Kashgar Old Town 2-Day Complete Guide

1️⃣ Transportation Guide
- Air: Kashgar Airport is 9 km from the Old Town, with direct access to the East Gate via Tourist Line 1.
- Inner-city transport: Walking + sightseeing car (40 RMB/person); be cautious of electric bikes in narrow alleys.

2️⃣ Itinerary Planning
- Deep Old Town Line (2 days):
- 🌅 Day 1: Opening Ceremony (10:30) → Artisan Bazaar (custom copperware) → Century-old Teahouse → Rainbow Alley Night View.
- 🌙 Day 2: Id Kah Mosque → Gao Tai Residential Houses → Yusup Tomb (stay at "Guli’s Home" courtyard).
- Cultural Experience Line:
- 🎭 Morning: Xiangfei Garden.
- 🛒 Afternoon: Grand Bazaar shopping.
- 🍵 Evening: Old Town Corner Café (learn to write Uyghur) → "Xiangfei" live drama night show.
- Photography Line:
- 🌅 Morning: Shoot the mosque.
- 🌇 Evening: Light and shadow in Budai Alley.
- 🌙 Night: Gao Tai residential earthen structures → Night market naan pit firelight.

3️⃣ Practical Tips
- Weather: Southern Xinjiang in August is hot, daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C, dry with little rain, beware of heatstroke.
- Clothing: Short sleeves, thin long pants (insect protection), windbreaker/thin jacket (warmth for mornings and evenings), comfortable sports shoes (essential for walking).
- Sun protection and care: SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, moisturizing skincare (dry climate), portable rain gear (occasional showers in mountainous areas).
- Food: Must-try three treasures: roasted buns (Samsa), clay pot meat stew, maren candy (cut cake). Specialty flavors: pigeon soup noodles, corn naan with meat, Hami melon with yogurt.
- Accommodation: Unique homestays: Ulan Homestay (terrace stargazing), Old Town Youth Hostel (backpacker hub). High-end hotels: Radisson Blu (overlooking the Old Town), Qiniwak (former British Consulate).

4️⃣ Notes
- Artisan Bazaar: Closed on Sundays; bargaining for copperware starts at 50% of the listed price.
- Mosque: Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the main hall; women must wear headscarves.
- Gao Tai Residential Houses: Do not enter fenced-off dangerous areas.

🌟 Summary

Kashgar is a "living museum of the Western Regions." Whether feeling the hammer marks on the artisan street’s copperware or getting lost in the hexagonal alleys at dusk, you will be immersed in the mystery and charm of this ancient city.