Kashgar is located in the southwest of Xinjiang. Owing to its special geography position, rich nature resource, distinguished cultures of western regions and honest folk traditions, it earns the fame of “a pearl in silk road”. Kashgar once was a splended city in history which made an important contribution in the exchanges of east and west cultures. It was praised as living fossile of Xijiang history and now is the miniature of Xijiang as a place rich in Xinjiang characteristics and Uygur characteristics. Simply speaking, you have not been really to Xijiang without visiting Kashgar city. The sights in Kashgar are exotic and unique. Pamirs plateau known as the roof of the world, the winding Yarkand River, the second highest peak in the world – Mt. Godwin Austen and the “the sea of Death “-Taklimakan desert. Those natural sceneries scattered in Kashgar which made this region beautiful and charming.
There are three flights from Kashgar to Urumqi. There is also regular train and several buses to Urumchi at cheaper offering.
Major attractions :
Id Kah Mosque
The Id Kah Mosque, built in 1442, lies in the west of Id kah square in Kashgar and covers an area of 25.22mu, a unit of area (=0.0667 hectares). It is the biggest mosque in Xinjiang featured with ethnic characteristics and Islamic flavour. There are four parts in this Islamic ancient buildings involving the tower in the gate of Mosque, courtyard, the Scripture Hall and the prayer hall. Among them, the tower in the gate of Mosque is most famous and has been consider as the symbol of the ancient part of Kashgar city. This Mosque is not only place for religious activities but also a key college to spread Islamic culture and cultivate the talents in Islamic area.
Abakh Khoja Tomb(Xiangfei Tomb)
Lying in a villiage five kilometers (3.1 miles) northeast of Kashgar, the Tomb was bulit in 1640 and is still the most famous tomb in Xinjiang not only in seize but its influence. A folklore describes that Xianggei, one of concubines of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was buried here. Hence it is called Xiangfei Tomb and noted as this name. The whole cemetery occupies 72mu,a unit of area (=0.0667 hectares). It can be divided into several parts and the main part is its main grave with the biggest dome. It is a wonderful work in the Islamic architecture.
Karakul Lake
Located in the foot of the Muztag Ata Mountain which is reputed to be “the father of glaciers. Karakul Lake is a plateau lake above 3600 meters. Encircled by mountains, the reflected sight of snow-caped mountains in clear water, the whole sight just like a beautiful picture and has the specially charm to attract others.
Pantuo Castle
pantuo Castle, also called YiSiKe sa town, is lying in the south western part of Kashgar. At first, it was the castle of Shule country, a country in the ancient china. then, during Han dynasty, it was reconstructed as residence of Banchao who was an officer of Han dynasty to manage the west regions at that time. While now, it was rebuilt again as a park to commemorate Banchao. In the park, there are city walls, beacon towers and the relief walls.
Sunday Bazaar Sunday Bazaar is located in Kashgar City Dongmen, the biggest international trade of our country Northwest Territories marketplace. Kashgar City is an acient northern route of Silk Road, a leading historical and cultural city , it is also a commodity distributing centre, Company of travelling merchants who proceeded from Xi’an in that very year. With the history of more than two thousand years , the marketplace is set up having more than 5,000 stall, where almost ten thousand kind commodity were sold there. The Bazaar is a ideal place to buy some exotic and ethnic goods and at the same time experience real daily life of local uyghur residents.