To "not go to Kashgar is notgo to Xinjiang" this sentence is widely spread, not only its historical and cultural accumulation, but also unique geographical and ethnic customs support. Here are a few key reasons
1. Kashgar is the historical and cultural heart of Xinjiang
Silk Road is the Living fossil: Kashgar is an important town where the northern and southern lines of the ancient Silk Road meet, and has been a hub of trade and cultural exchanges between China and the West for more than 2,000 years. The streets of the old city, Id Kah Mosque, the tomb of Xiangfei and other relics carry a heavy historical memory.The origin of Uyghur culture: Kashgar is the main residence of Uyghur people, retaining the most original Uyghur language, music (such as twelve muqams), handicrafts (clay, bronze, carpets) and folk customs. Here, you can feel the strongest ethnic customs of Xinjiang
2. The ultimate "exotic" experience
The maze of Kashgar Old Town: The high terrace houses and the earthen buildings and winding alleys of Kashgar Old Town seem to travel back to the Middle Ages. The scene of Nang shop and children playing in the corner is full of life.
Asia's largest Bazaar: Kashgar's Grand Bazaar (Central and West Asia International Trade Market) is the last bustling bazaar on the Silk Road, with dried fruits, spices, silk and Musical Instruments, which can be called the "Museum of the Western regions".
3. Uniqueness of geography and natural landscape
Gateway to the Pamir Plateau: Kashgar is close to the Pamir Plateau, leading to the beginning of Muztagh Peak, Lake Karakuri and Khunjrab crossing. The magnificent snow-capped mountains, lakes and Tajik customs constitute the visual shock of "the most Xinjiang".
The symble of desert and oasis: with the Taklimakan Desert to the east and Pamir to the west, the oasis of Kashgar is a typical contrast between vitality and desolation.
4.A gathering place for Xinjiang cuisine
Kashgar is on the tips of tongue: Baked buns (Samosa), boiled lamb, pilaf, pomegranate juice... Kashgar's cuisine is more traditional, and the fireworks of night markets, such as Khan's Bazar, make people linger.
5. The symbolic meaning of "frontier sense"
China's western most city: Kashgar is the city with the latest sunset in China, and the sense of time difference, language differences (Uyghur signs on the street), and border trade (bordering Pakistan and Tajikistan) strengthen the psychological identity of "only when you reach Kashgar can you truly touch the soul of Xinjiang".
Kashgar is like a key that unlocks Xinjiang's historical depth, cultural diversity and geographical wonders. If you only visit the natural scenery of northern Xinjiang, you will indeed miss the soul of the other half of Xinjiang - this is the meaning of this sentence.
