Kashgar's full name is Kashgar

Located in the southwest of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Touring Xinjiang is generally divided into northern Xinjiang and southern Xinjiang.

As the brightest pearl in southern Xinjiang

Kashgar is obviously not as popular as those from northern Xinjiang.

Firstly, there are fewer flights and the time and cost of getting here is really not low.

Secondly, there is a "legend" that southern Xinjiang is more dangerous.

Qingming Festival catches up with the apricot blossom season in Xinjiang

Most people choose to go to Yining in northern Xinjiang to see the apricot blossoms

Thinking of Beijiang, I will wait for the loop line later.

I chose to go to Taer Township to see the apricot blossoms.

I bought an Air China benefit card before

It's a direct flight back and forth, taking about 5 hours one way.

Other friends may choose to transfer via HNA to Urumqi

Or China Eastern Airlines transfers to Xi'an

It's really strenuous

Day1 Beijing-Kashgar Ancient City-Id Kah Mosque

Staying all night long, you can reserve a 5 a.m. drop-off at an additional price.

Departed at 6:55 and arrived in Kashgar after sleeping for five and a half hours.

In April, Kashgar no longer needs to do nucleic acid tests.

But because of the recent outbreak in Yunnan,

As long as the itinerary code has Yunnan's on-site nucleic acid result, it will be released.

The airport is very small, much like a train station, with only one check-in carousel.

Before leaving the airport, you must register to enter Kashgar

Didi taxis are easy to use, but there are many taxis at the airport.

Because there is a trip to Ta County in the itinerary

You need to go to the self-driving camp near the airport to apply for a border defense permit

Working days 10:00-13:00, 15:00-18:00

It is recommended to do it the day before self-driving, otherwise there will be a long queue the next morning.

The airport is not far from the city

The starting price is 8 yuan, and a taxi to the ancient city only costs about 20 yuan.

The core area of ​​the entire Kashgar city is the ancient city

Although I stayed at the Tuman River Hotel near the train station on the first night

If you plan to sign up for a local tour, the train station is a good choice.

Most people still choose to live near the ancient city

Check-out here is at 2pm

Scan the QR code when entering and exiting the hotel, and security checks are required.

I simply packed up and went out to look for food.

Dianping doesn’t have many ratings here.

The first restaurant I went to is Alizati.

The restaurants here always open after 11 o'clock

There is still lunch at 3pm

It's late to go to 's . There is no meat for rice.

Served with 5 thin-skin buns of vegetarian pilaf and a bowl of yogurt

The rice is a bit greasy. The brick tea provided by the hotel is just right to relieve the greasiness.

The rice is sweet and filling.

The thin-skinned buns are filled with mutton, which is a bit hard to get used to.

After eating and drinking, head to the ancient city area

The restaurant is not too far from the ancient city

So I chose to walk and browse the scenery on the roadside.

Crossing the Tuman Bridge, you can see the high-rise residential buildings that are being repaired.

Mostly built with brick, earth and wooden structures

It is said that when a family's population increases, they will build an additional floor on the ancestor's house.

Therefore, you can see layers upon layers of traditional houses with Western characteristics criss-crossing each other.

There are opening ceremonies at the east gate of the ancient city at 10:30 and 18:00 every day

Xinjiang friends who are good at singing and dancing sang and danced at the entrance

Welcome visitors

I didn’t make it on the first day and finished the show in the drizzle on the last day.

About three o'clock in the afternoon, but it's not the peak season (July-September).

The whole ancient city seems a little deserted

The east side is not as lively as the west side. It mainly depends on the architecture.

The buildings here are extremely beautiful

Complex patterns and bright colors

It all makes my eyes light up after living in high-rise buildings in the city for a long time.

The streets of the ancient city criss-cross

Walking through any alley has its own unique charm

The pace in Kashgar is very slow

The people guarding the shop were relaxed and sat by the wall chatting and enjoying the sun.

Children after school chase and fight wantonly

The Uyghur dialect is incomprehensible to my ears

It's like traveling to a foreign country

The originally gloomy weather turned sunny in the afternoon

The sky is blue and the sun shines on the old city

Parade pigeons circle the ancient city

I want to record every frame and scene

The commercialization of the old city is not serious and the shops are quite distinctive.

Various bazaars are located in different streets

Bronze, pottery, wood art, hats, jewelry, food...

Choose a favorite souvenir as a testimony of your trip

From east to west, you will pass by the Id Kah Mosque

As the largest mosque in Xinjiang

As long as you are not praying, you can visit during the opening hours.

Free tickets during the epidemic

Walk through the tree-lined main road to the chapel

It is divided into inner hall and outer hall. You need to take off your shoes before visiting.

There were not many tourists, so I walked around in a solemn mood and left.

A group of men, women and children are resting in the square in front of the temple

From the left and right sides of the mosque, you can enter the ancient city to the west.

Laobingshan Cream Ice Cream is not far away either.

Cantaloupe balls and almond balls are recommended

Creamy texture, thick milky taste, a bit sweet and greasy

The ancient city to the west is a little more lively

The century-old teahouse where "The Kite Runner" was filmed is located here.

There will also be a song and dance performance at around ten in the morning

The teahouse is suitable for bringing a few friends together and ordering a pot of special tea for a slow sip.

Look at the pedestrians going downstairs and let yourself go

The B&B Street on the west side is highly recommended.

The architecture is more distinctive and exotic

It's like you're not walking, but coming to a huge architectural museum

Along the way, I sighed and lamented

It took more than three hours to visit the entire old city.

I was a little exhausted so I took a taxi back to the hotel.

It doesn't get dark until about nine o'clock

The ancient city under the setting sun should be more dazzling and smoky, right?

Day2 Kashgar City-Baisha Lake-Karakul Lake-Muztagh Peak-Taxian County

Today is the day to set off for a self-driving trip

I found 5 other friends online to go with me

A 7-seater commercial vehicle is our car for the southbound trip.

Because some of my friends need to apply for a border defense permit

Went to the ancient city night market for food after 11 o'clock

Facts have proved that only the evening is the most lively

Found a stall selling vat meat

An enamel cup simmering on the stove contains a bowl of fresh mutton soup

No too many condiments are added to maintain the original taste of the food

Fruit stalls are also very common. After all, Xinjiang is rich in fruits

Fruit platter for 10 yuan. The honeydew melon is so sweet.

Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice without adding water is so sour that it makes me question life.

Departure around 12 noon

After gathering, drive onto G314 road

This China-Pakistan highway leading to Ta County

There are many beautiful mountains and rivers hidden there

Arrive at the first town, have a light meal and continue on the road

After passing this village, there aren't any serious supply stations next.

The scenery on the roadside changes from flowers and trees to barren mountains and trickling streams.

The Kunlun Mountains, the ancestor of all mountains

The mountains here are really different from what I have seen before.

There is no vegetation on the mountain, and it looks as handsome and stylish as if it was carved by nature.

Not far away you can also see snow-covered icebergs

The first stop is Baisha Lake

The first time I saw Baisha Lake, I knew that my trip was not in vain.

Ice floes floating on the clear blue lake

The biting wind did not dampen the tourists' enthusiasm for close contact.

Backed by unadulterated white sand mountains

How can one beautiful word describe it?

It seems that only the plateau can produce such pure and clear lake water

At this time, the altitude has climbed to more than 3,000 meters.

The cold wind caused a slight high reaction

There was a dull pain in my temples, and I also had tinnitus after getting in the car.

Helpless, are you going to collapse on the first day?

Moving on, the next famous attraction is Lake Karakul

Behind it is Muztagh Peak.

The lake is no different from Baisha Lake

The difference is the scenery behind

Muztagh Peak, known as the father of icebergs

It is a place of pilgrimage for many climbing enthusiasts

The altitude of more than 7k meters is daunting

There is a glacier park on Muztagh Peak, but I didn’t go because there was a fee.

Instead, I saw a path leading to the ice base camp on the road.

The guard was also very easy to talk to, and after some negotiations he let him go.

We went all the way up and stopped at more than 4K meters

Looking at the iceberg up close, it doesn’t feel particularly towering.

Can clearly see the snow-covered snow tongue

It's not as sharp as a knife or an axe, but it seems round and approachable.

After taking a photo with the iceberg, we returned to the national highway

The winding journey becomes less boring because of the unpredictable scenery.

We passed about four checkpoints on the road.

Repeatedly questioning you about your comings and goings really added a little trouble to the journey.

When we were about to arrive in Ta County, we passed by an alpine meadow.

Cattle and sheep are randomly scattered on the grassy beach, and the sun shines down, coating them with a layer of gold.

What a paradise on earth

It was already nine o'clock in the evening when we arrived in Ta County

It’s almost dark yet. Two criss-crossing streets structure Ta County.

No expectations for hotel and catering conditions

This county connecting three countries still attracts countless tourists every year.

Generally, we arrive at Ta County for rest and then go to Khunjerab Port, China-Pakistan Port, on the next day.

However, due to the epidemic, I was unable to visit the highest port in the world.

Food options in Ta County are limited, but yak hotpot is a signature

Yak meat is cooked in a copper pot. Personally, I feel that the texture of the meat is not as good as that of ordinary beef.

Talking happily about 12 o'clock with big Wusu and highland barley wine

Even though there is a 2-hour time difference, I still maintain my usual routine.

I hope my high will subside tonight

Day3 Ta County-Stone City/Jincaotan-Panlong Ancient Road-Tar Township

I feel energetic when I wake up in the morning and my symptoms of high fever have subsided.

After breakfast, walk to Stone City Scenic Area

During the Han Dynasty, this was the royal city of Puli Kingdom, one of the thirty-six kingdoms in the Western Regions.

Xuanzang also gave lectures here

It's a pity that it is now in ruins

We can only rely on our imagination to recreate the grand occasion of that year.

Under the Stone City is Alar Golden Grass Beach

The Tashkur River flows through this place

gave birth to this wetland with abundant water and grass

The wooden plank road opened for tourists can get closer to the place.

Find a good angle to look up at Stone City surrounded by mountains.

The reflection of the snow-capped mountains contrasts with the surroundings

Depart Ta County at noon

Because Panlong Ancient Road is closed

So we can only go back to Quman Checkpoint

Go to the observation deck from the exit and then go to Taer Township

Panlong Ancient Road is not a smooth road

Passing by the Blue Lake, we still have to walk more than 100 kilometers.

Navigating Waqia Township When the prototype of the ancient road comes into view

Everyone is excited

Today I have gone through all the twists and turns in life. From now on, life is actually a smooth road.

The slogans at the foot of the mountain convey a sense of Zen

After turning left and right, we finally climbed to the mountain viewing platform.

Overlooking the winding ancient road nearby and the majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance, it’s so beautiful that you can’t help but feel moved.

The drone that I have been trying for a long time has not taken off yet.

Let’s take a few overhead shots to let everyone appreciate the twists and turns of the ancient road.

I went to the foot of the mountain and ordered some mutton skewers and took out the reserved naan to satisfy my hunger.

Say goodbye to Panlong Ancient Road and head to Xinghua Village, the highlight of this trip

The blooming apricot flowers on the Pamir Plateau add to the sense of a paradise.

The more famous Xinghua Villages are Datong Township and Taer Township.

If you have enough time, you can arrive at Datong Township and take the Tasha Ancient Trail back to Kashgar.

Unfortunately, due to limited vacation time, we only have 3 days to complete this journey.

Stop in Tar Township and return to Kashgar on the third day.

Today's itinerary is even more deserted, with ups and downs in altitude.

From the bottom of the valley to the top of the mountain and back to the bottom of the valley, it looks like an operating quarry.

On one side are cliffs piled with rubble, and on the other side is a river rushing westward.

When I saw the first almond tree in full bloom

The tense nerves were slightly relaxed

Tajik little girl and boy

Standing under the apricot tree without any shyness and cooperating with the adults to take pictures

The children here are all generous and say hi to you enthusiastically.

Clear and pure eyes, exquisite facial features

Grab a handful of candies and give them to express our enthusiasm for coming from afar.

A short stay and entering the territory of Kezhou

Tar Township is home to 80% of the Tajik people in the country.

I don’t know which ancestor found such a desperate situation

There are patches of apricot blossoms planted along the river bank.

It’s a pity that the flowering period is too short

It was already past the peak flowering season when we arrived.

Not far from Almalek Village is the Xingfu Bridge No. 5

I was attracted by the apricot blossoms here and decided to stay.

Stay at a Tajik fellow’s home

Big kang pavilions, dry latrines, villages without street lights

100/person per night. Conditions are a bit rough.

You can have dinner at a shop in the village or at a fellow villager’s house.

Just can’t be too demanding on the speed of serving and the taste.

Most of the tourists who come to Xinghua Village are photography enthusiasts

Almond trees everywhere are in bloom

It’s inevitable to take a photo with apricot blossoms. Flowers are more delicate than people.

In the past, I only knew that the peach blossoms and cherry blossoms in spring were divided into different parts of the world.

The apricot blossoms blooming in the depths of the clouds are too lazy to argue with them.

Day4 Tar Township-Karasu Port-Muji Crater-Kashgar

There are more than 500 kilometers to travel today

Get up at 8 o'clock, have salty milk tea and naan to satisfy your hunger

Backtrack and pass the Blue Lake

Because I didn’t go to Khunjerab Port

I accidentally saw Zhongta Port-Karasu

I impulsively went to Muji Crater because of a picture on the internet.

This unexplored attraction is not well known to the public.

Need to add its name on the border certificate

After exiting the county road and going down the mountain road, I couldn't help but sweat for our commercial vehicle.

Slowly approach the crater. It is said that there are 13 craters of different sizes here.

Climb over the fence and climb to the not too high crater

I was disappointed to find that it was just a pool of stagnant water.

However, the majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance brought a bit of comfort.

Photos can be deceiving, but eyes can’t

Return to the national highway and say goodbye to the scenery on the first day.

The short three-day self-driving is about to come to an end.

It was already 9pm when we returned to downtown Kashgar

The ancient city night market opposite the mosque is decorated with lights

Yogurt rice dumplings, baked eggs, barbecue, fruits, cold skin, etc.

There are basically no special snacks that are familiar to the mainland.

The night market is obviously only suitable for early adopters

For those of us who need to satisfy our hunger, the barbecue restaurant is our best choice.

The small store is already full of diners

Open the menu and it’s all meat:

Red willow barbecue, Nang pit barbecue, pot meat, roast pigeon, roast lamb loin...

The price is also very cheap

The barbecue has almost no condiment flavor. Good ingredients really don’t need to be overstated.

It's strange to say that it gets dark late but the shops in Kashgar close early.

If you convert the life schedule here according to the time difference of 2 hours,

I’m afraid you may miss some shops you want to visit.

At the end of the trip, I started to worry about what souvenirs to bring.

Passing by a dried fruit stall

Walnuts, cashews, pistachios, almonds, pecans, raisins, red dates, wolfberry…

The boss generously let us try it before buying it.

Compared with the price of the Internet celebrity dried fruit store on Taobao, it is still a lot cuter.

I mailed some home and took some for myself to satisfy my craving.

Stay at the Summer Inn near the east gate of the ancient city tonight

The boss looks like a Han Chinese. Who knows how difficult it is to communicate with locals these days?

The youth hostel is a 3-story building with a cute shorthair

Because it’s not the peak season, the space capsule in a 6-person room is just me and another girl.

During the conversation, I found out that she had been staying in Kashgar for many days.

It’s so uncomfortable to sleep, eat and be in a daze every day

I don’t know if I have the courage to press the pause button and escape to the northwest.

Day5 Kashgar-Beijing

The reason I like Kashgar is that I can sleep in late

I waited until 10:30 to go to the East Gate to watch the opening ceremony of the city.

I accidentally discovered a secret passage that leads to the second floor.

The second floor is not a tourist route

Small passages with twists and turns connect the houses.

It's more quiet here than the crowds on the main road.

There are not many restaurants in the ancient city

I found a breakfast shop and ate fried noodles with noodles.

While waiting for the meal, I heard singing coming from the kitchen

I really can’t bear to part with this paradise

There are not too many people at the airport and there are only a few simple boarding gates.

Computers cannot be checked in and you need to take off your shoes for security check.

Recall just five days and summarize it with a few keywords

Strict, strenuous, passionate, unforgettable

Strict security inspection and epidemic prevention

The difficulty of communication

The enthusiasm of the people of Kashgar

Unforgettable magnificent mountains and rivers

In the past, Xinjiang was just a place name to me

Now I have vivid memories

For the unexplored northern Xinjiang

Waiting for a visit in the future

Attached is a trip cost chart.