Yarkant (Shache): The Forgotten Oasis

Published: June 24, 2026 | Author: Xinjiang Attractions Editorial Team

Why you can trust us: This guide is based on first-hand visits to Yarkant’s Old City, the Yarkant Royal Mausoleum, and the local Sunday market. We verified all information with the Shache County Tourism Bureau and cross-referenced historical details with academic sources on the Yarkant Khanate. Our team has explored Yarkant across three seasons to provide accurate, practical travel information.

Quick Reference: Yarkant at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Location	Shache County (Yarkant), Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang
Distance from Kashgar	~190 km (2.5–3 hours by car/bus)
Historical Significance	Capital of the Yarkant Khanate (1514–1680), major Silk Road oasis
Top Attractions	Yarkant Royal Mausoleum, Old City, Amanisha Khan Cultural Center
Best Time to Visit	April–June (apricot blossoms), September–October (cool weather)
Crowd Level	Low — far fewer tourists than Kashgar, excellent for authentic experiences

Our Experience: Discovering the Other Kashgar

When we first arrived in Yarkant, we were struck by how similar yet diferent it felt from Kashgar. Both are historic oasis cities on the southern Silk Road, but where Kashgar’s Old City has been extensively restored (beautifulfully, we might add), Yarkant retains a rawer, more authentic character. The Old City of Yarkant isn’t a museum — it’s a living neighborhood where children play in the alleys and families cook dinner in open doorways.

We visited the Yarkant Sunday market (yes, like Kashgar’s but smaller and more local) and were the only foreign faces. The warmth of the vendors — who were genuinely surprised to see us — made the experience unforgettable. We left with a bag full of the best dried apricots we’ve ever tasted, bought directly from the family that dried them.

The Yarkant Royal Mausoleum was another highlight. Unlike the more famous Afaq Khoja Mausoleum in Kashgar, the Yarkant tomb complex is quieter, older, and deeply atmospheric. The tilework is exquisite, and the sense of history is palpable.

Yarkant’s Rich History: The Khanate Period

Yarkant (also spelled Yarkand, and known in Chinese as Shache 莎车) was one of the most powerful city-states on the southern Silk Road. From 1514 to 1680, it served as the capital of the Yarkant Khanate, a Turkic-Mongol polity that controlled much of today’s Xinjiang and parts of Central Asia.

The most famous ruler was Sultan Said Khan (1487–1533), who founded the khanate. His tomb is part of the Yarkant Royal Mausoleum complex. Yarkant was also the birthplace of Amanisha Khan (1526–1560), a poet and scholar who compiled the Twelve Muqam — the classical Uyghur musical suite that is now UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage.

Top Things to Do in Yarkant

1. Yarkant Royal Mausoleum (叶尔羌汗国王陵)

This is the most important historical site in Yarkant. The complex includes several mausoleums built between the 16th and 19th centuries. The main tomb (Sultan Said Khan’s) features beautiful blue-and-white tilework in the Central Asian Islamic style. Entry fee: approximately 30 RMB. Allow 1–2 hours.

Photography tip: The tilework is best photographed in the morning light. The courtyard is peaceful — a good place for quiet reflection.

2. Yarkant Old City (莎车老城)

Less restored than Kashgar’s Old City, Yarkant’s old quarter feels more lived-in. Wander the narrow alleys, admire the traditional mud-brick architecture, and peek into the small workshops where artisans still make traditional Uyghur crafts. No entry fee — it’s a residential area.

3. Amanisha Khan Cultural Center (阿曼尼莎汗文化中心)

A museum and cultural center dedicated to Amanisha Khan, the poet who compiled the Twelve Muqam. The center has exhibits on Uyghur music, traditional instruments, and the history of the Muqam. Occasional live performances are held here — ask locally about the schedule.

4. Yarkant Sunday Market (莎车巴扎)

Every Sunday, the market area comes alive. It’s smaller than Kashgar’s but more authentic — fewer tourist-oriented stalls, more actual local commerce. You can find excellent dried fruits, nuts, spices, and traditional clothing. Food vendors sell laghman, kebabs, and fresh-baked naan.

5. The City Walls (Remnants)

Small sections of the old city walls still stand. They aren’t extensively preserved, but they offer a glimpse into Yarkant’s past as a fortified oasis city. Ask locals for directions — the remnats aren’t always clearly signposted.

How to Get to Yarkant from Kashgar

By Bus (Recommended for Budget Travelers)

Kashgar Long-Distance Bus Station has regular buses to Shache (Yarkant). The journey takes 3–4 hours. Tickets cost 50–70 RMB. Buses run from early morning until evening.

By Car/Taxi (Recommended for Flexibility)

Hiring a private car in Kashgar costs 600–900 RMB for a round-trip day excursion (can be shared among 3–4 passengers). The drive is straightforward: take the G315 national highway south from Kashgar. The road is paved and in good condition.

By Train

There are occasional train services, but schedules are irregular. Check at Kashgar Railway Station for current options.

Where to Stay in Yarkant

Yarkant has basic to mid-range hotels. Don’t expect luxury, but the options are clean and adequate for 1–2 nights:

• Mid-range: Shache Hotel and similar — 200–350 RMB/night, clean rooms with heating and hot water
• Budget: Guesthouses and inns — 80–150 RMB/night

Most travelers visit Yarkant as a day trip from Kashgar. If you do overnight, book ahead during festivals or peak season (May–October).

Food in Yarkant: What to Eat

Yarkant’s cuisine is similar to Kashgar’s but with subtle differences. Don’t miss:

• Yarkant Laghman: Hand-pulled noodles with a slightly diferent spice blend than in northern Xinjiang
• Shache Big Plate Chicken (莎车大盘鸡): A local variation of the famous Xinjiang dish
• Fresh Apricots (in season): Yarkant is famous for apricots. If you visit in May–June, eat them fresh — the taste is completely diferent from dried ones
• Yarkant Mulberry Juice (桑葚汁): In summer, street vendors sell fresh mulberry juice. It’s sweet, cooling, and delicious

Best Time to Visit Yarkant

April to June: Apricot blossom season. The entire oasis turns pink and white. This is also when the weather is most pleasant (daytime 20–28°C).

July to August: Hot (35–40°C). Not ideal for sightseeing, though the markets are still active in the early morning and evening.

September to October: Excellent. Cool, dry weather. The perfect time for walking tours of the Old City.

November to March: Cold but peaceful. Few tourists. Some guesthouses may close.

Combining Yarkant with Other Destinations

Yarkant is an excellent addition to a Kashgar-based itinerary. Here are some combination ideas:

• Kashgar + Yarkant (2 days): Day 1 in Kashgar, Day 2 day-trip to Yarkant
• Kashgar + Yarkant + Hotan (4–5 days): Continue south from Yarkant to Hotan (200 km). Hotan is famous for jade, silk, and carpet weaving
• Yarkant + Tashkurgan (3 days): A more adventurous route — north from Yarkant back to the KKH, then west to Tashkurgan

Cultural Etiquette in Yarkant

• Dress modestly: Yarkant is conservative. Cover shoulders and knees, especially when visiting religious sites
• Ask before photographing: Always request permission before taking photos of people, especially women and elderly men
• Respect prayer times: If you visit a mosque or religious site, be mindful of prayer times. Non-Muslims may not be allowed inside during prayers
• Learn a few phrases: “Assalamu alaykum” (peace be upon you) and “Rahmat” (thank you) go a long way

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Yarkant safe for tourists?
A: Yes. Yarkant is very safe. As with anywhere in Xinjiang, carry your passport for ID checks at hotels and occasional police checkpoints.

Q: Do I need a border permit for Yarkant?
A: No. Unlike Tashkurgan, Yarkant does not require a special border permit. A standard Chinese visa (or visa-free entry) is sufficient.

Q: How much time do I need in Yarkant?
A: One full day is enough to see the main sights. Two days allows for a more relaxed pace and possibly attending a Muqam performance.

Q: Is Yarkant worth visiting if I’m short on time?
A: If you have fewer than 3 days in Xinjiang, prioritize Kashgar and the surrounding areas. But if you have 4+ days, Yarkant adds a valuable dimension to your understanding of southern Xinjiang’s history and culture.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. Opening hours, entry fees, transport schedules, and accommodation availability can change without notice. We encourage responsible, respectful cultural tourism. Yarkant is a living community, not a tourist theme park — please treat it as such. Verify current information with the Shache County Tourism Bureau or your hotel before traveling.