A Journey Through the Thousand Years of Silk Road [Tashkent]
💐Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and one of the largest cities in Central Asia. It combines a long history with modern urban style, with ancient relics of the Silk Road, Soviet-era buildings and modern facilities. Below is a detailed guide to Tashkent to help you better explore the city.
1. Recommended major attractions
✅History and Culture
- Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni)
One of the symbols of Uzbekistan, there is the Independence Monument and the Eternal Flame🔥 on the square, which is suitable for feeling the history and solemnity of the country.
- Hazrati Imam Complex
Tashkent's religious center [Mosque], including the Barak Khan Madrasah, the Mosque and the Islamic Institute, houses the world's oldest copy of the Ottoman Quran.
- Kukeldash Madrasah
The 16th-century Islamic school, located in the old city, showcases the architectural style of the past and is suitable for taking photos and learning about Islamic culture.
- Chorsu Bazaar
One of the most famous markets in Central Asia, the dome-shaped buildings sell spices, dried fruits, handicrafts, etc. It is a good place to experience local life.
✅Museums and Art
-National Museum of History of Uzbekistan [ClassicArch]
Learn about the evolution of Uzbekistan by displaying historical artifacts from the Stone Age to the present day.
- Amir Timur Museum
Themed on the Timurid Empire, the building itself is gorgeous and perfect for history buffs.
- Museum of Applied Arts
It houses a collection of exquisite ceramics, embroidery and wood carvings, showcasing traditional handicrafts.
✅Nature and leisure
- Tashkent Metro Station 🚇
Known as the "underground art museum", each platform has a unique theme design. It is recommended to buy a subway ticket to visit several stations.
- Tashkent TV Tower 🗼
The city landmark is 375 meters high, with an observation deck and revolving restaurant on the top floor offering panoramic views.
- Japanese Garden
The quiet Japanese garden is suitable for taking a walk and relaxing.
2. Special Experience
- Take a ride on an old Soviet tram
Tashkent has preserved its vintage tram lines, perfect for nostalgia lovers.
- Taste Uzbek cuisine
Must-try: Plov, Samsa, Lagman and Non. It is recommended to go to the Central Plov Center to experience authentic pilaf.
- Watch folk performances
There are occasional traditional music and dance performances at Navoi Theater or Alisher Navoiy Park💃.
3. Transportation Guide
- Airport: 🛬Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is about 5 kilometers away from the city center and it takes about 10-15 minutes by taxi.
- Transportation in the city:
- Subway: [Metro] Tickets are cheap (about 1,400 UZS/trip), but you need to pay in cash💰.
- Taxi: [TaxiFront] It’s cheaper to use Yandex Taxi or local apps.
- Public transportation: [Tramcar] has a wide coverage, but you need to check the route in advance.
4. Accommodation recommendations
- Luxury: 🏬Hyatt Regency Tashkent, International Hotel Tashkent Palace.
- Mid-range: [Hotel] Art Hotel, Mirzo Boutique Hotel.
- Budget: Topchan Hostel (youth hostel), Guesthouse Courage.
5. Notes ⚠️
- Visa: Chinese citizens can stay for 10 days without a visa (policy starting from 2023), but please confirm the latest requirements.
- Currency: Uzbek Som (UZS). 💴It is recommended to bring USD/Euro to exchange. There are many exchange points in the city.
- Language: Mainly Uzbek/Russian. English is not widely used. Please download the translation app in advance.
- Etiquette: You must dress appropriately when entering the mosque (women are advised to wear headscarves).
- Safety: The overall security is good, but please be careful with your belongings.
6. Short trips around the area
- Samarkand/Bukhara/Khiva: [HighSpeedRail] It takes 2-6 hours to reach by high-speed rail (Afrosiyob), which is suitable for connecting the ancient cities of the Silk Road.
- Chimgan Mountains: about 2 hours drive from Tashkent, suitable for hiking and skiing.
🛞Tashkent may not be as ancient as Samarkand, but as a hub city in Central Asia, it allows you to feel the history and experience the vitality of modern Uzbekistan. It is recommended to arrange a 2-3 day tour, and it will be more exciting to visit the surrounding cities together!