Kāshí (Kashgar, 喀什)
Kāshí is often referred to as Kashgar. It is a large oasis town near the westernmost tip of China. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Around 1000 Kāshí was an important trading center on the Silk Road, but with the decline of trade along that route, the city lost its importance. Nowadays the only trade going on there is the bumper market, which is held every day, but especially on Sundays it draws large crowds. It is the largest market in Central Asia and the best place in China for bargains.
Kāshí boasts several interesting sites, including:
- Kashgar Old City used to be the best-preserved example of a 'traditional Islamic city' in Central Asia. Unfortunately it doesn't exist anymore, as it was demolished and reconstructed.
- In the center of Kāshí is the Id Kah Mosque. It is the largest mosque in China.
- The Afaq Khoja Mausoleum was constructed in the 17th century. It is the tomb of Afaq Khoja and his family. It is one of the holiest Muslim sites in Xinjiang and is about 5 km (3 mi) from the city center.
- Also in the center of town is People's Park; Kāshí's main public park.
- In People's Park you can see an 18 m (59 ft) tall statue of Mao Zedong.
There are many hotels, café's and restaurants in Kāshí. The city is the starting point of the Karakoram highway, which connects China with Pakistan. Kāshí is 3400 km west of Beijing.
; "Image 1 - Kāshí ©Darmau [133kB]")
; "Image 2 - Kāshí ©Walter Frehner [149kB]")
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