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Located at the westernmost tip of China, Kashgar, also known as Shufu in the old days, is a vibrant kaleidoscope of Central Asian cultures. An oasis 1200 meters above sea level, Kashgar is a remarkably prosperous and pleasant place, despite remaining, in part, an essentially medieval city. Coming from the west, Kashgar is the first point of arrival on the ancient overland routes from Pakistan and Kirgyzistan. The population here is nearly ninety percent Muslim, a fact you can hardly fail to notice with the great Id Kah Mosque dominating the central square, and the Uigur bazaars and tea shops, the smell of grilled lamb and, above all, the faces of the Turkic people around you. Kashgar's extraordinary Sunday market, when half of Central Asia seems to converge on the city, is as exotic to the average Han Chinese as for the foreign tourist. After a tour of Id Kah Mosque, we spend the rest of the day exploring the famous Kashgar Sunday Bazaar which sells a variety of livestock, cloth, carpets, leather, and household goods. You will also visit a Muslim family, a kindergarten and the famous Abakh Hoja Tomb, also known as Fragrant Concubine's Tomb (built circa 1640).
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