Listening to the qin in a century-old teahouse, gazing at the stars in the Pamirs, opening the door to the Western Regions at the westernmost edge of the motherland

【5 days 3 nights, about 7800 RMB per person! Kashgar Guide: Heart of the Western Regions · Gateway through a millennium of exotic lands】

Day 1: Fly to **Kashgar Laining Airport** (direct flights available from Urumqi/Xi’an, round-trip tickets about 3600 RMB), check in at 【Kashgar Old Town Aiersta Homestay】 or 【Laining Hotel】 (breakfast included, 1400 RMB/night × 3 = 4200 RMB). Stroll in the evening through 【Kashgar Old Town】—maze-like alleys, colorful wooden windows, century-old teahouses, check in at the city opening ceremony and the night view of Upal Post Station.

Day 2: Immerse yourself in the old town all day. Visit 【Id Kah Mosque】 (exterior) + 【Fragrant Concubine Garden】 (entrance 30 RMB) to learn about Uyghur architecture and history. In the afternoon, wander through a 【century-old teahouse】 drinking brick tea, eating naan, watching elders play the rawap; browse the 【Central Asia International Trade Market】 for copperware, embroidered hats, dried fruits, carpets (bargaining possible). Must-try dinner: clay pot meat, hand-pulled rice, roasted pigeon, yogurt shaved ice.

Day 3: Charter a car to the “Father of Ice Mountains” 【Muztagh Ata】 + 【Karakul Lake】 (one-day off-road about 1200 RMB/car, can share), enjoy distant views of 【Kongur Peak】, photograph snow-capped mountains reflected on the Pamir Plateau, take photos with Kyrgyz herders. Stop en route at 【Gaizi Canyon】 + 【Oytak Red Mountain】 to experience geological wonders.

Day 4: Visit 【Shache Old Town】 (high-speed rail day trip about 100 RMB), explore the 【Amannisha Khan Memorial Mausoleum】 and 【Twelve Muqam Art Center】, listen to the living fossil of Silk Road music. Return to Kashgar in the evening, revisit the night market to stock up on: fig jam, almond candy, rose dew.

Day 5: Early morning hike the 【Panlong Ancient Trail】 (“Today I walked all the bends” photo spot), experience the thrill of 608 mountain bends. Depending on your flight, shop for souvenirs: small Hetian jade pieces (with certification), Idilais silk scarves, dried fruit gift boxes.

💰Budget breakdown:
Airfare 3600 + Transport and car rental 1500 + Accommodation 4200 + Food 800 + Tickets about 200 + Other reserves 300 ≈ **7800 RMB**

📌Tips:
- The old town alleys are complex; it’s recommended to hire a licensed guide (registered at the scenic area entrance);
- Respect religious customs, no photography inside mosques;
- Must-shoot spots: aerial shots of the old town, Karakul Lake reflections, Panlong Ancient Trail sign.

⚠️Warnings:
❌ Many “jade stone agents” in the market sell fakes, avoid impulsive purchases;
❌ High-altitude trips require caution, bring oxygen tanks to prevent altitude sickness.

Five days and three nights, step into Kashgar. This is not a copy of exotic lands, but a living fossil of the Silk Road where camel bells still ring and songs and dances never cease. Come here, listen to the qin in a century-old teahouse, gaze at the stars in the Pamirs—at the westernmost edge of the motherland, open a door to the Western Regions.