Superb 360 panorama image of one of our favourite places – Kashgar out in the far west of China’s Xinjiang province. I can almost smell the kebabs as I write this! Panorama courtesy of a fantastic blog on this region: Far West China. Definitely a blog to check out.
Kashgar is the last city in China as you head west into Central Asia. For millennia it has been an important crossroads and trading station along the Silk Road between China and Central Asia. Much of the old city doesn’t feel Chinese at all – it is certainly a long, long way from Beijing. Despite development much of the charm of Kashgar is still alive and wandering the streets of the old city is still like stepping back in time. Kashgar is also a good base to explore the stunning Karakorum Highway region to the south including Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan.
An interesting story for those with a fascination for the legendary city of Kashgar. Across much of China it has been out with (most) of the old and in with the new since the reform and opening up period got underway. However, there is a growing realization that some of the historical buildings that are not necessarily star attractions should be preserved. The old city in Kashgar may not provide the best living accommodation in new China but should it be preserved for it’s historical value and to comply with the wishes of local residents who’s families have lived here for generations? Read more here..
And for those wondering what Kashgar’s old city looks like a photo below…
