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BEIJING, August 2 (Xinhuanet) -- It's a living testament to the ancient Silk Road, and the beating heart of ethnic Uygur culture. Now, the Old Town of Kashgar - at the western reaches of China - has received official designation as a tourist attraction.
It's the stuff of fairy tales - camel caravans bearing spices, tea, and talismans; merchants hawking their goods under red canopies; stalls laden with fruit.
Kashgar lies at the midpoint of the 2,000-year-old Silk Road, a gateway and hub connecting China to Central Asia and Europe, and still home to the largest Sunday bazaar in the world. But the city also remains a focal point of Uygur culture.
"From what I've heard before, there's no Ugyur culture, but I'm positively surprised to see that the city of Kashgar is still a Uygur city. And the government obviously tries to preserve the things here," a man said.
Alongside the enduring mercantile mindset, traditional crafts are kept alive, including clay handicrafts, embroidery, and handmade blankets.
"The government also arranges for me and other potters to teach in schools. Hopefully, this craft can be passed on," a native said .
In an area frequently hit by earthquakes, most of the old-city houses are dilapidated, making them extremely vulnerable to earthquakes and fire.
But the Chinese government has been investing heavily in renovations since April 2009, enhancing the quake-resistance of old houses while preserving the original appearance of the ancient city. The project also seeks to improve living conditions for the locals.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
