Only after visiting Khiva did I realize that "a bag of gold at a glance" is not a clickbait title.

Most people arrive in this small, earthy city by overnight train. Khiva is small and can be fully explored in four or five hours. After arriving at noon, don't rush into the ancient city. Instead, head to your hotel for a shower and tea before slowly strolling inside.

Long ago, a traveler dying of thirst in the desert prayed, "If I could only see the sweet water of Khiva's well, I would give a bag of gold!" Legend has it that Khiva's name originated from this, meaning "good water." The ancient well, called Kheyvak, still stands near the city's west gate.

Entrance Fee: 250,000 som (valid for two days). You can explore Khiva freely without a ticket. However, I recommend purchasing a ticket, as the highly noteworthy Stone Palace is only accessible with a ticket. The Juma Mosque is currently undergoing renovations, but a portion is free. If you're just planning to stroll around and take photos, it's fine to skip the ticket.

The pass does not include the following attractions 👇
Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum: 30,000 som, a blue-domed shrine, tranquil and majestic.
Islam-Khodja Minaret: 100,000 som, offering the best panoramic views of the city from the summit.

🍽＞
Restaurant Recommendations: Both restaurants are highly recommended 👇
1️⃣Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant: The terrace is perfect for watching the sunset, and reservations are recommended a day in advance.
2️⃣Khiva Moon: My personal favorite, a great place for lunch. Eating on a couch in the courtyard, accompanied by Uzbek folk music, was the most relaxing moment of my trip.

Because the restoration of Khiva was carried out by a Chinese team,
the layout is somewhat similar to Pingyao Ancient City,
and there are more street vendors than in other places.
However, Khiva has been a trading hub along the Silk Road since ancient times.
Those street vendors and souvenir shops
are the true soul of the city. It's this vibrant atmosphere that makes Khiva more than just a protected monument, but a city that lives on.

📍＞
My top recommended check-in spots:
⭐Tosh-Hovli Palace (Stone Palace): A dreamlike palace of blue and white tiles, a paradise for detail-conscious travelers.
⭐Kalta Minor: The unfinished blue minaret is a symbol of Khiva.
⭐Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum: Tranquil and solemn, its ornate dome will soothe your cervical spine.
⭐Juma Mosque: Under renovation, the light and shadows between its wooden pillars remain captivating.
⭐City Walls: Watch a golden sunset and captivate this journey through time.

Other attractions are left for you to discover.
Khiva isn't large, so exploring it isn't about how fast you walk, but about your ability to understand its breath.
As you walk, you'll encounter stories about yourself and Khiva.

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