Explore Kashgar City
Activities: Visit Grand mosque, Apak Hoja tomb (which is also called Fragrant Concubine Tomb), Old city walking tours, livestock market and handcrafts street
Explore the rich, endless culture in Kashgar. First visit livestock market which happens on every Sunday and people bring their horses, sheep, goats, camels, cows, bulls, yaks and donkeys to the market for sale. It provides a great opportunity to take photos of the faces of local people, study traditional local market culture, test-drive a donkey or horse or even make its shoes. Like opening a window, today is a real glimpse into a time lost in the annals of the Silk Road’s past and an opportunity not to be missed.
Next to this market, there’s a bustling bazaar. Rows of local – style restaurants line the area. You can see all sorts of special local foods everywhere. There’s delicious roast meat, different kinds of kebabs, chewy hand – pulled noodles, and lots of fresh fruits. The restaurant workers are shouting to get more customers, and it makes the place feel even more alive.
When we finish lunch, a journey of exploration deep into the historical and cultural deposits quietly begins. The destination is the Id Kah Mosque and the Apak Hoja Tomb, two renowned sacred places that carry the history and beliefs of Kashgar for hundreds of years.
As the largest mosque in China, Idkah mosque is not only a religious place but also an important symbol of Kashgar’s culture, witnessing numerous religious ceremonies, cultural inheritances, and the spiritual sustenance of the people
Leaving the Id Kah Mosque, we head to the equally remarkable Apak Hoja Tomb. This cemetery, known as the “Tomb of Fragrant Concubine”. The legendary Fragrant Concubine, that beautiful and mysterious woman, adds a touch of romance and legend to this cemetery
Later, we’ll also take a stroll through the Kashgar Old City area. Boasting a history of over 2,000 years, it offers you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the ancient world. Here, You can explore the local bazaars, filled with the rich aroma of spices, the vibrant colors of handicrafts, and the friendly chatter of the locals.
Atmosphere in the Old City Stop at a century-old tea house for a short break and taste local medicinal teas such as those containing rose, saffron, honey and many other ingredients.
Afterwards, we will amble along Ostangboyi Handicraft Street, where you can appreciate the exquisitely hand-made musical instruments, uniquely designed teapots and all kinds of handicrafts passed down from generation to generation, and feel the profound cultural connotations and the inheritance of exquisite craftsmanship they contain.
In the evening, take a stroll around Kashgar’s famous Ham Bazar night market. There, you can sample all kinds of local street foods. It’s a great way to soak up the lively atmosphere and enjoy the unique tastes of the city.