, many of which have been eroded by time. It represents the diverse architectural styles and cultures that influenced the region throughout history.
The Kashgar Stone City is located approximately 20 kilometers from Kashgar city center. It is best accessed by taxi or private car. Public transportation options might be limited, so a taxi or tour group is recommended.
The site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn when the weather is more pleasant. Early mornings or late afternoons tend to be quieter for those wanting to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee is around ¥30-¥50, depending on the area of the site you wish to visit. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the Stone City or through local tour operators. No online ticket sales are currently available.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, as tickets can be bought onsite. However, booking a guided tour in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons.
To fully explore the Kashgar Stone City, allow 2 to 3 hours. This will give you ample time to visit the ruins, take photographs, and soak in the historical significance of the site.
The must-see highlights include the remains of the stone houses, temples, and old city walls. Pay attention to the ancient carvings that adorn some of the structures, as they offer valuable insights into the region's past. The panoramic view from the top of the hill is also a great spot to take photos.
Guided tours are available, primarily in Mandarin, though some guides may also offer tours in English. Audio guides are not typically available, but guides can provide in-depth information about the site's history.
The best viewpoints are from the top of the ruins, where you can capture the sweeping views of the surrounding area and the city below. The stone carvings also make for great close-up shots, showcasing intricate details of ancient craftsmanship.
Start by visiting the entrance and heading towards the main ruins. Explore the stone houses, then walk to the highest point for panoramic views. End the tour by visiting the smaller temples and taking in the surrounding landscape.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Kashgar Stone City. The site is primarily visited during daylight hours.
The site can get crowded, especially during weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or on weekdays.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets and rest areas. However, food and drinks are limited within the site, so it is advisable to bring your own water and snacks. Shops selling souvenirs are available near the entrance.
The terrain can be uneven, making it challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. It may not be suitable for those with mobility issues, but children can enjoy exploring the ruins with supervision.
Cash is recommended, as many smaller vendors may not accept cards. Mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay are also commonly accepted.
There are no restaurants inside Kashgar Stone City, but nearby restaurants in Kashgar city offer traditional Uyghur cuisine, such as kebabs, pilaf, and hand-pulled noodles.
Halal food is widely available in nearby restaurants. Vegetarian options can also be found, with dishes like vegetable pilafs, lentil soups, and flatbreads.
Hotels near the site include the Grand Kashgar Hotel, which offers comfortable accommodations and is about a 20-minute drive from the Stone City. Other options include guesthouses and boutique hotels in the Kashgar city center.
Other nearby attractions include the Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Grand Bazaar, and the Kashgar Old Town. These landmarks can be easily combined into a day trip with the Stone City.
Souvenir shops near the Stone City sell traditional Uyghur crafts, such as carpets, textiles, jewelry, and spices. Hand-carved stone items are also a popular souvenir from the site.
Taxi or private car are the best options for continuing the trip. For those traveling to other parts of Xinjiang, the Kashgar Railway Station and airport are easily accessible by taxi.
