Xiangfei Garden Scenic Area is located on Xiangfei Road, Aizirete Village, Haohan Township, Kashgar City, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction covering an area of more than 300 mu. The scenic area integrates historical and celebrity culture display, folk custom experience, sightseeing tourism, and recreational dining as its main functions. Its architectural style highlights the integration of traditional architecture and modern elements. The main mausoleum in the scenic area is the largest domed building in Xinjiang, built entirely with soil and gypsum without a single beam or column. It is 35 meters wide, 29 meters deep, and 26 meters high, with a dome 17 meters in diameter. The four corners of the building have cylindrical towers half-embedded in the wall.
History and Culture
The core landscape of Xiangfei Garden is the Xiangfei Tomb, also known as the Apakhoga Tomb, which was built around 1640. This is the family cemetery of Xiangfei, a group of exquisite and magnificent ancient buildings where five generations of 72 people from the same family are buried. Legend has it that Xiangfei's real name was Maimure·Aizimu, known by the name "Iparhan," meaning "Fragrant Girl." She was a beloved concubine of Emperor Qianlong and was called "Xiangfei" because of the aroma of sea buckthorn flowers on her body. After Xiangfei's death, Emperor Qianlong arranged for her remains to be transported back to Kashgar and buried in the Apakhoga Tomb. However, according to research, Xiangfei's exact burial place is in the Yufei Garden Mausoleum of the Eastern Qing Tombs in Zunhua, Hebei.
Main Attractions
Xiangfei Tomb
The Xiangfei Tomb is the core building of the scenic area, with a grand and tall overall structure featuring a strong local ethnic character. The main mausoleum covers an area of over 2,000 square meters, with its exterior walls made of dark green glazed bricks interspersed with yellow and blue tiles. Dating back more than 300 years, it is decorated with various colorful patterns and scriptural aphorisms, a typical decorative technique of Muslims.
Jiaman Mosque
Built in 1873 AD, it consists of a hundred-meter corridor and a rear hall. The 62 wooden pillars were carved by 62 families, and their woodcarving patterns and colored patterns are all unique, known as the essence of Uyghur woodcarving art.
Bao Yue Lou (Precious Moon Building)
There are wonderful performances inside the building, showing the luxury of the imperial court. With a golden appearance and exquisite carvings, it is quite magnificent.
Mirror Pool
The Mirror Pool was built in the architectural style of the Taj Mahal in India. The main tomb of the Xiangfei Tomb can be seen reflected in the water, making it the best photo spot.
Xiangfei's Former Residence
It displays Xiangfei's growth environment through scene restoration and allows visitors to enjoy Uyghur wedding performances.
Food
Nang (Uygur Bread)
A popular food among the Uyghur people, similar to steamed buns in northern China, and an essential daily food for Uyghurs.
Steamed Mutton Lung and Rice Sausage
A traditional flavored snack made from sheep offal, with tender steamed lung and glutinous rice sausage.
Grilled Lamb Skewers
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with fresh and delicious meat, having a unique flavor, widely seen in urban and rural areas, streets, and bazaars.
Grilled Buns
With a yellow and bright skin, fresh and tender meat, crispy and delicious, similar to Tianjin's Goubuli buns.
La Mian (Pulled Noodles)
Also known as "La Tiaozi", it tastes flexible and chewy, smooth and refreshing, delicious and tasty. It can also be made into fried noodles, with a unique flavor.
Pilaf
The mutton is stewed until tender, the rice grains are fragrant with mutton oil, and it is served with fresh carrot shreds, very delicious.
Tickets
The ticket price is 30 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "喀什香妃园景区官方" in WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
10:00 - 20:00.
Tour Route
The scenic area will be equipped with Uyghur tour guides to lead the tour. You can first visit the tourist service center, Xiangfei's former residence, Huo Family History Museum and other places in the front part, and then visit the original scenic area in the rear part, including Apakhoga Tomb, Scripture Hall, Jiaman Mosque, etc. You can also focus on visiting check-in points such as Xiangfei Tomb, Mirror Pool, and Baoyue Building according to your own interests, enjoy Uyghur wedding performances, and watch the Xiangfei welcome ceremony and the large-scale song and dance drama Joyful Xiangfei.
Transportation
- Take bus No. 20 in Kashgar urban area to reach the scenic area directly.
- The scenic area is 10 kilometers away from Kashgar Airport and 1.5 kilometers away from Kashgar Railway Station. You can choose to take a taxi.
Must-visit Attractions
- Xiangfei Tomb: The largest domed building in Xinjiang, with a strong Islamic style, exquisite architectural craftsmanship, and high historical and cultural value.
- Mirror Pool: In the style of the Taj Mahal, the reflection of the main tomb in the pool is beautiful, making it a photography mecca.
- Xiangfei's Former Residence: Experience the life scene and wedding customs of the Uyghur people and feel the unique national customs.
Tour Tips
- Participate in the scenic area's folk activities, such as the weekly Sunday intangible heritage Davaz high-wire walking performance, to feel the unique cultural atmosphere.
- Wear a solid-color long dress to take photos at internet-famous blue walls, Mirror Pool, and other attractions for good photo effects.
- Taste the food in the scenic area, such as pilaf, thin-skinned buns, and pomegranate juice.
- Follow the scenic area's free explanation service to deeply understand Xiangfei's anecdotes and the scenic area's history and culture.
Notes
- Respect the local religious beliefs and customs.
- Do not touch cultural relics and ancient buildings randomly in the scenic area.
- Pay attention to environmental protection and do not litter.
- Observe the site order when watching performances and experiencing folk activities.