Xinjiang—Kashgar Prefecture, Tashkurgan-Shache Ancient Road

Deep in the Pamir Plateau, at the westernmost point of China, lies a hidden ancient road—the Tashkurgan-Shache Ancient Road—winding between the Karakoram and Hindu Kush mountain ranges. This ancient road, just over 100 kilometers long, with its rugged, axe-hewn cliffs and the sparkling blue Yarkand River, still evokes the perils of a thousand years ago. ⚠️ Precautions for Traveling the Tashkurgan-Shache Ancient Road 1️⃣ Make sure to fill up your gas tank in Tashkurgan County before setting off; 2️⃣ There's almost no cell phone signal along the way, so it's best not to travel alone. Ideally, travel with a few cars together, and it's even better if someone is familiar with the road conditions; 3️⃣ There are several steep slopes along the way that are difficult for two-wheel drive vehicles to climb. If you're renting a car, it's best to choose an SUV. Four-wheel drive mode is very effective for climbing hills; 4️⃣ The entire route is basically a single-lane road with many sharp turns. You'll occasionally encounter oncoming vehicles, so be bold but cautious, and drive slowly; 5️⃣ Check the weather and road conditions before departure. If they're not good, it's not recommended to travel this route.