2026 Shule Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

【Introduction】 Highlight 1【Three Sacred Plateau Lakes】Karakul Lake / Baisha Lake / Bandier Blue Lake Highlight 2【Road Trip】Panlong Ancient Road / China-Pakistan Friendship Highway / Wakhan Corridor / Tree Hole Road Highlight 3【Love of Two Rivers】Gaizi River / Tashkurgan River Highlight 4【Devil’s Eye】Muji Volcano Highlight 5【Cloud Gate】Hongqilafu Border Gate 🛬【Itinerary】: D1: Warm Home - Kashgar D2: Kashgar - Process Border Pass - Drive past Oytak Red Mountain Valley - 【Baisha Lake】(South and North Banks) - Distant view of the Kunlun Three Heroes - 【Muji Volcano】 - Distant view of Eighteen Arhats Peak - 【Tahaman Wetland】 D3: Taxkorgan - 【Hongqilafu Border Gate】 - 【Panlong Ancient Road】 - 【Bandier Blue Lake】 【Wakhan Corridor】 - Taxkorgan D4: Taxkorgan - Tajik Family Visit - Tree Hole Road - 【Muztag Glacier Park】 - 【Karakul Lake】 - Kashgar D5: Kashgar - Shache - Check in at Tuan City - Hotan Night Market D6: Hotan 【Jade Lake】 - Desert Highway (Crossing the Taklamakan Desert) - Aral D7: Aral - 【Wensu Grand Canyon】 - Aksu D8: Aksu - Kashgar Old City - Kashgar D9: Kashgar - Transfer to Airport 🧡【Tips】: For details, please click the one-click consultation guide Hou Binbin at the bottom left

Green vines are the lifeblood of the Kashgar River 💚 This "mother river" nourishing southern Xinjiang is like a jade ribbon Winding between the Pamir Plateau and the Tarim Basin Red stripes are the breath of fiery Turpan ❤️🔥 Even at 42℃, you can still admire the majestic Flaming Mountains The shade of Grape Valley is the most beautiful touch in this "hottest place in China" Blue lines are the teardrops of Sayram Lake 💧 The name "the last tear of the Atlantic" is well deserved The lake is as blue as a gem, reflecting snow-capped mountains and clouds Golden petals are the stars of the Taklamakan Desert 🌟 Every grain of sand in China’s largest desert shines with golden light Riding a camel to watch the sunset is a must-have life experience ???? ?? ?? - ???????? ?? ???, ???? ?? (The original Uyghur poem’s artistic beauty is preserved here)

Accommodation throughout the trip | Kashgar Old City Wanfei International Hotel 🏨 Recommended because: Excellent location, right next to Kashgar Old City, a 10-minute taxi ride to the East Gate of the Old City, saving you time and effort when exploring the Old City, enjoying local cuisine, or keeping up with your itinerary. The hotel has complete facilities and offers a sumptuous Xinjiang-style buffet breakfast, perfect for early mornings at high altitudes. The rooms feature smart home technology, separate wet and dry bathrooms, and comfortable bedding, allowing you to rest well after a long day. Newly opened hotel with a simple yet luxurious decor, and a clean and tidy overall feel. Essential items to bring: ID card, Tashkurgan border pass (free self-service processing), sunscreen and moisturizing kit, light jacket (large temperature difference between day and night) 🧥 Day 1 Arrival in Kashgar | First Experience of the Old City's Vibrant Atmosphere 🔥 After landing, check into the hotel and rest. In the afternoon, explore Kashgar Old City. Witness the free opening ceremony at the East Gate at 6 PM and watch a vibrant Uyghur song and dance performance 💃. Stroll through the Flowerpot Bazaar and the popular Thousand-Window Alley, capturing stunning photos of the Western Regions. In the evening, stroll through the Khan Bazaar food street, trying roasted buns, red willow roasted meat, yogurt rice dumplings, and freshly squeezed pomegranate juice 🍜. At night, wander through Rainbow Alley and a century-old teahouse, order a pot of rose milk tea, and experience the slow-paced nightlife of southern Xinjiang. Day 2: Cultural Tour | Ancient Architecture and Local Customs 🏛️ After breakfast at the hotel, depart to visit Xiangfei Garden, taking photos of the blue and white Islamic-style architecture and flower fields, and watching folk song and dance performances 📸. In the afternoon, head to the largest mosque in Xinjiang, the Id Kah Mosque, to immerse yourself in the solemn religious culture of the Western Regions (neat attire is required, shoulders and knees should not be exposed). Afterwards, explore the ancient Gaotai dwellings, visiting original loess villages and handmade pottery workshops. In the evening, stroll through the Kashgar Grand Bazaar, purchasing dried fruits, scarves, and other souvenirs, and learn about local live sheep trading information in advance. Day 3: Pamir Plateau | Healing Journey Through Snow-capped Mountains and Lakes 🏔️ A full-day chartered car to and from the Pamir Plateau, no need for accommodation at high altitudes, return to the city hotel for rest. Stop at popular tourist spots along the way: White Sand Lake with its milky white sand dunes and azure waters, and Karakol Lake facing Muztagh Ata Peak. Snow-capped mountains, meadows, and highways create a stunning atmosphere, offering breathtaking natural scenery throughout. 🌿 It's recommended to bring your own light meals. Return to Kashgar in the evening to rest and recover from the fatigue of the high-altitude journey. Day 4: Leisurely Wandering and Closing Down | Shopping and Return Trip + Sheep Shopping Guide (Core 🐑) Wake up naturally and enjoy breakfast. Explore the old city's cultural and creative streets and the wooden bazaar, taking photos of unique cultural and creative products. The focus is on purchasing sheep. Enjoy a final meal of southern Xinjiang cuisine in the afternoon before checking out and heading home. ✅ Kashgar Sheep Purchasing Guide & Avoiding Scams 1. Legitimate Channels: First choice is the Saturday live animal bazaar in the suburbs, where merchants are compliant and can be verified on-site; second choice is sheep raised by herders in the suburbs of Shufu County and Shule County. Avoid unlicensed vendors selling sheep in the old city. 2. Lamb Selection Tips: Choose lambs weaned at 2-3 months old. Select healthy lambs with bright eyes, smooth coats, steady movements, and normal eating habits. Avoid sick lambs that are lethargic or have abnormal physical characteristics. Recommended breeds are Dolan and Maigaiti sheep, which are docile and have excellent meat quality. 3. Market Price Reference: Ordinary lambs cost 600-1000 yuan, premium breed lambs cost 1000-1800 yuan. Prices are negotiable, and buying in bulk is more cost-effective. 4. Important Compliance & Avoiding Pitfalls: You must request animal quarantine certificates and vaccination records! Live sheep are strictly prohibited from being transported by plane or high-speed rail. Cross-city transport is only permitted by compliant freight trucks. Most urban residential areas prohibit raising sheep; be sure to confirm the location of the sheep farm before purchasing. 💡 Tips for Avoiding Pitfalls on Lesser-Known Sites: 1. The ancient city is free to enter; there's no need to blindly buy package tickets. 2. Strenuous exercise is prohibited at high altitudes; ensure adequate hydration and sun protection. 3. Obtain prior consent before photographing local residents. 4. Hotel parking is free; chartering a car offers excellent value. Kashgar Old City Wanfei International Hotel

Traveling the Silk Road in the Western Regions, you definitely need to visit Xinjiang and see it for yourself. As an important city on the ancient Silk Road in China, Kashgar in Xinjiang is a city well worth visiting. It offers rich ethnic customs, profound historical culture, and uniquely distinctive urban architecture. To experience Western Region culture, you can start by visiting Kashgar Museum. [Cute] Kashgar Regional Museum, located at No. 19 Tawuguzi Road, Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is a social science history museum. It’s a great place to get an initial understanding of Kashgar and Xinjiang’s history and culture. Permanent exhibitions: “Exquisite historical artifacts of the Silk Road” — This exhibition showcases outstanding artifacts from important sites along the Xinjiang section of the ancient Silk Road, from Hami and Turpan to Kashgar and Hotan. The display is divided into three sections: “Early Silk Road culture,” “Silk Road culture of the Han and Tang dynasties,” and “Silk Road culture of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.” [TeaDrinker] The first section mainly exhibits artifacts from the Paleolithic era dating back 10,000 years, various microliths from 6,000 years ago, bronze items from 3,000 years ago, and early iron age relics, all reflecting the early culture of the Xinjiang section of the ancient Silk Road. The second section mainly displays Buddhist relics, Kharosthi script fragments, Brahmi script fragments, various pottery, textiles, and other ancient daily items unearthed from regions where Buddhism flourished during the Han and Tang dynasties, such as Khotan (now Hotan), Shule (now Kashgar), Kucha (now Kuqa), and Huozhou (now Turpan). The third section mainly features precious artifacts closely related to Islamic culture from medieval Xinjiang, after the spread of Islam in Kashgar. The collection includes 267 items, such as a three-eared pottery jar from the Wei and Jin periods, a bronze cauldron dating back 2,800 years, and a silk embroidered men’s long robe from 1,000 years ago. [Yeah] Kashgar Museum is currently a national level 2 museum. Overall, it’s not very large and can be toured in about one to two hours.

Prime Location King Kashgar Licheng Ruixuan Hotel (Old Town Wanda Branch) Only a 10-minute taxi ride to Kashgar Old Town! Right next to Ban Chao City and Wanda Plaza, all your dining, shopping, and entertainment needs covered~ 🏨 Hotel Facilities Breakfast from 8:00 to 10:30, 15th-floor scenic restaurant, Xinjiang specialty breakfast, children eat free 🆓 Free parking, RV parking available, laundry room + gym (24h unlimited use) 🍜 Nearby Food Explosion · Xiyu Xiangyue (Main Store): Whole roasted lamb + pigeon soup · Ailizati Pilaf: Local old brand, so delicious you'll lick your plate · Hanbazha Night Market: Eat from start to finish, no repeats! 🏛️ Must-Visit Attractions (Taxi fares all within 10–15 RMB) ✅ Kashgar Old Town: Open 24h, 2100 years of history, maze-like adobe architecture complex ✅ Xiangfei Garden: 9:30-19:30, legendary site of Qianlong’s Fragrant Concubine ✅ Kashgar Museum: 10:00-19:00, over 5300 artifacts, must-see treasures 🏔️ Pamir Long Trips (Go if you have enough time!) · Baisha Lake: 2.5h self-drive, stunning blue and white sand dunes · Mustag Ata Glacier: 3.5h self-drive, over 4000m altitude glacier awe-inspiring 🛏️ Room Highlights 22–60㎡, from elegant king beds to family suites, with 270° panoramic windows! Smart toilets, branded amenities, air purifiers (in some rooms), comfortable stay guaranteed~ 📜 Final Note Kashgar was historically known as “Shule,” a crossroads of the northern and southern Silk Road routes. Stay here, just 10 minutes by car from a thousand years of history 🌙 Kashgar Licheng Ruixuan Hotel (Old Town Wanda Branch)

This city is the predecessor of today's Kashgar — the Han Dynasty Shule Kingdom Palace City ruins. Ban Chao was stationed here for 17 years, reopening the Silk Road that had been closed for 65 years. "If you do not enter the tiger's den, how can you catch the tiger cub?" — this famous saying came from him. Today, this piece of history unfolds right outside the window of the Kashgar Licheng Ruixuan Hotel. The hotel is just over one kilometer from the Pantuo City ruins, adjacent to the ancient city and Wanda Plaza. The lobby and restaurant display sand paintings personally created by a master artist — depicting the ancient city, poplar forests, and lively folk alleys vividly in sand. On the 15th floor, enjoy Xinjiang-style breakfast, Zen-inspired wooden rooms, and facilities including a gym, laundry room, and parking lot, all designed to enhance your travel comfort. 🗺️ A route to explore outside the ancient city: 🚗 Morning · Pantuo City — a secret spot many tourists don’t know about. Inside the Ban Chao Memorial Park stand 36 statues of warriors, with very few visitors. 🚗 Afternoon · Auyitak Red Valley — head south along the G314 China-Pakistan Friendship Highway. "Auyitak" means "depression among the mountains." The mountains are rich in iron oxide, showing various shades of red with bubble-like holes on the surface. Standing here feels like stepping on the surface of Mars. The whole trip is about 160 kilometers. 🌙 Return to the hotel at dusk, where the 270° panoramic window reveals the lights of Kashgar turning on. The Shule city from two thousand years ago is right outside your window tonight.

Kashgar Old Town is located in the center of Kashgar City, Xinjiang, historically known as Shule, with a history of over 2,100 years. It is a key junction where the northern and southern routes of the ancient Silk Road intersect, a place where diverse Eastern and Western civilizations blend. There is a saying: "You haven't truly been to Xinjiang if you haven't been to Kashgar, and you haven't truly been to Kashgar if you haven't visited the Old Town." It is a national 5A-level free open scenic area, a historic and cultural city of Xinjiang, and the largest and best-preserved earthen rammed earth residential complex in the world. Known as the "living ancient city," tens of thousands of indigenous Uyghur people have lived here for generations, coexisting with the historic sites. The Old Town is divided into east and west districts by Jiefang Road: the west district features quiet alleys, Rainbow Alley, Bag Alley, century-old teahouses, and the Id Kah Mosque, rich in Western Region charm; the east district is bustling with life, featuring the Han Bazaar food night market and numerous handicraft shops. Every day, there is a free city gate welcoming performance at the East Gate. The maze-like streets inside the city preserve carved wooden and earthen houses, traditional bazaars, and handicraft workshops, blending Uyghur customs, Silk Road commerce, and millennia of history. It is the core landmark to experience Western Region culture, taste local delicacies, and enjoy old town life.

🔥 Core Experiences ▪️ Northern Dynasties Three-Eared Embossed Pottery Jar | A treasure blending Central Asian, Persian, and Greek art | The jar is 57 cm tall, with three symmetrical handles evenly distributed on the shoulder. The handles are sculpted with "Hu figures" (foreigners) featuring deep-set eyes, high noses, and clear beards. The rim of the jar is decorated with banana leaf patterns, while the shoulder and belly are covered with scrolling grass and pearl patterns. Ten groups of human figures on the belly feature Zoroastrian elements, serving as a vivid testament to cultural integration. ▪️ Northern Song Dynasty Silk-Cotton Robe with Kesi (Tapestry Weave) Edges | "An inch of Kesi is worth an inch of gold" | Unearthed in Makit County, with blue silk as the outer fabric and yellow cotton as the lining. Kesi craftsmanship is extremely difficult to preserve, and very few pieces remain in China. This national first-class cultural relic testifies to Kashi's status as a hub between East and West. ▪️ Tang Dynasty Clay Buddha Head (Tathagata) | Only 14 cm tall, yet profoundly moving | Unearthed at the Tokuz Saray site in Bachu County, with a round face, lively eyes, vermilion lips, and a slight smile. The face uses mineral pigments unique to the Western Regions, the shading technique comes from the Central Plains, and the topknot retains characteristics of Gandharan art, demonstrating the depth of multi-civilizational integration. ▪️ Exhibition of Historical Relics of the Silk Road | A complete timeline from prehistory to the Ming and Qing Dynasties | Hundreds of artifacts from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Han and Tang Dynasties, and the Karakhanid Dynasty, unearthed across Xinjiang, are displayed, recreating the glorious history of the Silk Road. Among them, the Spring and Autumn Period bronze cauldron and the Western Zhou stone phallic pestle quietly narrate the commercial prosperity of the ancient Silk Road. ▪️ Shule Music and Silk Road Instruments | The cultural echoes of the Konghou and Suona | The uniquely shaped Konghou is elegant and refined, while the Suona adds a lively atmosphere with its distinctive sound. Shule music was one of the Nine-Part Music of the Sui Dynasty and the Ten-Part Music of the Tang Dynasty, carrying profound historical heritage. ▪️ Digitally Empowered Immersive Experience | Bringing cultural relics to life | Through digital projection, touch interaction, and other methods, visitors can closely appreciate the digital display of cultural relics. They can also virtually immerse themselves in the Mor Temple ruins and the Stone City ruins, experiencing the long-standing history of Chinese civilization. 🌟 What You'll Gain from Your Visit ✅ Understand Kashi's pivotal role as the ancient Kingdom of Shule and a crossroads of the Silk Road, interpreting the historical imprints of Shule's interactions with the Han Dynasty and Xuanzang's journey. ✅ Witness the complete integration and mutual learning of Eastern and Western civilizations on the Silk Road, from the "Hu figures" on the three-eared pottery jar to the Eastern craftsmanship of the Kesi cotton robe. ✅ In the "Kunlun Rhyme · Ancient Relics" exhibition hall, systematically learn about Kashi's historical evolution from the Paleolithic Age to the present day. ✅ Experience the exquisite craftsmanship of millennia-old cultural relics up close through digital interactive technology.

Pamir Plateau · Apricot Village Complete Guide 🌸 Flower Viewing Spots 1️⃣ West Extreme Direction Wuhe Shalu Township: A small number of apricot blossoms, trees are young, expected to bloom in early April. 2️⃣ Pamir Plateau Core Area (Highly Recommended) Kukosiluke Township Must-visit: Apricot Island, Congling Ancient House Tar Township (Apricot Blossom Peak) Densest old apricot trees, accompanied by the Blue River, blossoms cascade like a waterfall ✔ Happiness No. 5 Bridge: Popular check-in spot, recommended to visit early to avoid crowds ✔ Apricot Avenue, Alemalek Village: Crooked old apricot trees, large apricot groves ✔ Boge Re: Century-old apricot trees, massive blossoms, highly photogenic Apricot Island: Apricot blossoms + canyon + river in one frame, full of atmosphere Bage Aigezi Village: Apricot sheep pen, century-old houses, apricot mud houses Kuzu Village ✔ Famous "Love Tunnel" ✔ 5 km east: Apricot blossoms like clouds across the suspension bridge, original Tajik farmhouses Kuzu Checkpoint: 1 km south offers distant views of large apricot groves, but trees are small, not suitable for close-up shots Kurukelanggan Village: No old houses, average viewing value Datong Township: Smaller apricot trees, less scenic, but fewer people and peaceful 5–10 km before entering Datong Township: Apricot blossoms + farmland + canyon in one frame, great for photos 📅 Blooming Order (from early to late) Kurukelanggan Village < Tar First Blossom < Kuzu Village ≈ Datong Township < Tar Township < Kukosiluke Township < Aikejike Village < Qiruketon Village < Maryang Township 📸 Best Shooting Times Before 10:00 AM & after 6:00 PM daily Soft light, and you might encounter villagers herding sheep, perfect for apricot blossoms + pastoral humanistic shots. ⚠️ Important Notes Poor signal along the way, be sure to carry cash Tasha Ancient Road is in poor condition, with landslides in the later section, currently need to go via Yingjisha direction ❌ Not recommended for bicycles or novice drivers ✅ Recommended: Off-road vehicles / high-clearance SUVs Shache, Yecheng, Yingjisha, and Baren Township in Shule County also have a few apricot blossoms Panlong Ancient Road opens from March to April, depending on snow and ice melt Every year on March 21 is the Tajik New Year, with strong folk customs atmosphere 🗓 Expected Blooming Period in 2026 (Warm Winter Reference) Datong Township: March 20 First Bloom Tar Township: March 25 Full Bloom Kukosiluke Township: Late March Full Bloom Maryang Township: Early April Full Bloom This year’s warm winter, March 25–30 is the most stable blooming period, with slight variations depending on weather.

Glazed Dome Blue Floral Tiles The eternally beautiful soul in the coffin Protecting this pure land of the Western Regions📜 · Witness a grand wedding Anticipate a charming encounter💃 · Romance lingers in this ancient city Like the dazzling dome at sunset🏛️