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Kashgar - the transportation, economic and cultural center of southern Xinjiang!
Kashgar, short for Kashgar, means "a place like jade." Kashgar is China's westernmost city, overlooking the Tarim Basin to the east and the Pamir Plateau to the west. Over 2,100 years ago, it served as the western confluence of the northern and southern routes of the Silk Road in China, serving as a transportation hub and gateway for China's economic and cultural exchanges with the West.
How many people were drawn to Kashgar by "The Kite Runner," and how many more, after setting foot in Kashgar, were captivated by its unique sense of life. Wander through the intricate Islamic alleys of Kashgar's old city, watch artisans diligently carve their craft, or spend an afternoon enjoying a cup of fruit tea in a century-old teahouse...
Traditional Islamic-style buildings are the soul of Kashgar's Old City. Strolling through its alleys, you'll see colorful wooden doors, carved balconies, and playful Uyghur children—every snap is a postcard-worthy moment. Turn a few corners to Kazanqiyabeixi Lane, where iron pot makers sit before their shops, hammering away at their iron woks. Old carpenters, wearing reading glasses, carve naan sticks. To the east, Flower Hat Street is a dazzling display of goods. When you're tired, stop by a century-old teahouse on Wustangboyi Road for a pot of fruit tea and listen to a Uyghur man sing and play. After dark, the night market opens, offering grilled eggs, steamed buns, yogurt shaved ice, and other commonplace dishes transformed into something special. Kashgar's Old City isn't so much about sightseeing as it is about discovering life.
(Pictures from the Internet, please delete if infringed)
Kashgar Airport is the second largest airport in Xinjiang. It is located 10 kilometers north of Kashgar City, with an altitude of 1,377 meters.
Note: Kashgar's security is very strict and thorough. In addition to stricter checks on checked baggage, passengers are also required to remove shoes and belts. Due to the high traffic volume at the airport, it is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours early to avoid missing their flights.
Distance: 10 kilometers from the city center. It takes 20 minutes by taxi to reach the meeting hotel. The taxi fare is generally 30 yuan.
Kashgar Railway Station is located in the city, about 5 kilometers from the city center. Trains depart daily for Urumqi. It is the terminus of the Southern Xinjiang Railway and the starting point of the Kashgar-Hohhot Railway.
Distance: 5 km from the city center, 10 minutes by taxi to the meeting hotel, about 10-15 minutes by taxi
taxi
The city of Kashgar is very small, with a starting fare of 5 yuan. Taxi fare to most places in the city does not exceed 10 yuan. It is very convenient to take a taxi, and sometimes you can share a ride.
the bus
There are not many buses in Kashgar, and the fare is 1-2 yuan. You need to wait at the platform. It is recommended to take a taxi when going out.
As the central city of southern Xinjiang, Kashgar boasts convenient transportation, a thriving tourism industry, and a well-developed hotel industry. From high-star, high-standard business hotels to cost-effective hostels and B&Bs, you can choose the perfect accommodation. We also recommend two unique and cost-effective hotels.
This hotel in Kashgar's old city is a European-style stone building, both exterior and interior rich in charm. It enjoys an excellent location in the heart of the old city, just 20 meters from the Id Kah Mosque.
Star rating: 4 stars + hotel
Time: Check-in time: after 14:00, check-out time: before 14:00
Address: No. 37 Jiefang North Road, Kashgar, near Id Kah Mosque
Reference price (including breakfast for two): 250-380 yuan
This hotel in Kashgar's New Town district opened in 2017. The rooms and facilities are relatively new, and the rooms are quite large. It's a very cost-effective business hotel. It's also very convenient to get a taxi.
Star rating: 4 stars + hotel
Time: Check-in time: after 10:00, check-out time: before 14:00
Address: No. 003, Ailslanhan South Road, Kashgar City
Reference price (including breakfast for two): 180-280 yuan
Kashgar boasts a wealth of tourism resources, including Xinjiang's largest Id Kah Mosque, the exotic high-rise dwellings, the unique Karakul Lake, the Muztagh Ata Peak, the father of glaciers, Tashkurgan, the sacred site of the Tajik people, and Khunjerab, the highest border crossing. Its unique Western cultural atmosphere, desolate plateau scenery, and towering, pristine snow-capped mountains are sure to captivate every inch of your being.
Id Kah, meaning "place of worship during festivals," is located in the heart of Kashgar. It is the largest mosque in Xinjiang and a major center of Islamic activity throughout the region. Originally built in 1442, it has been renovated and expanded. The mosque boasts a rigorous and majestic design. Its square, light green brick arched gate tower rises 12 meters tall and is richly in intricate carvings. The grand mosque and scripture hall are richly imbued with Islamic characteristics.
Anyone who has visited Kashgar will never forget the solemn and majestic architecture of the Id Kah Mosque. The beige-hued gate towers create a symmetrical beauty. Uighur plaques hang above the two blue doors. Three brass crescent moons rise from the white arches. A white-bearded elder sits on the steps, enjoying the sunshine. Pilgrims from afar, dusty and weary, their gazes steadfast... All of this, like a famous scene from a classic movie, lingers in the memories of every traveler.
Ticket price: 40 yuan, free for believers
Opening hours: 10:00-20:00
Address: West side of Id Kah Square, Jiefang North Road, Kashgar
Gaotai Residences is a Uyghur ethnic settlement built on a loess cliff more than 40 meters high and 800 meters long at the northeast end of Kashgar's old city. It has a history of 600 years and is a major landscape in Kashgar that showcases ancient Uyghur residential architecture and folk customs.
The Uyghurs have lived here for generations, their houses clinging to the cliffs. As a family's population grows, they add a floor to their ancestors' houses, and so on, generation after generation, they build one house after another, layer upon layer. Most of these houses are made of earth, but there are also many newly built brick houses. Between these haphazardly built buildings, there are more than 50 alleys that crisscross, twist, and turn, and rise and fall. Without a local guide, outsiders will definitely get lost.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: All day (renovation of dilapidated buildings started in 2017, so it is very likely that people will not be allowed to enter)
Address: Southeast of the intersection of Tuman Road and Aizrete Road, Kashgar City
The Old City of Kashgar boasts a crisscrossing network of streets and alleys, offering a flexible and diverse layout and winding paths leading to secluded areas. Most of the dwellings are constructed of earth, wood, brick, and wood, many of which are centuries old. This is the only maze-like urban district in China characterized by Islamic culture. The residential complex in the Old City's core area is one of the largest adobe architectural complexes in the world. Adobe architecture itself holds immense historical significance and value, blending Han and Tang dynasty and ancient Roman influences with modern Uyghur life. Parts of the famous film "The Kite Runner" were filmed here. Every morning at 10:30 a.m., the opening ceremony of the Old City of Kashgar takes place at the East Gate (see the photo below). Be sure to witness it if you have the opportunity.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: All day
Address: Next to Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar
The Xiang Fei Tomb, built around 1640 AD, is a typical ancient Islamic architectural complex and the burial site of a descendant of the Islamic saint, covering two hectares. Resembling a magnificent palace, it comprises five sections: a gatehouse, a small mosque, a large mosque, a scripture hall, and the main burial chamber. Xiang Fei was the beloved consort of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. Her real name was Maimur Aizim. She had a unique fragrance from childhood and was nicknamed "Iparhan" ("Fragrant Girl" in Uyghur). She was chosen as a concubine by the Qing emperor and given the title "Fragrant Concubine." She died of illness due to difficulty adapting to the climate and environment of the capital.
Ticket price: 30 yuan
Opening hours: 09:30-21:30
Address: Haohan Village, northeast of Kashgar City
The Kashgar Cattle, Sheep, and Horse Bazaar is the largest livestock market in Xinjiang and Asia. Here, there are no elaborate Islamic architecture, no dazzling array of specialty goods, and no colorfully dressed tourists; only the most authentic trade. Every Sunday, the livestock trading scene is truly spectacular, showcasing the down-to-earth customs and culture of southern Xinjiang.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: All day on Sunday, it is recommended to go in the morning
Address: Next to National Highway 314, Huangdi Township, Kashgar City (about 20 yuan by taxi)
For the elderly Uyghurs living near the Id Kah Mosque, visiting the old teahouses for tea is a daily ritual. In winter, they gather around the fire, in summer, on a carpeted outdoor spot in the shade. For one yuan and fifty cents, they can enjoy a pot of tea, a round naan, and chat with old friends. Of course, the teahouses are also open to visitors visiting the bazaar. Outside, on several carpeted floors, middle-aged and elderly tea drinkers sit cross-legged on the stalls, sipping tea with their naan, their expressions relaxed and conversation flowing freely.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: 10:00-21:00
Address: The intersection of Wusitangboyi Road and Kumudaerwaza Road
The Kashgar region is renowned for its diverse handicrafts, each with its own distinct ethnic characteristics. These include beautiful and comfortable carpets, a wide variety of flowered hats, simple and elegant earthenware, intricately crafted jewelry, exquisite and unique Yengisar knives, vibrant and colorful Adlai silk, practical and economical wooden-patterned colorful printed fabrics, and a variety of ethnic musical instruments. These items are all sought-after souvenirs by tourists from
both China and abroad. Kashgar, known as the "Fruit Land," is renowned for its figs, sea buckthorn, pistachios, Jiashi melons, almonds, pears, apricots, grapes, peaches, mulberries, pomegranates, and walnuts. Pomegranates from Yecheng, the "Fruit Land," are particularly renowned nationwide.
The Kashgar Grand Bazaar, also known as the East Gate Grand Bazaar, stands for Central and West Asia International Trade Market. It is the largest international trade market in Northwest my country, boasting a history of over 2,000 years. In ancient times, it was known as "Asia's Largest Bazaar." Since the opening of the Khunjerab River and Torugat ports, international trade has become a gateway for goods. A constant stream of foreign tourists, merchants, and trade groups have flocked to the bazaar, bringing with them a wealth of exotic goods for trade and also purchasing many Chinese products.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Every day, open all day, but if you want to see the most lively scene of the Grand Bazaar, you should go on Sunday
Address: Aiziret Road, Kashgar City (east bank of Tuman River)
Kashgar is a hub of delicious cuisine, boasting a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes, including roasted whole lamb, grilled lamb skewers, braised lamb, naan-fired meat, baked steamed buns, pilaf, hand-pulled noodles, fried dough sticks (youtazi), naan, sanzi (sandwiches), grilled fish, stuffed lungs (stuffed with noodles), and stuffed rice sausage. As the birthplace of naan-fired meat, a trip to Kashgar would be a complete waste if you don't try it.
Lamb kebabs
are sold everywhere in the streets and alleys of Kashgar. The barbecue in Kashgar differs significantly from that in Urumqi. Kashgar barbecue is free of chili peppers and contains minimal cumin (Kashgar residents believe that excessive seasonings are only added when the lamb is not fresh). The lamb is also cut thicker, with the kebabs in Kashgar being chunks, while the kebabs in Urumqi are sliced. Therefore, eating lamb kebabs in Kashgar is a much better experience.
Kashi's jelly
is also unique. Crystal-white jelly is mixed with hair-thin radish and seasoned with chili oil, vinegar, minced garlic, and salt. It's a perfect balance of sour and spicy, fragrant, and refreshing, leaving a lasting impression.
Naan pit barbecue:
Naan pit barbecue is a must-try in Kashgar. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it's incredibly delicious. It's no exaggeration to say, "A trip to Kashgar without trying naan pit meat is a wasted trip."
Cream ice cream:
You can often see cream ice cream shops in Kashgar's night markets and roadside shops. The cream ice cream is all handmade by local ethnic minorities. Although it looks simple, it has a delicate and non-greasy taste, rich milk flavor, and is very affordable, usually 3 yuan a bowl.
Naan
is a popular Uyghur food. There are many varieties and styles of Uyghur naan, and the ingredients used are also diverse. In addition to flour, sesame seeds, onions, eggs, cooking oil, ghee, milk, sugar, and salt are all essential ingredients.
You've undoubtedly eaten pomegranates
, but you may not have drunk pomegranate juice. Southern Xinjiang pomegranates are juicy and sweet, and you can often find stalls selling pomegranates and pomegranate juice on the streets. Bottles of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice offer a unique flavor.
The Kashgar region is known as the "Fruit Town". Figs, sea buckthorn, pistachios, Kashi melons, almonds, pears, apricots, grapes, peaches, mulberries, pomegranates, walnuts, etc. are all well-known. Especially those produced in Yecheng, the "Pomegranate Town", are well-known throughout the country.
Pomegranates
, called "anar" in Uyghur, are a prominent specialty of Kashgar. Yecheng County, known as the "Hometown of Pomegranates," is particularly renowned for its pomegranates. Yecheng pomegranates are large, thin-skinned, juicy, and have a sweet, refreshing flavor, making them a popular favorite. Many people praise them, saying, "Turpan's grapes, Hami's melons, and Korla's fragrant pears are praised by everyone, but Yecheng's pomegranates are truly exceptional."
Figs
are abundant in Kashgar, where figs are as famous as Hami melons, Turpan grapes, and Korla pears. Figs are not only eaten fresh but can also be made into preserved fruits and jams.
Almonds
are a precious specialty of Kashgar and the most treasured dried fruit by the Uyghur people. They often use them to entertain guests and give them to friends. They also embroider their patterns on clothes and hats and carve them on buildings.
Apricots
, called "Yuluk" in the Uyghur language, are a popular fruit. Kashgar has many varieties of apricots, with the Sailaiti apricot from Yingjisha County and the black-leaf apricot from Yecheng County being the best.
Kashi pear
resources are very rich, with more than 60 varieties, among which Dangshan pear (introduced from Dangshan County, Anhui Province) and Yecheng Qipan pear are more famous.
Walnuts
, also known as walnuts, are one of the world's four most famous dried fruits and are widely recognized as the "fruit of longevity." Yecheng County is a major walnut-producing area in Xinjiang, boasting a long history of cultivation and a wide variety of varieties, with an annual output of approximately 1,200 tons.
Seabuckthorn
is a very abundant resource with a long history of growth in Kashgar. Various beverages made from seabuckthorn are very popular among the people.
Huanjiang Night Market
: Kashgar's most distinctive ethnic night market, where you can savor the authentic flavors of southern Xinjiang. Enjoy grilled lamb buns, minced meat pilaf, freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, juicy watermelon, saffron-infused rock sugar and scented tea, locally sourced grilled skewers, massive steaks that are fat but not greasy, and giant chicken plates so filling you'll be desperate but unable to finish another bite. Before you exclaim in awe at the deliciousness, know that this night market is also a utopia where you can eat all you can for just 10 yuan.
Address: Intersection of Jiefang North Road and Ordashik Road (opposite the Id Kah Mosque).
Comment: This night market across from the Kashgar Mosque is a must-see! I ate here three nights out of four in Kashgar, and I'm still drooling...
Ailijiang Baked Buns Shop
About: A long-standing Kashgar establishment specializing in Xinjiang grilled buns, lamb skewers, and more. They offer authentic flavors, generous portions, and excellent value.
Address: 269 Seman Road.
Review: Their grilled lamb is the best I've ever had! My tour guide and driver highly recommended it during my visit to Kashgar! I was so horny after eating it!
Xifa Cream Ice Cream Shop
Description: This Southern Xinjiang specialty ice cream boasts a rich, creamy flavor and is reasonably priced.
Address: West side of No. 1 Norbeixi Road, Kashgar (north of the central square).
Comments: After visiting the Id Kah Mosque, try Xifa Ice Cream near the square. You can dine in (they have a wide selection of ethnic pastries) or take out. It's the most delicious ice cream I've ever had!
Shicheng Brothers BBQ Restaurant - Gangzi Meat
Introduction: Gangzi meat is a Xinjiang Uyghur specialty, a miniature version of the large pot-braised lamb. To prepare it, cut the lamb and carrots into small pieces and divide them equally into porcelain jars. Once cooked, sprinkle with salt and serve. These jars were common in every household before the 1980s, often used for drinking water and alcohol.
Address: 50 meters north of the intersection of Renmin West Road and Kumudaerwaza Road in Kashgar
(Kashgar street barbecue restaurants offer Gangzi meat; you'll see cups lined up at the entrance) .
Comments: Because the sheep in Xinjiang are different from those in mainland China, and the lamb is freshly slaughtered, the broth is incredibly delicious. It's truly unforgettable. Uyghurs typically eat it with naan, a small, firm flatbread. The broth is broken into pieces and placed in a bowl. The broth is then poured over the naan and served once softened.
Grilled Lamb Kebabs
Introduction: Grilled lamb skewers are undoubtedly a Xinjiang ethnic snack. Ancient records indicate that grilled lamb skewers have a history of over 1,800 years in China. Xinjiang's unique flavor, rich, fragrant, and spicy, is renowned nationwide.
Kashgar is dotted with kebab restaurants, and the meat is always fresh.
For a recommendation, head to the Beef and Sheep Bazaar, where they're freshly slaughtered and grilled! See the picture below—you're not mistaken! These are small, fist-sized chunks of meat, skewered directly. One skewer is enough to fill you up!
Are you tempted? China-TravelNote has customized in-depth and photography tours for you to enjoy Kashgar's delicious food, drinks, and fun!
Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, also known as Tashkurgan County, is a county under the jurisdiction of Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, located in the western Pamir Plateau. It's arguably China's most impressive county, bordering three countries: Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. This makes it the county with the most borders in China.
The Karakoram Highway, stretching from Kashgar through the Khunjerab Pass to its terminus in Thakot, Pakistan, covers a total of 1,032 kilometers, including 416 kilometers in China. Approximately 700 people from both China and Pakistan lost their lives during its construction, cementing the ironclad friendship between the two countries. The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway is considered the highest and most beautiful highway in the world, with the lowest elevation in China at 1,154 meters and the highest at 4,733 meters (the elevation at the Khunjerab Pass). It has been designated one of the "Ten Most Dangerous Highways in the World." Previously, the road was in poor condition, frequently subject to geological disasters. Now, it is in good repair and open to the public year-round.
Along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, visitors can admire the natural beauty of the Pamir Plateau. Baisha Lake is often the first stop on the plateau. Baisha Lake is a large plateau reservoir, boasting clear waters that change color in different seasons, resembling a piece of jade. Strong winds from the plateau have blown sand here, forming a series of silvery-white sand dunes across the lake.
Karakul Lake (also known as Karakul Lake, abbreviated as Ka Lake) is the best place to appreciate the "Father of Glaciers" Muztagh Ata Peak. There are also two snow-capped mountains over 7,000 meters around the lake, Kongur Peak and Kongur Jiubie Peak, which offer a panoramic view of the Pamir Plateau.
Of the world's 12 peaks over 8,000 meters, four are located in Tashi County: K2 (8,611 meters), Broad Peak (8,051 meters), Gasherbrum II (8,034 meters), and Gasherbrum I (8,068 meters). K2, with its towering icy cliffs and forbidding appearance, is renowned for its tragic history of human conquest of snow-capped peaks, with countless mountaineering heroes perishing on K2.
Muztagh Ata, located north of Tashkurgan County, is far more gentle and approachable. Known as the "Father of Glaciers," Muztagh Ata resembles a giant steamed bun, creating a striking contrast with Karakul Lake. It's also considered the easiest of the 7,000-meter peaks to climb.
Muztagh Ata Glacier Park, located along the road from Kashgar to Tashkurgan County, is a national-level glacier park. Here, you can witness the majestic glaciers, the beauty of ice snakes, and the colorful ice caves. Currently, the best glacier to climb is Muztagh Ata Glacier No. 4, with its highest point reaching nearly 5,000 meters above sea level. It takes an hour to reach the foot of the glacier, allowing you to get up close and personal with a glacier that's millions of years old.
The Chinese section of the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway ends at the Khunjerab Pass, which borders Pakistan. Khunjerab Pass is the world's highest border post. Over 1,000 years ago, it served as a crucial pass on the ancient Silk Road, serving as the only land route from China to Pakistan and a gateway to the South Asian subcontinent and even Europe. At 4,700 meters above sea level, the plateau's harsh natural environment, characterized by its lack of oxygen, thin air, and unpredictable weather, is only open to traffic from May to October each year, earning it the nickname "Death Valley."
Note: Since the port is located in the border area, it is no longer open to tourists since 2017 due to the increase in tourists, which has had a significant impact. No one is allowed to go there.
Golden Grassland is a wetland with abundant water and grass in the Tashkurgan River Basin. It is a national first-class protected wetland, covering an area of 100,000 mu. The endless grassland is lush and green. The poetic picture of "cattle and sheep appearing in the wind" is interwoven with the ancient stone city and rolling icebergs to form a unique plateau wonder.
Located in the heart of the Pamir Highlands, Xinghua Village boasts a deep, isolated canyon and a remarkably simple folk culture, creating a serene paradise. Every year in mid-to-late March, the apricot blossoms of Datong Township are the first to bloom, making it a paradise for photographers from across the country. Access to Xinghua Village is limited to the Tasha Ancient Road, a path in very poor condition accessible only by off-road vehicles. Along the way, you'll pass numerous apricot villages, each brimming with apricot blossoms, creating a vibrant feast of color. Surrounded by awe-inspiring snow-capped mountains and desolate canyons, these apricot groves, along with the hardworking Tajik people, create a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
The Tajiks are China's only native Caucasian ethnic group (Russians and Tatars are also Caucasian, but are immigrants). They are of Caucasian descent, and both men and women are very attractive. They speak a dialect of the East Iranian branch of the Indo-European language family, practice Shia Islam, and are relatively secular.
The Tajik people are known for their simple and honest customs and are renowned for their patriotism. They possess a strong sense of identity and belonging to China, a patriotic sentiment passed down through generations. Since the Qing Dynasty, they have served their country on the border without compensation. The film "The Visitor on the Iceberg" tells the story of Tajik border guards, led by soldier Amir, battling foreign separatist forces.
Tajik weddings last three days, a lively and grand occasion. They are not only a celebration for the newlyweds, but also for their two families, and even their two villages. The first day is the preparation day, during which both parties meticulously dress and decorate their homes. The second day is the climax of the wedding—the wedding reception day. Accompanied by relatives and friends, the groom travels in a grand procession to the bride's home to welcome her. Following the successful reception, entertainment activities unique to the plateau, such as horse racing and sheep-grabbing, begin. Young men and women, skilled in singing and dancing, play hawk flutes and hand drums, creating a lively atmosphere. The third day is the return journey, when the groom carries his bride home on horseback. Upon arrival, the groom's family and friends sing and dance, celebrating until midnight.
Sheep-stealing is a highly valued traditional sport practiced by many grassland ethnic groups. Typically, two teams on horseback compete for a sheep, with the winner being the one who lands it at a fixed point. However, yak-stealing is a tradition unique to the Tajik people. Deep in the Pamir Plateau, the Tajiks have a long history of yak farming. The yaks' adorable and simple appearance adds a touch of fun to this custom.
The Tajiks revere the eagle, viewing it as a powerful and heroic being. Folk songs and legends about the eagle are widespread, and even the origins of a dance are tied to the eagle's habits and movements, giving rise to the "Eagle Dance." An essential instrument in this dance is the eagle flute. Made from eagle wing bones, the eagle flute is a typical Tajik instrument. While the technique for playing it is challenging to master, the resulting tones are unique and beautiful.
Many people have heard "Why Are the Flowers So Red?", but perhaps they don't know it's actually a theme song from the film "The Visitor on the Iceberg" and a classic Tajik folk song. Furthermore, "Why Are the Flowers So Red" is adapted from another Tajik folk song, "Gulibita." The lyrics are incredibly well-written, a perfect example of how a man might approach a woman.
Xiaogong Bahar Festival: "Xiaogong Bahar" means "welcoming spring" in Tajik. Xiaogong Bahar Festival is the most important festival of the year for the Tajik people, equivalent to the Tajik Spring Festival. The spring thaw on the Pamir Plateau is relatively late, and to ensure timely farming, ice breaking and water diversion are essential. However, breaking ice and diverting water is not a one-person undertaking. Xiaogong Bahar Festival is actually a celebration of the close cooperation among all members during production. There are no legends, no myths, and no religious overtones; it is simply about agricultural production and mutual encouragement.
If you have limited time, you can choose the China-TravelNote local tour route and explore the Pamir Plateau in depth!
FAQ: Is traveling to southern Xinjiang safe?
This is probably the most pressing question for visitors to Xinjiang. China-TravelNote responsibly assures you: Xinjiang is perfectly safe.
First, these incidents are perpetrated by a very small number of extremists. People of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including the Uyghurs, deeply detest terrorists, and they are condemned by everyone in southern Xinjiang. The Uyghur people we encountered along the way were incredibly friendly, and their kindness and sincerity deeply touched us.
Second, the government has increased patrols and controls, with guards everywhere. Furthermore, our tour leaders and drivers are very familiar with the area and will advise everyone of precautions before the trip. China-TravelNote advocates responsible travel, and we wouldn't dare allow anyone to go if it were truly unsafe.
Xinjiang uses Beijing time for
everything (including flight and train times, and tour leader notification times). However, Urumqi is in the GMT+6 time zone, while Beijing is in the GMT+8 time zone, resulting in a two-hour time difference between Xinjiang and most mainland cities. Hotel check-in and check-out are typically at 2:00 PM. Lunch is around 2:00 PM, and dinner is around 8:00 PM. Some phones have an automatic time zone adjustment feature, so remember to disable it to avoid misplacing your phone with your friends.
Security
in Xinjiang is arguably the strictest in the country. Whether you're visiting a tourist destination, a hotel, supermarket, hospital, or any other public place, there will be security scanners and security guards at the entrance. Please cooperate with these checks to avoid unnecessary inconvenience. Always carry your ID card with you! Do not leave it in your luggage.
Xinjiang's majority population
is Uighur, so their first language is Uighur. There are relatively few Han Chinese in southern Xinjiang, and Chinese is less widely spoken, but everyone can write simple Chinese.
Banks:
In major cities in southern Xinjiang, such as Kashgar, Hotan, Kuche, and Korla, there are banks and ATMs on the streets. There are fewer banks in small county towns, but ATMs are also available.
Consumption
in Xinjiang is generally average, with an average meal costing around 20 to 40 yuan per person (primarily noodles and stir-fried dishes). Prices tend to be higher in or near scenic areas. Most people in Xinjiang don't use Alipay, though WeChat Pay is slightly more common and is gradually gaining popularity.
In most areas of Xinjiang
, mobile phones only have 3G signals, and some areas still have 2G signals, which will have some impact on communication. However, most hotels in Xinjiang have broadband and provide free wireless internet.
Eid
al-Adha is
a grand annual festival celebrated by the Uyghur people. Early in the morning, Muslims bathe in fragrant incense, dress neatly, and attend prayers in the mosque. Grand Maixilaifu singing and dancing rallies are held in squares in cities and villages. Among Xinjiang's Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tajik, and Uzbek ethnic groups, the festival also features sheep-grabbing, horse racing, and wrestling competitions. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on
the 10th day of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar . Legend has it that in ancient times, to avoid invasion by foreign rulers, people hid in the mountains and dense forests, refraining from lighting fires during the day and only beginning to cook and eat after moonrise. This custom has been passed down through the ages. Muslims must eat their last meal before sunrise and then, throughout the day, abstain from water or rice, regardless of hunger or thirst. Smokers are also required to abstain from smoking. Muslims are also required to refrain from all selfish desires and evil thoughts during Ramadan to demonstrate their unwavering faith in Allah. The atmosphere of the entire month of Ramadan is solemn and dignified. At night, when the fast ends, people can eat, drink, chat, and laugh. There is a bustling crowd, and neighbors can gather around the table. This lasts for a month. Time: The end of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar
Other Notes
1. Don't say "zhu," nor "PIG." If you absolutely must say "pig," use "darou" (meaning pork). Xinjiang Muslims abstain from eating the meat of pigs, dogs, donkeys, mules, or wild animals or birds of prey. They also abstain from eating the meat of animals that died naturally without being killed, and they also abstain from consuming the blood of any animal.
2. Don't shake your hands after washing them; this is a particular taboo for Uyghurs.
3. All food in Xinjiang is sold by the kilogram; don't mention "jin" (pounds), as you'll be slaughtered if you do.
4. Farting, whether loud or silent, is strictly prohibited in public
. 5. When visiting temples, be sure to observe local customs. Generally, photography is strictly prohibited in temples and mosques; surreptitious photography can have serious consequences.
6. When photographing people, especially monks and women, always obtain their permission before framing to avoid unnecessary trouble.
7. Xinjiang is rich in tourism resources and offers stunning scenery, but most areas are relatively underdeveloped. Accommodation and dining options are inferior to those in central and eastern Xinjiang or in major cities. Diet is simple, primarily consisting of noodles and beef and mutton, with a strong flavor profile. It's essential to bring some gastrointestinal medication.
How to choose a route? If you ask me which season is the most beautiful in Xinjiang, I can only say: one trip is not enough!
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