Comments on: Disappearing Donkeys: Kashgar on the Edge of a Developing China

By: Daniel Noll

Daniel Noll — Sat, 06 Aug 2016 09:39:15 +0000

In reply to fred schaff. Glad you enjoyed this experience, Fred. With all that modernization, I'm sure it's quite different now. The debate (i.e., is it better for the locals), I'm sure rages on. Would love to return and visit the Karakoram Highway.

By: fred schaff

fred schaff — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:04:15 +0000

Visited in 2009 and was the only one who dared visit “Old Town Kashgar” so, for a couple USD’s, had a one-on-one 2-3-hour tour with a delightfully talkative and attractive Local Gal in her native clothing.
Another day during our stay, visited both the regular outdoor market as well as the animal market and its so sad to see the Han Chinese coming there and modernizing the region (is it better or for worse for “the Locals” — depends on who you ask).
Also on trip, took van 3-days & nites into Pakistan on Karakoram highway and, also, from Urumqi, by van to the Silk-Route town of Turpan.

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 14:07:06 +0000

@Daniel: I don't know when Kashgar and the rest of Xinjiang will open up again to tourists, but I can't recommend enough visiting as soon as you can. The news is that 80,000+ homes in Kashgar's old town will get bulldozed soon in the name of "safety and development" for the city's inhabitants. Try to go before this happens! Re: public spitting in China, you may enjoy this post.

By: Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:43:36 +0000

I lived 3 years in China, but unfortunately never set foot in Xinjiang. Now I dream of going. My experience with Xinjiangren has been with the many restaurants and grills they set up in cities such as Shanghai. I miss the yangrhouchuan!!

As for your description of your dismay at public spitting… I am terribly sorry to say this, but even after 3 years in China, I was still profoundly disgusted by it. I tried, I really did… Never could fully repress a shudder. 😀

Thank you for this great article! I want to go to Xinjiang more than ever, now.

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 05:15:40 +0000

Travellmon: Kashgar was one of our favorite places in all of China – it’s really special. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to explore the rest of Xinjiang. I’ve heard it’s been a difficult time for the Uighurs in Kashgar since the Olympics – a crackdown after the attacks. I’m sure life still goes on – night market, animal market, relaxing by the mosque, etc. Enjoy your trip!

Glad you had fun getting “lost” in the rest of the website!

By: travellmon

travellmon — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:49:00 +0000

I was looking for information on Xinjiang for a trip next month when I came across your “Top 10 Xinjiang Dishes” page! It’s been an hour and I’m still on your site reading about all the places you’ve been and admiring the great photos. Good luck on your journey!