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Yecheng County is located in the northwestern border of China, in the southwestern Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, southern Kashgar Prefecture, and at the foot of the towering Karakoram Mountains. Yecheng is the starting point of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, a key town on the ancient Silk Road, a gateway to Tibet and West Asia, and the starting point for the journey to K2, the world's second highest peak.
Yecheng County also produces juicy and delicious large-seeded pomegranates, paper-thin walnuts, and black-leaf apricots. It is the birthplace of the Mildai jade mine and is renowned throughout the country for its jade carvings and jade trade. Furthermore, Yecheng boasts numerous attractions, including the Jiaman Mosque, the Qipan Thousand Buddha Caves, Mount K2, and the Zonglang Spiritual Spring, attracting numerous visitors.
Yecheng County has an arid desert climate.
Recommended play time: 1 day
Yecheng, historically known as the "City of Yarkand," is a key part of the Silk Road and has a rich heritage as a trading hub. Its location between Central Asia and China made it an important stop for merchants traveling across the region. Today, it holds cultural and religious significance for the Uyghur Muslim population.
Yecheng is located in the far western part of Xinjiang, near the Karakoram Mountains. It is best reached by long-distance buses or private taxis from Kashgar, which is approximately 200 kilometers away. There is no metro service in the area.
There are no specific opening hours for most attractions, as they are mostly outdoors. The best time to visit is during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) months, when the weather is mild, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
There are no significant entrance fees for outdoor attractions like the Yecheng Bazaar or the Karakoram Highway. However, guided tours or specific cultural sites may charge a fee, typically paid on-site. No online booking is usually required for general visits.
Booking in advance is generally not necessary for visiting the region. However, it’s advisable to book accommodations or tours 1-2 days in advance during the peak tourist season (summer and national holidays).
To fully explore Yecheng, including the local markets, old town, mosque, and surrounding areas, 1-2 days should be sufficient. If you wish to visit the nearby Tashkurgan Valley, consider adding an extra day for hiking and sightseeing.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and sometimes in English. Audio guides are not commonly available in the region. It’s best to arrange a local guide for a more personalized experience, especially for exploring the historical and cultural sites.
Start by exploring Yecheng Old Town and its mosque, then head to the Yecheng Bazaar for a taste of local life. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the Karakoram Highway and stop at photography spots. If time allows, consider visiting Tashkurgan Valley and Karakul Lake.
There are no night visits or light shows in Yecheng. However, the clear skies make for great stargazing, especially in the desert areas surrounding the town.
Yecheng is generally not very crowded. It’s best to visit during the spring or autumn, particularly on weekdays when the area is less likely to be busy with tourists.
Basic facilities such as public toilets, food stalls, and rest areas are available near popular attractions like the Yecheng Bazaar and the mosque. You can buy water and snacks in the local shops.
The main attractions in Yecheng, including the old town and mosque, are accessible for elderly and children. However, the desert areas and Tashkurgan Valley may not be suitable for those with mobility issues due to the rugged terrain.
Cash is commonly used in Yecheng, especially for smaller purchases. Some larger establishments may accept mobile payments (such as Alipay or WeChat Pay), but it’s advisable to carry cash in local currency for convenience.
There are several local Uyghur restaurants in Yecheng serving traditional dishes, such as lamb kebabs, pilaf, and naan bread. Larger restaurants in Kashgar also offer a broader range of options.
Halal food options are widely available in Yecheng due to the predominantly Uyghur Muslim population. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are also common, including vegetable stews and rice-based meals.
There are basic guesthouses and hotels in Yecheng, ranging from budget to mid-range options. For more luxurious stays, Kashgar offers better facilities, with high-end hotels and international chains.
Souvenir shops in Yecheng offer traditional Uyghur handicrafts, including carpets, textiles, jewelry, and musical instruments. You can also find spices, dried fruits, and local teas.
From Yecheng, you can take a bus or taxi to Kashgar, which is the main transportation hub in the region. From Kashgar, there are connections to other parts of Xinjiang and beyond, including flights and long-distance buses.
