Kashgar in May is truly an earthly paradise.

If you only have one chance in your life to witness magnificent landscapes, save it for Kashgar! In May, Kashgar sheds the slight chill of spring yet avoids the scorching heat of midsummer—everything is just perfect, making it the ideal time to embark on a journey🎈 How to Get There ✈️ By Air: Kashgar Laining International Airport offers direct flights from many cities, making travel convenient. After landing, a 30-minute taxi ride from the airport will take you to the city center, where your Kashgar adventure begins. 🚄 By Train: If time permits, taking a leisurely train ride to Kashgar offers a unique experience, allowing you to enjoy the vast and breathtaking scenery of the northwest along the way. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Kashgar Old Town: The only maze-like ancient city in China featuring Islamic culture. In May, the apricot blossoms on the walls haven’t fully faded, complementing the earthy-yellow buildings—every shot looks like a scene from *One Thousand and One Nights*. Enter through the East Gate and head to the "Hanging Gardens" for a panoramic view of the old town. Then, visit the "Century-Old Teahouse" for a pot of fruit tea while listening to Uyghur musicians play the rawap, soaking in the slow-paced life. In the evening, wander through the night market and try roasted pigeon—a feast for your taste buds! For just 30 RMB per person, you’ll leave stuffed. 2. Apricot Blossom Village in the Pamir Plateau: In early May, you can still catch the last of the apricot blossoms. The village in Tar Township, hidden deep in the Kunlun Mountains, features wild apricot forests with lingering pink-white petals. Picture Tajik grandmothers weaving carpets under the blossoms—it’s like stepping into a utopia. The area around Happiness Bridge No. 5 is perfect for photos, with apricot blossoms, snow-capped mountains, and streams in one frame. Wear a white dress, and you’ll look like a mountain fairy🧚‍♀️ 3. Panlong Ancient Road: "Finish all the twists and turns today, and your life will be smooth sailing from now on!" This 75-kilometer road has 639 bends and sits at an altitude of 4,200 meters. From above, it looks like a giant dragon coiling through the mountains. Driving here is exhilarating, and aerial drone shots will make your social media posts legendary. 4. White Sand Lake: Like a spilled milk jug, the gray-white mountains reflect in the turquoise lake, creating a mesmerizing view. Every shot is wallpaper-worthy. 5. Karakul Lake: Backed by the "Father of Ice Mountains," Muztagh Ata, the lake becomes a mirror in June when snowmelt fills it. The reflections are breathtakingly beautiful. 6. Tashkurgan Golden Grassland: A wetland grassland at the foot of the Kunlun Mountains, lush and green in June but equally vibrant in May. Watch Tajik herders guide yaks across the land, and stay for sunset to witness the "Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns" with golden mountain hues—photographers arrive early to secure their spots. 7. Id Kah Mosque: The largest mosque in Xinjiang, built in 1442, with golden domes and carved pillars showcasing Islamic architectural beauty. Visit on Fridays to witness the awe-inspiring sight of thousands in prayer🙏. The square in front is also great for feeding pigeons, full of local charm. 8. Xiangfei Garden Scenic Area: The blue-purple buildings resemble a palace, and daily Uyghur wedding performances allow visitors to dress in traditional costumes and join the fun. The glazed brick walls of the tomb of Yusuf, author of *The Wisdom of Royal Glory*, make a stunning photo backdrop. What to Eat 🦅 Id Kah Roasted Pigeon: 20 RMB each, crispy-skinned and tender, with marrow so delicious you’ll suck it clean. 🍦 Ancient Glacier Ice Cream: 5 RMB per cup, rich and creamy with stretchy fruit jam—a must-try in the old town. 🍲 Tashkurgan Yak Hotpot: 60 RMB per person, with a broth so flavorful it’ll make your eyebrows dance. Add wild mushrooms for perfection. 🥣 Hotan Yogurt Rice Dumplings: A hidden alleyway delight at 6 RMB per serving—cool, sweet, and tangy, perfect for cutting through rich flavors. 🍖 Lamb Skewers: Every stall here serves delicious, simply seasoned skewers—just salt brings out the natural flavors. 🍲 Jar Meat: Tender lamb stewed in enamel jars, rich and aromatic. Try the spot near the Century-Old Teahouse. 🐦 Kaimaierding Blue Pigeon Soup: Incredibly flavorful, but go early—it sells out fast! What to Wear Daytime temperatures in Kashgar average 27°C in May. Light, breathable cotton or linen shirts, thin dresses, or T-shirts are ideal for the sunshine. But if you’re heading to the Pamir Plateau or Tashkurgan, where temperatures can drop 15°C between day and night, pack a down jacket or windbreaker for warmth. For photos, a red dress with an ethnic-style shawl will instantly transform you into a desert princess👸 Where to Stay 🏠 Old Town Guesthouses: Try *Zhe·Ka* for a rooftop view of the old town, just 5 minutes from Id Kah Square. *Guli’s Home* offers immersive cultural experiences like Xinjiang dance and hand-pulled rice. 🏨 Luxury Hotels: *Radisson Blu Kashgar* features executive rooms with city views, a pool, and a lounge. *Tashkurgan Guesthouse* faces snow-capped mountains, with underfloor heating—perfect for high-altitude stays. Tips 1. Border Permit: Required for Tashkurgan and other areas. Apply for free with your ID at your hometown or in Kashgar (airport or local offices). 2. Sun Protection & Warmth: Kashgar’s UV rays are intense—sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are a must. Even in May, pack a thick jacket for the plateau’s temperature swings. 3. Respect Local Customs: Greet locals with "Yaxshimus" (hello) before taking photos. Avoid loud noises in mosques and don’t step on thresholds. 4. Transportation: Few buses run from Kashgar to Tashkurgan. Shared rides cost ~150 RMB/person; private cars ~800 RMB/day. Avoid unlicensed taxis. 5. Tickets: White Sand Lake + Karakul Lake cost 80 RMB (shuttle fees extra). Consider a private car for flexibility and savings. 6. Accommodation: Tashkurgan guesthouses may triple in price during peak season—book a month early. Budget travelers can stay in Kashgar city. 💕 Kashgar in May is endlessly enchanting, from the old town’s lively streets to the plateau’s grandeur and mouthwatering cuisine. Pack your bags and set off for an unforgettable adventure! 🎈 Explore every alley of the ancient city. 🌈 Admire every vista of the highlands. 🍱 Savor every bite of local flavors.