Things to do in Kashgar Prefecture

The Ancient City of Kashi is probably the main attraction in the city of Kashgar, one of the most illustrious destinations along the Silk Route. By way of preservation of traditional art forms, cuisines and crafts, fashion and architecture, the ancient city offers a look into the past of this part of the region. Many travelers would consider this spot a must-visit, as an important historical site where there are a number of world intangible cultural heritage projects involving many crafts from the city's history, such as Uyghur pottery and clay-molding, and medicinal food therapy. More than just a scenic area, this ancient city is a combination of older and newer elements, and has many interesting experiences in store for visitors.

There was a staff member inside who offered free explanations every now and then. For those unfamiliar with the area, the explanations of the rugs on the walls were what truly conveyed the maker's heartfelt intentions and blessings. However, there were too many people attending prayer, and in the end, it was too hot to explore much.

Arriving at the Pamir Plateau, one truly witnesses the magnificent grandeur of western China's landscape. Starting from Kashgar and traveling along the Karakoram Highway, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and deserts unfold before your eyes in breathtaking scenery—a must-do route in southern Xinjiang. Along the way, you'll stop at White Sand Lake and Karakol Lake, facing Muztagh Ata Peak directly. The pristine snow-capped mountains reflected in the azure lakes create stunning photographs. The winding Panlong Ancient Road offers a unique and immersive experience. Along the way, you can also experience the unique culture and customs of the Tajik people—their simple and honest nature, the vast and tranquil plateau, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, a truly healing experience. This is a border region, so a border permit must be obtained in advance; without it, you will not be able to pass. The overall altitude is very high, mostly above 3000 meters, making altitude sickness a common concern. Slow down your movements and bring oxygen cylinders and glucose. The temperature difference between day and night is significant; even in summer, a thick coat and windproof jacket are essential. The ultraviolet radiation is extremely strong, so sun protection and sunglasses are a must. The scenic areas are far apart and scattered, so driving or hiring a car is more suitable. Cell phone signal is weak in some sections, so downloading offline maps is recommended. The weather on the plateau is unpredictable; one moment it's sunny and clear, and the next it can be windy and snowy. There aren't many commercial facilities, so conditions are relatively basic; those seeking comfort and relaxation should expect that. Seeing the Pamir Plateau in person makes all the travel fatigue worthwhile. For those who love natural scenery, the Pamir Plateau is definitely worth a visit.

The overall environment of the scenic area is so-so, and it operates under a commercial model... Since the scenic area is quite large, older people are advised to take the sightseeing bus. Younger people with enough time can rent bicycles, but only a small portion of the space is worth seeing!

Panlong Ancient Road, located in Wacha Township, Tashkurgan County, Kashgar Prefecture, is a renowned scenic highway on the Pamir Plateau. The 36-kilometer-long road winds its way through the Kunlun Mountains, featuring over 600 S-shaped and U-shaped bends, resembling a giant dragon lying across the landscape, hence its name. The road's altitude rises from 3000 meters to 4216 meters, a drop of over 1200 meters. Built along the contours of the mountains, the road is tightly wound and intricate, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Looking around, vast valleys, rolling hills, and distant snow-capped peaks create a magnificent panorama of the plateau. Originally a rural path, the road was paved with asphalt in 2019, greatly facilitating travel for local villagers. The slogan at the exit, "Having traversed all the winding roads today, from now on, life will be smooth sailing," imbues the road with a beautiful meaning, making it a unique and memorable destination for countless self-driving travelers.

Free to visit and free parking. Although the collection is small, there are many fine works. The most amazing one is the silk brocade robe with embroidered silk edges from the Northern Song Dynasty, which is exquisitely made and well preserved. The Kunlun Pavilion next to it introduces the nature and culture of the Kunlun Mountains in detail, which is worth a visit.

After leaving Panlong Ancient Road, we headed back to Kashgar in the afternoon. We visited several scenic spots along the Wuhong Line and National Highway 314, including: Bandir Blue Lake, known as the "blue eyes" of the Pamir Plateau, Taheman Wetland (Figures 6 and 7), and the Red Mountain Canyon of Aoyitak Glacier Park.

The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway from Kashgar to Tashkurgan County and then to Khunjerab is very easy to drive and the scenery is so beautiful. Watch my video, there are two sections on the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. If you don't have high sickness when driving, just go up all the way. I went there in March, when the winter snow just started to melt, it was as if people and cars were driving in an oil painting... Come and experience it!

The Twelve Muqam performance in Shache Old Town is a must-see. There are two shows a day, and the price is quite reasonable, which is indeed in line with expectations. It mainly focuses on classical music, so don't have too high expectations for the song and dance.