Known as the holiest Muslim site in Xinjiang, this is a fine example of Islamic architecture, featuring intricate patterns and a majestic facade at the entrance.

Trace the Karakoram Highway, which goes from China to Pakistan, to Karakul Lake. The road trip comes with breathtaking scenery, complete with mountains, camels and yaks. Once arrived, admire the deep blue colors of the lake, surrounded by the scenic snowcapped Kunlun mountain range.

Visit Kashgar's historic and elegant mosque, Id Kah. The giant structure is China’s largest mosque, measuring more than 55,000-square-feet, and housing 10,000 worshippers every Friday.

Savor a dinner of traditional Uyghur food, the main cuisine of Xinjiang, with its unique blend of Chinese, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern/Indian elements. Try spicy stews made with lamb and flavored with generous quantities of cumin and chili pepper; laghman, thick, hand-pulled noodles in steaming, hearty soup; dapanji, flavored, marinated chicken slow roasted in a pan with assorted vegetables; as well as the Uyghur flatbread, called nan. Juicy lamb kebabs are incredibly popular and practically a daily staple.

Wander through the narrow, winding streets and enticing shops of this bustling medieval city, once one of the most prosperous trading towns in Asia. Take in the diversity of the various ethnic groups, and see their customs and lifestyles mesh in the urban metropolis.

Visit the Yekshenba Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest open-air market in the world. With vendors from as far away as Pakistan and Uzbekistan offering their wares and services, this large bazaar is a fun place to visit.

Once a part of the Yekshenba Bazaar, the famous livestock market now sits on the outskirts of town. Sheep, goats, cows, bulls and camels are traded here, in a unique, friendly atmosphere. Be prepared for somewhat pungent smells!

Spend a night in the desert near Lake Karakul in a yurt, the traditional dwelling of the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. The abode consists of animal hide stretched over a wooden frame, yurts are portable, and is easy to set up and dismantle. You will be hosted by a Kyrgyz family, one of a number of groups who reside in the Kashgar area.