A local resident sits in the morning light in the Old City of Kashgar.

The Old City of Kashgar is a place not meant to be rushed. Roaming in the well-preserved labyrinth of streets, you feel time has forgotten to tick.

The Old City is bathed in the dawn light.

Located in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Kashgar is an important trading spot on the ancient Silk Road that links China, Middle East and Europe and thus embraces cultures of the east and the west.

Despite rapid development, the Old City is still the essence of modern Kashgar. It is one of the world's largest earth architectural complexes, and has 15 alleys and bazaars featuring different trades: local cuisine, handicraft products, antiques and jewelry.

But behind the bustling businesses is a laid-back life of the locals.

"I can't help slow down my pace when I walk in the Old City," said Gulinigar, who was enjoying her third tour in Kashgar, "The place is charming and really impressed me."

Gulinigar visits a bazaar in the Old City.

To better protect the historic area, a renovation project with an investment of more than 7 billion yuan (1.02 billion U.S. dollars) started in 2010.

An old construction in the Old City is under restoration.

Let's walk through the gate of the Old City, and have a touch of the "slow" life here:

A wedding in Kashgar: It is the local tradition to dance in front of the groom's home before setting out to the bride's home.

Spring snow in the Old City.

Musicians play folk music.

A blacksmith forges horseshoe.

A musician plays local musical instrument Rawap.

Bakers make Naan, a kind of bread favored by locals, in a bakery.

An old man rests in a teahouse. People in Kashgar like drinking tea in teahouses in their leisure time.

A little girl tries to switch off the light.

(All photos by Zhao Ge)