27 Sep 2025｜Second Day in Yarkand / Shache（莎车）
A Slow and Atmospheric Morning
Our second morning in Yarkand (Shache) began with breakfast at 玫客满啦，a restaurant that has gone viral online for its décor and atmosphere. Walking in felt like stepping into a curated film set—warm lights, carved wood, and a hint of nostalgic elegance. The breakfast itself leaned simple—no bread as many reviews might suggest—but the tea and coffee were lovely, and the environment alone made it enjoyable.
Leaving the restaurant, we wandered slowly toward the old town. The streets were calm, with stores just beginning to open. We passed by a small bookstore that looked too charming to ignore, so we stepped inside. The shelves were dusty, and the place felt almost frozen in time. I was hoping to pick up a book in Uyghur, but couldn’t find one. Unlike some cities where bookstores are tourist highlights, this one felt more like a quiet corner for locals—simple, unembellished, and not designed for visitors.
A Surprisingly Impressive Visit to Shache Museum
From there, we walked to the Shache Museum—free to enter, and honestly, I didn’t expect much. But inside, the museum turned out to be a hidden gem: spacious galleries, curated historical displays, ethnic culture exhibits, and collections of jade and precious stones that reflected centuries of Silk Road trade.
Shache (Yarkand) has a long and significant history. During the Silk Road era, it was one of the crucial oasis towns of the Southern Route, linking the Tarim Basin with India, Central Asia, and Persia. Later, it became the capital of the Yarkand Khanate (叶尔羌汗国) from the 16th to 17th century—a powerful regime established by the Chagatai lineage of Timur. For over 200 years, Shache served as a political and cultural center where Islam, Uyghur traditions, trade networks, poetry, and music flourished. The museum captured fragments of this history through pottery, manuscripts, textiles, and depictions of daily life.
Unfortunately, we didn’t realize that many museums in Southern Xinjiang observe a midday break. Around 2:30 PM, the museum keeper gently reminded us they were closing. We didn’t make it to the upper floor, but the ground level alone was informative and worth the trip. A mental note for future travelers: museums here usually pause between 2pm and 4pm, depending on local policy.
Walking to the Yarkand Royal Complex
We continued toward the old town and soon reached the Yarkand Khan Palace. Although the building has been under maintenance since last year, the architecture remained majestic from the outside. Standing before its walls felt like standing next to a chapter from a forgotten empire.
Next, we entered the Amannisa Khan Mausoleum / Yarkand Khan Mausoleum. Amannisa Khan (阿曼尼莎汗) is one of the most important cultural icons of Uyghur history. She was the queen who compiled the Twelve Muqam, the classical Uyghur musical heritage still performed today. Walking into the mausoleum grounds felt tranquil: grapevines shading the path, tiled corridors, and the quiet presence of centuries-old tombs.
This place, far from the noisy tourist trails, carried a softness I didn’t expect.
Strolling Around Kazzanqi Street
Leaving the mausoleum, we wandered through Kazzanqi Street. Shops selling dried hulus, snacks, crafts, and small street food stalls lined the road. People moved slowly. It felt like a town at peace with its own rhythm.
Tea Time at the Old Cinema Tea House（老电影茶馆）
By late afternoon, we reached the Old Cinema Tea House—another spot made popular online. The interior was beautifully decorated, mixing retro cinema elements with Uyghur aesthetics. We ordered their yogurt naan cuo and tea, and enjoyed a long break there.
A live traditional performance began on stage, and some customers stood up and joined the dancing. Despite the slightly higher prices due to its popularity, the atmosphere and performance made it worth the stop. It was one of those places where you could easily stay for hours.
A Relaxing Evening at the Hotel Spa
Returning to the hotel, we ended the day with a massage at the spa. The reception area alone was impressive—dim lights, warm tones, and bowls of tea and snacks. We were given a private room, making the whole experience feel more luxurious than expected.
After resting for a while, we went out again for dinner. We ordered liangfen, yogurt ice, naan with chicken, and naan with lamb—all delicious and comforting after a full day of walking.
A quiet end to a full, gentle day in Yarkand.
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