Kashgar also called Kashi gives an insight into the rich culture of western China. This city has connections with Central Asia as well as the Silk Road and is situated at the border of countries like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Pakistan. All these factors coupled with the presence of different cultures including Chinese, Uyghur, and Muslim cultures have made Kashgar a unique place.
One of the first landmarks visitors see is the Id Kah mosque which is one of the biggest mosques in China. Built in 1442, the mosque is located in the heart of Kashgar’s old city. Visitors are not allowed to enter the mosque during prayer time and they must stay within the designated areas.
Another major tourist attraction of Kashgar is its old town. The narrow streets, old buildings, and traditional markets give a sense that this town is different from modern cities of China. Kashgar has always been an important point in the Silk Road.
Food happens to be another compelling reason to visit Xinjiang. In the local marketplace, one can find everything ranging from traditional naan bread to grilled meat and freshly made pomegranate juice. An interesting dish worth trying in the region is samsa, which is a tasty pastry filled with meat and onion that is traditionally baked in a clay oven.
When it comes to street food, another option is Xinjiang-style kebabs and shawarma. The ingredients can include chicken, vegetables, French fries, and sauces donned in yellowish bread that makes this dish so different from others.
From Tourist Streets to Local Neighborhoods
Once you move beyond the historic town center, the appearance of Kashgar changes dramatically. Residential areas with apartment buildings, small shops, street vendors, both indoor and outdoor markets, and common businesses such as barbershops.
A trip to a local barber can add something personal to one’s traveling. Services offered by barber shops in Kashgar do not cost much, and conversations with the locals allow seeing how ordinary life flows far away from major tourist attractions.
Safety and Security in Xinjiang
Security as an element of Kashgar is present in many square and other public places, where you can find police and military forces. Besides, there are many surveillance cameras installed in the city, thus providing an insight into the security environment of Xinjiang, which is politically sensitive and widely discussed by mass media.
For tourists, impressions may differ from the reports. However, even a short tour cannot reflect the overall situation of political and social aspects of Xinjiang. Hence, tourists should understand the difference between personal experiences and other claims about the region.
Kashgar Is Worth Visiting
Kashgar is unique in the sense that it is a mix of different cultures. On the one hand, you can find ancient architecture that dates back to the Silk Road times and modern Chinese infrastructure. On the other hand, ideas of the Uyghur culture can still be found in food, markets, voices, and everyday life of people.
