

Kashgar thrives on tourism boom
Writer: | Editor: Lin Qiuying | From: Shenzhen Daily | Updated: 2024-07-15
A tourist takes a photo of his family members dressed in ethnic Uygur costumes in Kashgar, Xinjiang during the May Day holiday. China News Service
Tourists are flocking to Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to experience the well-preserved ancient city and its local culture, the China Daily reported.
Kashgar is more than 2,000 years old. “Some may prefer to see the city when it’s bustling with activity during the day, while others may enjoy strolling around the alleyways and seeing the beauty of the traditional architecture when it gets quiet at night,” said native Kadeer Memetmin.
Walking through the maze-like neighborhood, tourists find local people making traditional Uygur food, pottery, copper ware and musical instruments. Many of the techniques used in the cooking and crafting of local foods and goods have been listed as intangible cultural heritages, he said.
“The traditional lifestyle has been passed on from one generation to the next,” said Kadeer, whose family has lived in Kashgar for four generations. “Visitors like to talk with these craftsmen and learn more about the traditional culture of Kashgar and the richness of its history.”
The ancient city contains one of the largest collections of earthen buildings in the world. Boasting a rich Uygur culture, it is home to nearly 40,000 people.
In 2010, a major renovation project was launched as the city sought to raze dilapidated, makeshift buildings that posed safety hazards. Builders made sure to remodel homes while retaining their traditional Uygur style, and the project was completed in 2017. “Every family decorates their houses with elaborate wood carvings, iron art and intricate brick tile decorations. And we also love to plant flowers and trees around our houses. I really hope the visitors can feel our passion for life through these details,” said Kadeer, adding that life has become safer and more comfortable since the renovations were completed.
A singer performs for customers in a teahouse in Kashgar, Xinjiang in this Sept. 15, 2023 file photo. Xinhua
A regulation, which took effect May 1, forbids any damage to historical architecture in the ancient city while stipulating that any reconstruction of the buildings must receive official approval. It also encourages residents to take part in preservation activities and showcase local culture.
The renovations have also made the ancient city more appealing to travelers, and it has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Xinjiang. Official data shows that Kashgar welcomed over 13 million visitors last year, and it saw 2.1 million visitors in the first quarter of this year, a whopping 424% year-on-year increase.
Resident Ametjan Memet said he enjoys singing classic Uygur songs at a traditional tea house near his home, often drawing large crowds of tourists. “The number of tourists in the city has significantly increased in recent years, especially in summer,” he said.
Mawlan Turak was among the first people to cash in on the thriving tourism industry. He runs a small business selling custom-made clothing and jewelry that he designs himself. He also rents them to tourists for photo shoots. Mawlan welcomed the tourism boom, but also expressed concern about overtourism.
“While tourism can bring prosperity, it also presents challenges, including excessive commercialization,” the fashion designer said. “There has been a surge in the number of stores offering photo-shooting services in the ancient city, and competition has become fierce.”