Kashgar Old Town

1. Core Positioning: The Only Well-Preserved Ancient Maze-Like City in Western China
Kashgar Old Town, a 5A-level scenic area covering 3.6 square kilometers, is hailed as a "living fossil for studying ancient Western regions' cities." It is not only Xinjiang's first historical and cultural city but also the only maze-like urban block in China featuring Uyghur culture. With over 2,100 years of history, from the Western Han Shule City to today's bustling ancient town, every adobe wall and winding alleyway engraves the glory and vicissitudes of the Silk Road.

2. Scenic Highlights: A Step-by-Step Western Aesthetic Feast
1. Architecture and Streets: A Poem in Earth Tones
Within the old town, traditional residences made of earth and wood or brick and wood stand densely, with carved doors and windows, blue wooden doors, arches, and earthen walls weaving a unique visual language. Strolling here feels like stepping into the scenes of "One Thousand and One Nights":

High Terrace Residences: Overlooking the rooftop layout of the old town, the light and shadow under the slanting sunset create a striking visual impact.
Rainbow Alley / Cloth Bag Alley: Colorful walls paired with flower hats, embroidery, and earthenware create a charming scene, making it a popular photo spot.
Century-Old Teahouse: From the second-floor window seat, you can watch camel caravans; amid the lingering tea fragrance, Uyghur elders play the rawap, and time seems to stand still.

2. Culture and Craftsmanship: Living Heritage
The old town is a concentrated display area of Kashgar’s intangible cultural heritage:

Earthenware Firing: The seventh-generation inheritor, Tursun Rustam, insists on handmade shaping and high-temperature firing; the earthenware glows with the luster of time and was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.
Copperware Making: In the copperware shop of the sixth-generation inheritor, Muhetar Mamuti, cutting, engraving, and polishing are all done by hand, making each piece a work of art.
Ethnic Musical Instruments: The fifth-generation inheritor, Maimaiti Tursun Ababekri, crafts dutar and rawap; their melodious sounds carry the musical soul of the Uyghur people.

3. Colors and Light: The Autumn Palette
Autumn in Kashgar Old Town is a celebration of colors:

Earthen Yellow: Sun-kissed earthen walls, warm and healing.
Pomegranate Red: Red flowers on courtyard walls dance with Atlas silk, reflecting the passion of life.
Clear Blue: Blue wooden doors on domes and street corners absorb the hustle and bustle, leaving transparency and tranquility.
Golden Glow: The sizzling baked buns in the tandoor and the oily roasted wings at the night market compose the poetic fireworks of autumn.

3. Travel Experience: Immersive Western Life
1. Must-Do Activities

Opening Ceremony: Daily at 10:30 AM and 6:00 PM, Uyghur song and dance and camel caravan parades at the East Gate Square start a journey through millennia.
Guli’s Home: For 30 yuan, enjoy unlimited refills of fruit tea and song and dance performances; Uyghur girls invite you to dance together.
Princess Wedding: At a century-old teahouse in the West City, the 7:00 PM camel bell wedding performance reenacts the romance of the ancient Silk Road.

2. Food Map

Han Bazaar Night Market: Baked buns, clay pot meat, handmade ice cream, pomegranate juice... Fresh pomegranate juice at 5 yuan a cup is sweet to the heart.
Recommended Old Brands:
Eli Jiang Brothers’ Baked Buns: 2 yuan each, crispy crust, and savory filling.
Yizihar Eggplant Noodle Restaurant: The combination of eggplant noodles and yogurt is a must-try.
Century-Old Teahouse: A cup of mint tea paired with street views and Meshrep dance outside the window, full of charm.

3. Photography Guide

Golden Hours: Before 10 AM and after 7 PM, the light is soft, perfect for capturing light, shadow, and culture.
Hidden Spots:
Sky Garden: Navigate to "Silk Road Jade" and enter the green archway; the spiral staircase and carved dome resemble scenes from "Aladdin."
Ulanduo Coffee Bar: The best spot for photos with the Kunlun Tower; order a Kashgar special and wait for the sunset.
Third-Floor Terrace of the Viewing Hotel: Overlooks the entire opening ceremony, capturing the dynamic crowd and performances.

4. Culture and History: A Living Museum of Silk Road Civilization
History of the Old Town: Over 2,100 years ago, Zhang Qian recorded the commercial prosperity here during his mission to the Western Regions. Today, the old town remains a residential area for Uyghur people, where family life, ethnic customs, and traditional crafts thrive.
Intangible Heritage Protection: Earthenware firing, copperware making, and ethnic musical instrument crafting are national intangible cultural heritages passed down by generations of artisans, becoming the cultural soul of the old town.
Film Location: Some scenes of the movie "The Kite Runner" were shot here; the maze-like alleys and rammed earth houses perfectly illustrate Western regional charm.

5. Practical Information and Tips
Opening Hours: Open all year round, free admission.
Transportation Suggestions:
Taxi from the airport to the old town costs about 30 yuan, taking 20 minutes directly.
Vehicles are prohibited inside the old town; walking or cycling is recommended. Wear comfortable shoes.
Notes:
Respect local customs; ask permission before photographing residents or religious sites.
Bargain when buying crafts; avoid purchasing overpriced souvenirs inside the old town.
Xinjiang time is 2 hours behind Beijing time; it’s recommended to go out at 10 AM and note that it gets dark at 9 PM.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Whale Wild South Corner Homestay: Spacious, clean, and cost-effective.
Summer Inn: Full of retro style, offering a traditional folk experience.

6. Summary: A Must-Visit Western Cultural Sanctuary in a Lifetime
Kashgar Old Town is a gift of time to the Western Regions. Here, there are both the simplicity of rammed earth houses and maze-like alleys, and the modernity of copperware shops and cafes; the steadfastness of intangible heritage artisans and the lively fireworks of the night market. When you stroll through the earth-toned streets, listen to a rawap melody, and taste a baked bun, you will understand: this living millennial ancient town has long surpassed the definition of a "scenic spot" and become an eternal narrative of culture, history, and life.