Things To Do
in Shache
Shache (Yarkant) is a historic county-level city in southern Xinjiang on the northern edge of the Kunlun foothills and the western rim of the Tarim Basin. It has a strong Uyghur cultural presence, visible in its bazaars, Islamic architecture and daily life, and a landscape that blends river valley oases with desert and mountain views. The town is a quiet transport hub for exploring nearby river gorges, ancient royal cemeteries, and agricultural terraces that produce melons, pomegranates and dates.
Visitors come for authentic local markets, traditional food, and easy access to scenic outdoor routes rather than a busy tourist infrastructure.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the magnificent Shache Ancient City, where the towering walls and intricate gatehouses transport you back in time. As you stroll through the narrow alleys, take note of the beautifully preserved architecture that reflects the rich history of the region. Don’t forget to capture photos of the stunning minarets and traditional Uyghur homes adorned with colorful murals.
After a delightful local lunch featuring Uyghur specialties, head over to the nearby Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang. Marvel at the intricate tile work and the serene ambiance that this sacred place offers. Spend some time interacting with local artisans in the surrounding market, where you can find unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely walk through the city center, where lively street life comes alive. Stop at a local eatery to savor delicious lamb skewers and fragrant pilaf, accompanied by a refreshing glass of yogurt drink. End your evening with a cultural performance featuring traditional Uyghur music and dance, immersing yourself fully in the local culture.
Embark on an early morning adventure to the breathtaking Tianshan Mountains, where stunning landscapes await. As you hike through the lush valleys and rocky terrains, take in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Look out for unique flora and fauna that thrive in this pristine environment.
Continue your exploration with a picnic lunch amidst the scenic backdrop, where you can savor local snacks surrounded by nature's beauty. After lunch, hike towards the stunning glacier lakes, capturing the reflection of the mountains in their crystal-clear waters. This serene environment offers the perfect opportunity for photography and quiet contemplation.
Return to Shache in the evening, where you can unwind at a local café, sipping on traditional tea while reflecting on your mountain trek. As night falls, stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Treat yourself to a hearty dinner at a traditional Uyghur restaurant, featuring dishes like hand-pulled noodles and roasted meats.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Tea or coffee at a cafe | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.20-0.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong, authentic Uyghur culture and markets
- Access to unique landscapes—river valleys, foothills and desert
- Affordable food and accommodation
- Good for photography and off-the-beaten-path travel
- Limited tourist infrastructure and English signage
- Long distances between towns and limited public transport
- Political sensitivities in Xinjiang—check advisories and respect local rules
- Fewer modern amenities compared with major Chinese cities
- "سلام (Salam)" - Hello (Uyghur)
- "رەھمەت (Rahmat)" - Thank you (Uyghur)
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello (Mandarin)
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you (Mandarin)
- "请问……在哪里？ (Qǐngwèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is...?
- "我不懂 (Wǒ bù dǒng)" - I don't understand
- "可以合影吗？(Kěyǐ héyǐng ma?) / سۈرەت چەككەن بولامسەن؟ (Süret chekken bolamsen?)" - May I take a photo?
Places to Visit in Shache
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful produce stalls, textile vendors and lively street scenes offer rich cultural photography—best in the morning and early evening.
Riverside palms, irrigated fields and small bridges create scenic compositions, especially at sunrise and sunset when light is soft.
Traditional Uyghur homes, carved wooden details and courtyard life provide intimate portraits of local architecture and daily routine.
Ancient tombs and monuments (where accessible) give a sense of regional history and dramatic backgrounds, mindful of any restrictions on photography.
Elevated spots looking across the valley toward the mountains and desert fringes offer sweeping landscape shots—clear days give the best visibility.
Food in Shache
Shache Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant rice dish cooked with lamb, carrots and spices; the region’s version is hearty and widely available at family eateries and bazaars.
Must-Try!
Hand-pulled wheat noodles served with a savory lamb and vegetable sauce—common in casual restaurants and noodle shops.
Charcoal-grilled lamb or beef skewers seasoned with cumin and chili; street stalls and small restaurants are the best spots.
Baked or fried pastry pockets filled with minced lamb and onions, sold by market vendors and bakeries.
Local orchards produce excellent melons, pomegranates and dates; dried apricots, raisins and walnuts are common market buys.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town bazaar offers spices, dried fruits, breads and grilled meats—try fresh naan, samsa and skewers from multiple stalls and sample dried fruit varieties.
Street vendors set up in the early evening selling kebabs, flatbreads and sweet pastries; great for casual sampling and photography.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Shache is predominantly Muslim—dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or rural villages, and avoid public displays of affection. During Ramadan, be discreet about eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elders; some religious sites restrict photography. A polite request or use of an intermediary is recommended.
A simple greeting in Uyghur or Mandarin goes a long way—smiles and respectful behavior are appreciated. Remove shoes before entering private homes when invited.
Safety
Tipping in Shache
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not widely expected in small local eateries or taxis, though it is appreciated for excellent service; round up fares or leave small change for servers. In higher-end hotels or for tour guides and drivers, a modest tip is acceptable.
Cash (Chinese yuan) is king in Shache—small shops and markets often accept only cash. Mobile payment apps (WeChat Pay or Alipay) may be used in town by some businesses, but foreign bank cards and international mobile payment options are rarely supported—carry sufficient cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures warm gradually; orchards bloom and markets start to brim with spring fruits. Expect some dustier days and fluctuating weather—bring layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Hot and dry in the valley, with plenty of sun; ideal for fruit season but bring sun protection, water and light clothing. Nights can be considerably cooler near river or at altitude.
Often the best time to visit—pleasant days, cooler nights and harvest season with abundant fruit and clear skies for photography. Early autumn is especially comfortable for hiking.
Cold and dry, with possible frost and occasional snow in higher elevations; many businesses operate reduced hours and some rural routes may be difficult—pack warm clothing.
Shache at Night
Hiking in Shache
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hikes and riverside walks exploring the green corridor of the Yarkant River—good for birdwatching, photography and seeing irrigated farms.
Day hikes on foothill routes that offer views over the oasis and toward the desert margin; trails vary from easy to moderately challenging depending on route and elevation.
Gentle dune treks and sunset walks on the nearby desert edge—ideal for dramatic light and minimal infrastructure excursions with a local guide.
Airports
How to reach Shache by plane.
The nearest major airport serving Kashgar city; from Kashgar it is a several-hour drive to Shache (by road, travel time varies around 3–5 hours depending on route and conditions). Buses and private transfers connect the two.
Another regional airport to the southeast of Shache; travel times by road are long and routes may be less direct—useful as an alternate regional hub when planning multi-stop itineraries in southern Xinjiang.
The provincial capital’s international airport; a long-distance option when combining visits across Xinjiang—expect domestic flights to Kashgar or Hotan and long ground transfers to reach Shache.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population in Shache—ethnic Uyghur culture shapes daily life, language, cuisine and religious practice.
A minority group present in business, administration and some service sectors.
Smaller communities of other Central Asian-influenced groups and ethnicities may be present in the broader region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Traditional horsemanship and informal local equestrian events are culturally important in southern Xinjiang and in rural communities.
Regional folk sports and wrestling appear at festivals and local gatherings.
A widely played modern sport among youth and in community playgrounds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shache.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible—order noodle dishes with vegetables, egg dishes, breads, salads and fruit; communicate clearly (in Mandarin or with a phrase) to confirm no meat stock is used.
More challenging due to common use of mutton and butter; stick to plain breads, vegetable stir-fries and fresh fruit, and clarify dairy use when possible.
Most meat in Shache is prepared according to halal practices due to the predominantly Muslim Uyghur population; Muslim travelers should find halal options widely available.
Wheat and breads are staples—look for rice-based dishes like polo and ask about sauces; cross-contamination in traditional kitchens is common.