Kashgar       Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region


Kashgar is situated in the southwest of Xinjiang. From the west, Kashgar is the first point
of arrival on land routes from Pakistan and Kirgyzistan.

Kashgar, one of the China’s Cultural and Historic Cities and the first great city in
southern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is the center for the distribution of farm and
animal products. An important town leading to the Silk Road, it was under the jurisdiction
of the central government from the Han to the Qing Dynasties.

Kashgar still manages to meet most visitors expectations, despite modernization and
architectural decline. The most striking thing about Kashgar is the Turkestan influence
visible on the streets and in the homes here. This place feels, looks and even smells
dramatically different from the rest of China, more so than any other city in Xinjiang. And this is no great surprise really, considering that
90% of the population are practicing Muslims and Uigur bazaars, tea houses and faces dominate the streets. What's more, this is the
only city in Central Asia where the women choose to veil their faces. The old streets, restaurants and markets here are great for
exploring.

Places of historical interest include the Aitinier Mosque and the tomb of Abakehezhuo. Kashgar is mainly inhabited by the Uygurs. Its
streets, houses, music, dance and handicrafts are distinctively West Asian.