[2024 Tashkurgan Attraction] Travel Guide for Stone City Site (Updated Nov)

South Xinjiang | Shitoucheng | Taxian's April gift to us

Perhaps as a gift for those who came from afar, Ta County had a heavy snowfall in early April. Overnight, it became a kingdom of ice and snow. This surprise is so lovely, we love it. The ancient stone city, believed to be the capital of the "Qiepantu Kingdom" established by the Tajik ancestors in the early AD, has a history of more than 2,000 years. Although only ruins remain of this stone castle, it is still a source of pride for the Tajik people. Thousands of years ago, on the barren Pamir Plateau, the Tajik ancestors used the hard stones around them to build this impregnable capital, which was already a remarkable achievement in itself. In the years that followed, this place has always been the center of politics, economy, culture, transportation, and military on the Pamir Plateau, and an important core location on the Silk Road. Xuanzang and Faxian both propagated Buddhism here, and in the history of Buddhism, Shipton City has left many indelible marks. I think that the stone city under the sunlight should be full of traces of time, just like many ruins I have visited along the way, with unrecognizable murals and broken objects that have long lost their owners, leaving only historical blanks for us to imagine. And the stone city in front of us is covered with a heavy snow, hiding all the dusty regrets. As far as the eye can see, there is only vast whiteness and dazzling light refracted, decorating this place with a sacred and elegant beauty. Those old wounds that were once exposed have long disappeared without a trace. The snow-capped mountains stand still, and the melting ice begins to reflect the real world. In the eyes of nature, human history is just a fleeting moment. And without human history, how much more boring would it be? Address: No. 43 Tashikuergan Road, Tashikuergan County. Tip: The beef hotpot in Taxian County is delicious. If you stay in Taxian County for a night, you can give it a try.

2-Day Tour of Kashgar, Xinjiang: A Unique Experience!

2-Day Tour of Kashgar, Xinjiang: Explore the Ancient City and Scenic Spots! A detailed guide is here! Check out this travel guide and enjoy a smooth trip without getting lost! -------- 📅Itinerary: Day 1: China-Pakistan Friendship Highway - Pamir Plateau - White Sand Mountain and White Sand Lake Scenic Area - Karakul Lake Scenic Area - Muztagh Ata - Tageman Wetland Park Viewing Platform Travel along the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway and embark on a journey to the Pamir Plateau. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of White Sand Mountain and White Sand Lake, and feel the tranquility of Karakul Lake. Admire the majesty of Muztagh Ata from afar, and end the day at the Tageman Wetland Park Viewing Platform. Day 2: Ancient Stone City of Kashgar - Golden Grassland of Pamir - Panlong Ancient Road - Bandir Blue Lake Visit the historical sites of the Ancient Stone City of Kashgar, and stroll through the Golden Grassland of Pamir to feel the gentleness of nature. Challenge the winding Panlong Ancient Road, and finally immerse yourself in the intoxicating scenery of Bandir Blue Lake to end your wonderful journey. -------- Must-visit attractions: 1. 🌊Karakul Lake Scenic Area: Located at the foot of Muztagh Ata, the lake is as clean and clear as jade, like a fairyland on earth. 2. 🏞️White Sand Mountain and White Sand Lake Scenic Area: The powdery white sand formed by the weathering of rocks on the mountain top, and the lakes and rivers at the foot of the mountain, create a beautiful contrast. 3. 🏔️Pamir Plateau: Standing on this plateau is like standing on the roof of the world, enjoying the boundless and magnificent scenery that is refreshing. 4. 🏰Ancient Stone City of Kashgar: As a key post on the ancient Silk Road, standing on the hill, you can feel the weight of history and the fusion of cultures. -------- **Notes**: 📸 Photo spots: Kashgar Ancient City and Jinhu Yang National Forest Park are great places for photos. Remember to wear beautiful clothes! 🍽️ Food: Roasted naan and roasted buns are a must-try! There are also pot-cooked meat and pigeon soup, which are Xinjiang delicacies not to be missed. 🎭 Customs: Respect the customs of the local Uyghur, Tajik, and other ethnic groups, and experience authentic Xinjiang folk customs and culture. 👟 Dress code: The ultraviolet rays in Kashgar are strong, so prepare sunscreen. Wear comfortable shoes when visiting the ancient city. 🚗 Travel tips: Kashgar has convenient transportation, but cars are prohibited in the ancient city. You can take a sightseeing bus to visit. -------- The beauty of Kashgar is more than that! Want to know more travel tips? Click to follow us and unlock more wonderful journeys. Let's discover together!

2-Day Tour in Kashgar: Explore the Ancient City Without Getting Lost

Kashgar Trip is Here! In two days, explore Kashgar City with all the must-see attractions and delicious food! Quickly browse through this guide and start your Kashgar adventure! / **Must-Visit Attractions**: **Karakul Lake Scenic Area⭐⭐⭐⭐** - Address: 1700 km on National Highway 314, Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture - Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 - Duration: 2-3 hours - Recommendation: The holy lake under Mount Muztagh Ata, with clean and clear water, like a pearl on the plateau. **Pamir Plateau⭐⭐⭐⭐** - Address: Tiznaf Township, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region - Opening Hours: 08:30-20:30 - Duration: 2-3 days - Recommendation: Climb the Pamir Plateau and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Roof of the World, with new views at every step. **White Sand Mountain-White Sand Lake Scenic Area⭐⭐⭐⭐** - Address: Bulunkou Township, Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - Opening Hours: 09:30-19:30 - Duration: 1 day - Recommendation: The top of White Sand Mountain is powdered rock, intertwined with lakes and rivers below, creating a unique landscape. **Kashgar Ancient Stone City⭐⭐⭐** - Address: Tashkurgan Road, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region - Opening Hours: 08:30-20:30 - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recommendation: An important stop on the ancient Silk Road, standing on the hill, you can feel the weight and vicissitudes of history. **Panlong Ancient Road⭐⭐⭐** - Address: Wacha Township, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region - Opening Hours: Open all day - Duration: 1 hour - Recommendation: Winding and twisting like a dragon, the beauty of the road's curves is breathtaking from above. / 🎒 Travel Essentials: Kashgar City Travel Checklist 👕 **Clothing** Short-sleeve T-shirts, light long sleeves, sun protection clothing, jeans, hats, sunglasses. In September, Kashgar is warm and comfortable during the day and slightly cool at night, so these clothes are enough. 👟 **Shoes** A pair of comfortable sneakers, perfect for exploring the ancient city and wandering the streets! 💼 **Accessories** Power bank, data cable, camera, to capture beautiful moments. 📘 **Documents** ID card, cash, bank card, don't forget to carry them with you for safe travel. 🧴 **Protection** Sunscreen, sun hat, mosquito repellent, the strong sunlight in Kashgar requires these to protect yourself. 💊 **Medicines** Cold medicine, stomach medicine, band-aids, be prepared for any situation to travel with peace of mind. / 🎉 Kashgar Trip, To Be Continued! More excitement awaits you🌈. Quickly like, bookmark, and follow me to start your Kashgar adventure!🚀

Travel to Tashkurgan County

Last September, I visited Tashkurgan. We traveled through the China-Pakistan International Friendship Highway, passing by Lake Basha, Lake Karakul, and under the watch of Gongger and Muztagh peaks, we arrived in Tashkurgan. We reached the Wakhan Corridor, Red Flag Lap, Stone City, Panlong Ancient Path, and Bandier Lake. The unforgettable sea buckthorn by the roadside, the trees full of wild jujubes, so many delicious fruits, and the different beautiful sceneries every day: snow-capped mountains, deserts, lakes... All these are imprinted in my mind and often enter my dreams! This year's May Day holiday, I set off for Tashkurgan with my children again! Different seasons offer different views, but all are equally beautiful! This time, it took us four days, and on the way back from Tashkurgan to Kashgar, we experienced all four seasons in one day! Especially at the foot of Muztagh Peak, we did not want to leave. That night, there was a flurry of heavy snow, followed by a brilliant starry sky, and then a bright sunny morning. At the guesthouse 'Encounter with Muztagh Peak,' we had a perfect view of the Gongger to Muztagh peaks' snow-capped mountain range and their reflections in Karakul Lake...

Beautiful Memories (4) - The Ruins of the Stone City in Xinjiang

I feel that these 20 photos are not enough to showcase the beauty of that time, because the highlights are not just the Stone City ruins; the Stone City under the morning light appeared particularly spectacular; the clouds in the sky were very supportive, the distant mountains were covered with snow, and stratus clouds floated between the mountain ranges, creating a dreamlike feeling; standing on the Stone City, one could overlook and gaze down upon the Jincao Beach, which under the morning light displayed vivid colors, very eye-catching, truly making one linger and forget to return! Photographed at the Ruins of the Stone City in Xinjiang, October 2023

Xinjiang | Discover the secrets of the Aoyi Takte Red Valley in Southern Xinjiang's Pamir Plateau

It's true that every landscape in Southern Xinjiang is stunning! ⛰️ You must visit the Aoyi Takte Red Valley!! It's absolutely incredible! It feels like viewing the colorful Danxia landforms, but even more mysterious, and you can step into the entire mountain, surrounded by the red hills. This spot is so off the beaten path, there are hardly any tourists. 🔴 The whole Red Valley is very "red," characterized by Yardang landforms. It is constantly sculpted by the forces of nature, water, and wind, creating bizarrely shaped mountains. If you keep walking inside, it feels like you could go on for a long time... It was too hot in the summer, so we only stayed for about half an hour~ - 🚗 Sharing our Southern Xinjiang chartered car itinerary: Day1⃣️: Kashgar—Aoyi Takte Glacier Park—Aoyi Takte Red Mountain—Baisha Lake Day2⃣️: Ancient Stone City—Panlong Valley Road—Bandier Blue Lake—Taxkorgan Day3⃣️: Muztagh Ata Glacier Park—Karakul Lake—Kashgar

The 'Stone City' on the Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang, part eight

Stone City It is said that half the reason to visit Southern Xinjiang is to appreciate the cultural customs, and the other half is to see the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas. In Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Kashgar, there are two 'must-visit attractions': one is called Stone City, and the other is Golden Grass Beach. Although they are completely different types of scenery, in fact, they are a perfect 'organic' combination. Taxkorgan, officially known as Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, was formerly called Puli. It was once one of the thirty-six countries in the Western Regions, and the Uyghur meaning of Taxkorgan is 'Stone Fortress'. Stone City is one of the three great stone cities in the history of our country, with an altitude of over 3100 meters. It was originally built during the Han Dynasty and called 'Puli', but was destroyed in the Qing Dynasty. This place was once a strategic pass for merchants entering South Asia and West Asia for trade, and it was also the largest post station on the Silk Road through the Pamir Plateau at that time. The Stone City we see now is actually just an ancient city site on the ancient road within Xinjiang, and it is also a historical witness to the rise and fall of the ancient Silk Road. Stone City is built on a hill about 20 meters high, with a precarious situation. It has been proven to have a history of more than 2000 years and was once the capital of the Kingdom of Jiepantuo. Tang Dynasty coins and Hotan manuscripts have been unearthed here. When Xuanzang returned from his journey to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures, he once preached here, and the place where he preached still exists today. Stone City is divided into inner and outer cities, with an overall irregular square shape. Today, the city walls have collapsed severely, and only the inner city remains, with piles of rocks scattered about. Of the outer city, only parts of the yellow earth mixed with stone rammed walls and remnants of battlements and civilian houses can be seen... The glory of the past has long vanished with the wind, and on the plateau, only the ruins of these piled stones remain. Although only the ruins of Stone City remain, the surrounding snow peaks, grass beaches, rivers, and the rich Tajik ethnic customs still make this place infinitely beautiful. The distant Muztagh Peak and other snow peaks, juxtaposed with the yellow Stone City, further highlight its desolation and weight.

Stone City • Golden Grass Beach

It is recommended that children must go to the Stone City Historical and Cultural Exhibition Hall after entering the scenic area, to learn about the story of this city, and then enter Stone City, really feel like walking the ancient Silk Road with the ancients, looking down at the Golden Grass Beach from Stone City, it's really beautiful~

The westernmost Pamirs in China, everywhere pure came to the south Xinjiang to go west, gradually entered drinking, and snow mountains, rising gradually, we came to the Pamirs, where the average elevation is 2900 meters on. We are driving from Kashi to Ta County. The scenery changes along the way. Every time I shake the window, I say that it is so beautiful to the sky. On the roadside Baisha River, covered with snow, the river is iced, and the snow is quietly at the edge of the edge. The snow mountain is reflected in the water, and everything is pure. Wear recommendation: In the snow, wear brightly colored clothes to catch the eye, such as yellow and red. Wearing dark-colored clothes is also a good choice, softer. Route recommendation: Kashi - Baisha River - Musstag Peak - Karakuri Lake - Ta County season recommended: summer to see the grassland, winter to see the snow mountain / Before hh/ , you need to go to Kashgars self-driving service center to hold your ID card for the border defense certificate for seven days. On the road of self-driving, you need to bring your ID card and border card to prevent inspection.