Kashi, a Uygur-inhabited city in western,Xinjiang, attracts visitors from all over the world with its special charms and handicrafts bazaars.
Kashi, the abbreviation for Kashgar, used to be an important commercial town in history. It is not big in size, but well known in the world. It is described by many as a bright pearl on the ancient Silk Road as it served as a gateway for transfer of goods from China to central Asia and Europe on the historical trade artery and a channel for cultural exchanges between east and west 2,000 years ago.
Handicrafts bazaars have mushroomed since Kashi became a new tourist attraction in recent years.
Right opposite to the famous Id Kah Mosque, there is a street named Anjiaresitan, which is famous for its gold and silver jewelry. You can buy anything you want in the street which is lined by 200 gold shops.
You may bring your own gold bar and the local goldsmith will make any ornament at your order. If you don't like the style of your gold ring, the goldsmith can make a fashionable one for you.
Another key handicraft bazaar is adjacent to the Id Kah Mosque.There are hundreds of workshops and stands for making and selling dopa (hat), jewelry, knives, tapestries and carpets of various designs and colors, wooden products, pottery and Uygur musical instruments. "It is just like a sea of fine handicrafts," said a peddler.
All these exquisite handicrafts are not only purchased by natives, but also by people from other parts of China and foreigners. The knives produced in and named after Yingishar attract many customers for their unique design, delicate decorations and sharp edge.
At the Kashi Grand Bazaar, believed to be the biggest of its kind in Central Asia, villagers and herdsmen came by driving theirdonkey carts laden with farm produce and self-made animal
by-products on a bazaar day. Crowded but joyful people selling and buying what they have and what they want.
"It is really a great joy for both locals and visitors," said atourist from Zhejiang, east China.
(eastday November 15,2001)
