XINJIANG- Kashgar Ancient City,or Kashgar Old City is located in the center of Kashgar, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Covering an area of 4.25 square kilometers, the ancient city presents a vivid picture of Xinjiang Uygur folk customs.

It is said that the soul of Kashgar lies in Kashgar Old City. It represents the ancient past and peaceful present of the city.

The ancient city of Kashgar, formerly known as Shule, has a history of more than 2000 years. Local residences and shops line along the crisscross streets, forming the only labyrinth-like urban blocks characterized in Islamic culture in China.

Kashgar Old City is about 2 km in length and width with many streets and alleys you can walk at will.

Most of the buildings in the old city have been renovated but the local features have been retained. The colorful walls, round arches, beautifully designed door and windows offer perfect background for your picture.

In addition to the architecture, many characteristic shops on the streets are also worth a visit. Almost every street in the old city has its own theme, which is called bazaars (means “market” in Uygur). There is Cantuman Bazaar (Blacksmith Street), Dopa Bazaar (Flower & Hat Street), Flowerpot Bazaar, Handicraft Bazaar, Pottery Bazaar, etc. There are also vendors of special snacks such as grapes, Nang (staple food of the Uygur and Kazak nationalities), and goat milk ice cream that you can have a try when shopping.

Some residences are available to visit. You can see what it is like inside the typical local house.

Kashgar is a city in southern Xinjiang. It is one of the westernmost cities of China, located near the country's border with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

For over 2,000 years, Kashgar was a strategically important oasis on the Silk Road between China, West Asia, and Europe.

It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Photo by Mahnaz Abdi