Kashgar

Kashgar Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a vibrant labyrinth of winding alleys, clay-brick homes, and bustling bazaars that has preserved its cultural identity for over two millennia. Nestled in the far west of China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, this ancient settlement serves as a bridge between East and West, blending Uyghur, Tajik, and Han Chinese traditions. Covering 3.6 square kilometers, the Old City’s maze-like streets, adobe architecture, and time-honored crafts offer a glimpse into a way of life largely unchanged by modernity.

Id Kah Mosque, located in Kashgar, Xinjiang, is one of China’s largest and most sacred Islamic mosques. Built in 1442 during the Yarkent Khanate, it has served as a spiritual and cultural hub for Uyghur Muslims for centuries. The mosque’s name translates to “Place of Prostration and Holiday Prayers,” reflecting its role in both daily worship and major festivals like Eid al-Fitr. Covering 16,800 square meters, its blend of Central Asian and Islamic architecture—with turquoise domes, arched corridors, and a vast courtyard—makes it a UNESCO-recognized symbol of Xinjiang’s multicultural heritage.