Xinjiang Yecheng 5-Day Travel Guide

Yecheng, Xinjiang, is a place in Southern Xinjiang full of exotic charm and historical heritage. As the starting point of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway, it possesses a unique allure. With a budget of 5,000 RMB for a 5-day trip, this guide will help you experience the local culture without being overly extravagant.
✨ Trip Highlights

· Journey Through Millennia of History: Explore Xitiya Mystery City, known as the "Indestructible Cliff." This 11th-century ancient city ruin makes you feel as if you're in the ancient Western Regions, experiencing the glory and vicissitudes of the Silk Road.
· Check in at the Starting Point of the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway: Stand at the G219 Xinjiang-Tibet Highway Zero Kilometer landmark and experience the awe-inspiring beginning of the "Sky Road," an important passage connecting Xinjiang and Tibet, with significant geographical and cultural meaning.
· Diverse Cultural Experience: In Yecheng, a multi-ethnic settlement, you can simultaneously experience the unique customs, cuisine, and traditional culture of the Uyghur and Tajik ethnic groups, and immerse yourself in the most authentic local life of Southern Xinjiang.

📌 Basic Information

Best Travel Time: May-October (September has suitable weather, cloudy, around 20-33℃) Total Budget: 5,000 RMB (per person) Trip Duration: 5 days and 4 nights Accommodation Options: Economy hotels + characteristic guesthouses

🗓 Yecheng 5-Day Itinerary

```mermaid
flowchart TD
Trip[Yecheng 5-Day Itinerary]

subgraph Day1[Day 1: Arrive in Yecheng]
A1[Afternoon
Arrive in Yecheng
Check in] -->
A2[Evening
Yecheng Night Market
Taste local delicacies]
end

subgraph Day2[Day 2: Explore History and Culture]
B1[Morning
Xitiya Mystery City
Explore ancient city ruins] -->
B2[Afternoon
Yecheng County Museum
Learn about local history] -->
B3[Evening
Free time
Taste specialty foods]
end

subgraph Day3[Day 3: Experience Natural Scenery]
C1[Morning to Afternoon
Qipan Thousand Buddha Caves
Visit Buddhist relics] -->
C2[Evening
Jinhuyang National Forest Park
Enjoy the beauty of poplars]
end

subgraph Day4[Day 4: Visit Nearby Attractions]
D1[Morning
Shache Ancient City
Visit the old city cultural center] -->
D2[Afternoon
Shache Museum
Amanisha Khan Mausoleum] -->
D3[Evening
Return to Yecheng]
end

subgraph Day5[Day 5: Shopping and Departure]
E1[Morning
Purchase local specialties
Yecheng Walnuts, Yingjisha Samaiti Apricots] -->
E2[Afternoon
Depart]
```
💰 Budget Allocation

Expense Category Cost (RMB) Description
Transportation 1200 Round-trip transportation (choose plane or train depending on departure location), local taxi/chartered car fees
Accommodation 1000 4 nights accommodation (around 250 RMB per night, choose economy hotels like Delong Boutique Hotel)
Food 800 160 RMB per day (taste local specialty foods)
Admission Fees 200 Main attraction tickets (Xitiya Mystery City 28 RMB, Qipan Thousand Buddha Caves free, etc.)
Shopping 1500 Purchase local specialties and souvenirs (Yecheng Walnuts, Kashgar Sea Buckthorn, etc.)
Emergency Fund 300 Emergency reserve
Total 5000

🏨 Accommodation Recommendation

Recommended stay at Delong Boutique Hotel, Yecheng County (approx. 250 RMB/night):

· Pros: Convenient location (near G315 National Highway), free parking, smart room control system, zero-pressure mattress
· Address: No. 3-6-208, South Side of G315 National Highway, Yecheng County
· Surroundings: Close to gas stations, charging stations, night markets, and Shuicheng Park, making life convenient

🍢 Food Recommendation

Yecheng offers a rich variety of delicious foods. Here are some must-try specialties:

1. Yecheng Walnuts: A Chinese National Geographical Indication product, excellent quality, suitable as a local specialty to take home.
2. Yingjisha Samaiti Apricots: A specialty of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, with a long history and sweet taste.
3. Spicy Lamb Trotters: A Xinjiang-style snack, spicy and appealing in color, one of the most attractive local snacks.
4. Qiongqiong Rice: A Xinjiang specialty snack, a combination of rice and dishes, soft and flavorful, full of rustic charm.
5. Kashgar Sea Buckthorn: Rich in nutrients, containing a large amount of vitamins and amino acids, a healthy food choice.

💡 Practical Information

· Transportation:
· Yecheng does not have an airport. You can fly to Kashgar Airport first, then rent a car or take a bus to Yecheng (approx. 260 km away).
· Taxi starting fares in the county are low, and chartered car services are available for travel between attractions.
· Notes:
· Respect local ethnic minority customs. Dress appropriately in religious places like mosques.
· The sunlight in Xinjiang is strong; prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
· Carry your ID documents with you; some checkpoints require verification.
· Yecheng is located in a border area; please observe local epidemic prevention policies.
· Shopping Tips:
· You can buy local specialties like Yecheng Walnuts and Kashgar Sea Buckthorn.
· Ethnic handicrafts are also good souvenir choices.

🚨 Important Tips

1. There is a time difference between Xinjiang and inland China. Although Beijing time is used, daily routines are usually delayed by about 2 hours, and restaurant operating hours are also correspondingly later.
2. Remember to carry cash, as some small vendors and remote areas may not support electronic payments.
3. Yecheng's climate is dry; it is recommended to drink plenty of water and prepare moisturizer and lip balm to prevent dry skin.
4. If traveling to high-altitude areas like the Pamir Plateau, be aware of altitude sickness and prepare relevant medications in advance.

Hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Yecheng! This ancient city on the Silk Road boasts rich history, culture, and natural scenery, and we believe you will be captivated by its unique charm.