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Shache (Yarkand/Yarkent) is a historic oasis city on the southern Silk Road, 200km from Kashgar, that served as the capital of the Yarkand Khanate — one of the most powerful Uyghur kingdoms of the 16th-17th centuries. Less touristed than Kashgar but more authentic, it offers a remarkably intact old town, royal tomb complexes, and the opportunity to start camel treks into the Taklamakan Desert. It's also a traditional center of carpet weaving whose products once reached Europe via the Silk Road.
Good for authentic Uyghur old town, royal tomb complex, Silk Road carpet weaving
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authentic Uyghur old town
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Open-licensed images sourced from Wikimedia Commons for Shache. Verify current scene conditions before visiting.
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Attractions
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medium priority
The mausoleum of Amanisahan, a celebrated 16th-century Uyghur poetess and patron of the Twelve Muqam musical tradition. The tomb is surrounded by a beautiful cemetery complex including the tombs of the Yarkand Kingdom sultans, decorated with Arabic inscriptions and traditional Islamic tilework.
medium priority
Royal Cemetery
A 17th-century cemetery serving as the burial place of the Yarkand Uyghur Kingdom's royal family members. Known locally as the 'Golden Graveyard' as a mark of respect for the Yarkand Kingdom's legacy.
medium priority
One of the most authentic old towns in southern Xinjiang — less modernized than Kashgar's restored old city and more centralized than Hotan's. The narrow lanes, traditional mud-brick architecture, and active community life create an immersive experience of traditional Uyghur urban culture.
medium priority
Karasu Village
Karasu village, 250km south of Kashgar in Yarkand County, is the starting point for multi-day camel treks into the Taklamakan Desert. The village sits at the western edge of the desert where farmland meets sand dunes.
medium priority
Stones Monument is a monument in the area.
medium priority
喀爾蘇沙漠公園 is a attraction in the area.
medium priority
祈福台 is a attraction in the area.
medium priority
”零公里“拱门 is a memorial in the area.
Shache (Yarkand/Yarkent) is a historic oasis city on the southern Silk Road, 200km from Kashgar, that served as the capital of the Yarkand Khanate — one of the most powerful Uyghur kingdoms of the 16th-17th centuries. Less touristed than Kashgar but more authentic, it offers a remarkably intact old town, royal tomb complexes, and the opportunity to start camel treks into the Taklamakan Desert. It's also a traditional center of carpet weaving whose products once reached Europe via the Silk Road.
Morning: visit the Tomb of Amanisahan — the mausoleum of the famous Uyghur poetess and Muqam musician, surrounded by the beautiful cemetery complex of the Yarkand Kingdom sultans. Midday: explore the Old Town on foot or by shared electric scooter (Alipay/Meituan, ¥2.5/15min) — one of the most authentic and least modernized old towns in southern Xinjiang. Afternoon: browse the local markets for handmade carpets and traditional crafts. Evening: try local Uyghur food at a restaurant near the New Century Hotel.
Train from Kashgar ~2h (7 trains/day, ¥30); from Hotan ~3.5h (5 trains/day, ¥45). Bus from Kashgar ~4h; from Hotan ~6h. Yarkand Airport is 40-min drive from city (taxi ~¥60). Chinese payment apps required. English very limited. Most hotels do not accept foreigners — Shache Hotel (¥220, negotiate down) and New Century Hotel (¥80) are the main options.
- Tomb of Amanisahan - Golden Graveyard - Shache Old Town - Taklamakan Desert Camel Trek - Stones Monument - 喀爾蘇沙漠公園 - 祈福台 - ”零公里“拱门
City buses cost ¥1/ride. Shared electric scooters (Alipay Hello/Meituan) available at ¥2.5/15min — the best way to cover the old town quickly. Taxis cost ¥5 for most city trips. Yarkand Airport is 40-min drive (taxi ~¥60). Train to Kashgar 2h (¥30), to Hotan 3.5h (¥45).
Uyghur cuisine: lamb kebabs, polo (pilaf), laghman noodles, nan bread. The city is 98% Uyghur and alcohol is difficult to find — most restaurants and convenience stores do not sell it. Budget ¥25-50/person at local restaurants. Local specialties include dried mulberries and apricots from the surrounding oasis.
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