XINJIANG
Xinjiang is China’s vast, geographically diverse western frontier, a crossroads of Central and East Asia. It is a legendary land of towering Tian Shan mountains, sweeping deserts, and the ancient Silk Road trade route.
This region boasts an immense cultural tapestry, home to the Uyghur people and a dozen other ethnic groups. It’s a journey into history, vibrant bazaars, unique cuisine, and breathtaking natural wonders.
Most Popular Attractions
Kashgar City Core:
Kashgar Old Town (Kashgar Konasheher): A labyrinthine network of clay and timber houses, narrow alleyways, and vibrant living culture, central to Uyghur life.
Id Kah Mosque: China’s largest mosque, a central place of worship and a stunning example of traditional Central Asian Islamic architecture.
Afaq Khoja Mausoleum (Abakh Hoja Mazar): A beautiful 17th-century tomb complex and shrine, famous for its colorful tiled dome and connection to the Fragrant Concubine legend.
Grand Bazaar (Sunday Market): One of Asia’s largest and most famous outdoor markets, where trade has flourished for centuries, selling everything from spices to livestock.
People’s Square: The central square of Kashgar, home to a massive statue of Mao Zedong, providing a contrast to the surrounding Old Town.
Ancient City Wall Ruins: Remnants of the old fortress walls, offering glimpses into the city’s defensive past and strategic importance.
Dongba Street (Craftsman Street): A designated area in the Old Town where traditional artisans work, including coppersmiths, carpenters, and musicians.
Old City Observation Deck: A spot offering panoramic views over the rebuilt and preserved sections of the historic Old Town.
Kashgar Province – Natural & Highway Attractions:
Karakoram Highway (KKH): The legendary high-altitude road that connects China and Pakistan, offering one of the world’s most dramatic mountain drives.
Karakul Lake: A stunning, high-altitude lake surrounded by the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Pamir Mountains, including Muztagh Ata.
Muztagh Ata (Father of Ice Mountains): A magnificent 7,546-meter peak, often reflected in Karakul Lake, a popular destination for climbers and trekkers.
Kongur Tagh: The highest peak of the Kunlun Mountains, dominating the Pamir landscape near Karakul Lake.
Tashkurgan Stone Fortress: The ruins of a centuries-old fortress in the town of Tashkurgan, strategically located on the KKH and a historical Silk Road stop.
Tashkurgan Grassland: A vast, scenic pasture near the town of Tashkurgan, home to Tajik herders.
Oytag Glacier Park: A scenic spot known for its glacier, mountain valleys, and forests near the city of Kashgar.
White Sand Lake (Bai Sha Hu): A unique turquoise lake surrounded by pristine white sand dunes against a backdrop of mountains.
Gezi Valley: A stunning gorge on the way to the Pamir Plateau, known for its colorful rock formations and dramatic scenery.
Shache (Yarkant) Old Town: A historic oasis town, once an independent kingdom, with significant Silk Road history and a cultural heritage distinct from Kashgar.
Yengisar Knife Street: A town famous across Xinjiang for the production of finely crafted Uyghur knives.
Golden Grassland (Jin Cao Tan): A beautiful wetland meadow near Tashkurgan, particularly scenic during the summer months.
Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County: The region surrounding Tashkurgan, famous for its unique Tajik culture, language, and traditional hospitality.
Activities & Experiences
Wander the Ancient Kashgar Old City: Get lost in the maze of narrow, winding alleys of the best-preserved traditional Uyghur residential area, admiring the mud-brick architecture and absorbing the Silk Road atmosphere.
Visit the Id Kah Mosque: Explore the largest mosque in China and one of the holiest sites for Muslims in Xinjiang, known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant courtyard.
Experience the Sunday Livestock Market: Witness a centuries-old tradition at the massive, bustling market where farmers and traders from all over the region come to buy and sell livestock.
Drive the Karakoram Highway (KKH): Take a breathtaking journey south of Kashgar along the famous highway, passing dramatic peaks of the Pamir Mountains to places like Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan.
Explore the Grand Bazaar (East Bazaar): Immerse yourself in the scent and bustle of the largest market in Central Asia, shopping for everything from spices and silk to dried fruits and traditional musical instruments.
Take a Uyghur Instrument Making Workshop: Visit a local artisan in the Old City and learn about the craft of making traditional instruments like the Dutar or Rawap.
Hike at Karakul Lake: Spend a day by this high-altitude lake, with stunning reflections of the surrounding “Father of Ice Mountains,” Muztagh Ata, and experience the nomadic life of local Kyrgyz people.
Sample Street Food in the Night Market: Indulge in local Uyghur cuisine, especially at the lively night markets, trying specialities like Laghman (pulled noodles), Polo (pilaf), and roasted Kebab (skewers).
Tour the Abakh Hoja Tomb (Apak Hoja Mausoleum): Visit this significant Islamic shrine outside the city, a beautiful example of 17th-century Uyghur architecture and the burial site of a revered ruling family.
Learn a Uyghur Dance: Ask a local, especially in the Old City’s central square or during a cultural performance, to teach you the basic steps of the region’s expressive, rhythmic folk dance.
Visit a Local Uyghur Home: Seek out an opportunity to be invited into a traditional home to share tea and bread (Naan), experiencing the renowned hospitality of the Uyghur people.
Local Tips & Transport
Air and Train are Key for Distances: Kashgar Airport (KHG) is the main gateway to Southern Xinjiang. Due to the enormous distances, flying or taking a train (including high-speed rail from Urumqi) is the most time-efficient way to arrive.
Walking in the Old City: The labyrinthine streets of the Old City are strictly pedestrian, making walking the essential way to explore. Allow plenty of time to get pleasantly lost.
Taxis and Local Buses: Taxis are available for longer distances within the city and to attractions like the Grand Bazaar. A local bus system is present, but for foreigners, taxis or ride-share apps are often simpler.
Chartering a Vehicle: For visiting remote natural attractions like Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan along the Karakoram Highway, chartering a car with a driver/guide is highly recommended due to the vast distances, security checkpoints, and the need for special permits (which the driver/agency will usually help arrange).
Security Checkpoints: Be prepared for frequent security checks on all main roads and at the entrances of major attractions, including the airport and train station. Always carry your passport with you.
Bazaar Days and Timing: The Sunday Livestock Market is a weekly event, and the Grand Bazaar (a permanent structure) is most lively on Sundays. Plan your visit to Kashgar to include a Sunday for the most vibrant cultural experience.
Respecting Islamic Customs: As the Uyghur population is predominantly Muslim, be respectful of local customs. Remove your shoes before entering a private home or a mosque. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
The Cuisine: Uyghur food is a fusion of Central Asian and Chinese influences. Don’t leave without trying the savory Laghman (hand-pulled noodles), and the various types of Naan bread. The fruits, especially the melons and grapes, are famously sweet.
Photo Etiquette: Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially children, vendors, or religious figures. A friendly gesture or a purchase often helps break the ice.
Altitude and Climate: Kashgar sits at around 1,300m (4,265 ft), but trips to the Karakoram Highway, especially to Karakul Lake, involve significant altitude (around 3,600m/11,800 ft). Be prepared for strong UV rays and a large temperature difference between day and night, even in summer.
Hidden Gems (Kashgar):
- Gaotai Ancient Homes: A unique, precarious section of the Old City that used to showcase some of the oldest Uyghur architecture, clinging to a high earth cliff. While access may be restricted due to restoration, seek views of this unique area.
- The Old City’s “Un-Commercialized” Alleys: While the main tourist street is beautifully restored, venture down quieter side alleys to see daily life: local barbers, children playing, and women making bread in traditional ovens.
- Local Tea Houses: Find a traditional Uyghur Chai Khana (tea house) and simply sit, sip a cup of tea, and watch the world go by, often to the accompaniment of live, traditional music.
Top Restaurants
Hui Yan Lou (回宴楼) [$10-$20] – A local favorite near the Grand Bazaar, renowned for serving some of the best, most authentic, and satisfying hand-pulled Laghman noodles in the city.
KDR Pilaf (KDR抓饭) [$5-$10] – A highly-rated spot specifically for its Polo (Pilaf or Zhua Fan), a fragrant rice dish cooked with lamb, carrots, and onions, often hailed as one of the best light bites in Urumqi.
Hotan Rose Polo (和田玫瑰抓饭) [$5-$10] – Highly praised by locals for its fresh, distinct-grained Polo, with various options including lamb leg and minced meat, plus good quality barbecue.
Loulan Barbecue (楼兰烤肉) [$14-$25] – One of Urumqi’s must-visit barbeque restaurants, famous for its grilled meats, especially lamb, over charcoal and traditional spices.
Ablajan Nanliri (阿布拉江馕店) [$1-$5] – A very famous local bakery known for its wide variety of traditional naan bread, including sesame naan and rose naan, as well as baked buns.
Happy Baked Bun (幸福烤包子) [$12-$20] – A popular spot known for its Samsa (baked buns) and other traditional Xinjiang cuisine items, offering an excellent, authentic taste of local food.
Xiaogazi (小尕子) [$13-$25] – A well-known Xinjiang restaurant chain with local characteristics, offering a comprehensive menu of authentic dishes in an elegant, ethnic-themed environment.
Shi Liu Hong Le (石榴红了) [$12-$25] – A popular and authentic Xinjiang-style restaurant chain in Urumqi, recommended for its good dining environment and authentic, well-prepared local dishes.
wu wu zi yang gao rou zhuan mai dian (新民路美食街店) [$10-$20] – A highly-regarded local spot specializing in lamb, offering authentic and popular Xinjiang meat dishes.
Nawa Xinjiang Music Restaurant (纳瓦新疆音乐餐厅) [$20-$35] – Known for its beautiful, authentic environment and live folk music and dance performances, providing a full cultural and culinary experience.
TERRITORY YARD NINE (疆院九号) [$16-$30] – A local favorite that serves authentic Xinjiang cuisine in an environment rich with ethnic characteristics, making it great for photos and gatherings.
Akasiya Tea House (阿卡西亚茶馆) [$8-$18] – A traditional Uyghur establishment in Kashgar (often frequented by Urumqi residents and visitors), noted for its aromatic tea, beautiful ethnic decor, and light local snacks.
GuoJi Da BaZha Restaurant (国际大巴扎餐厅) [$15-$25] – Located inside the Grand Bazaar, this restaurant is a very convenient option for a quality, communal halal meal, especially famous for its Dapanji.
YING XING TIAN SHAN (印象天山) [$12-$25] – A restaurant with a focus on authentic, storied Xinjiang cuisine and a very good environment, offering all kinds of special foods.
Barut Dining 6+1 Music Bar (巴特餐饮6加1音乐餐吧) [$11-$20] – A highly-rated Xinjiang restaurant that blends local cuisine with a music bar atmosphere, popular for its authentic flavors and good environment.
Nan Kordaq (馕坑肉) (Street Stalls/Specific Shops) [$5-$15] – A must-try street food and staple dish of tender lamb baked inside a nan oven, which can be found at many authentic street vendors and small shops.
May First Night Market (五一夜市) (Food Stalls) [$5-$15] – Not a single restaurant, but a famous night market offering the best of Xinjiang street food, including the highly popular Yang Fan Kebabs and other local snacks.
Silk Road Flavors Food Street (丝路风情美食街) (Food Stalls) [$5-$15] – A vibrant food street brimming with Xinjiang flair, offering lamb kebabs, samsa, freshly baked nan, and other iconic delicacies in an exotic atmosphere.
Silk Road’s Promise (丝路有约) [$15-$25] – Offers an improved, famous local dish of Xinjiang cuisine in a well-decorated restaurant, often requiring a wait in line due to its popularity.
G-PLACE Gastropub [$24-$45] – Offers innovative cuisine with a Western flavor in a very good environment, making it a suitable spot for those seeking a modern or fusion dining experience.
Contemplating Western Region (西域娜依·玲珑) [$25-$40] – Known for its very elaborate and exquisite flavors in each dish, combining a great atmosphere with local appreciation for its culinary quality.
The Xinjiang Restaurant (鸟鲁木齐洛克维尔餐厅) [$30-$50] – A prestigious restaurant that offers a high-quality welcome dinner experience with signature dishes like steamed grouper fish, lamb skewers, and Xinjiang duck soup.
Impression Tianshan and Story (印象天山) [$20-$35] – Features authentic and delicious Xinjiang cuisine with a strong emphasis on the region’s cultural story and a great environment.