Join millions of curious travelers.

Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

We promise not to spam you!
  • How It Works
  • Get Inspired
  • Pricing
  • Blog
  • Login
Get InspiredBlogTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026 TravelPal, Inc.

Navigation

  • Blog
  • Destinations
  • Contact

Follow us

Terms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026, TravelPal, Inc. All rights reserved.
0/200
Get InspiredAsiaChinaXinjiangShache

Shache

Xinjiang, China
City·Historic, Cultural, Oasis
Shache
Photo by Kunal Kj from Google Places
Shache
Photo by Shahram Zandi from Google Places
Shache
Photo by Arjun King from Google Places
Shache
Photo by Arvind Kumar Sharma from Google Places
Shache
Photo by Arvind Kumar Sharma from Google Places
Shache
Photo by Kunal Kj from Google Places
Shache
Photo by Shahram Zandi from Google Places
Shache
Photo by Arjun King from Google Places
Shache
Photo by Arvind Kumar Sharma from Google Places
Shache
Photo by Arvind Kumar Sharma from Google Places

Shache, also referred to as Yarkant, is a captivating city in Xinjiang, China, steeped in history and culture. Located on the southern rim of the Taklamakan Desert, it was once the seat of an ancient Buddhist kingdom and a significant stop along the Silk Road. The city is predominantly inhabited by Uyghurs, with a small Tajik minority, offering a rich cultural tapestry for visitors to explore. The fertile oasis, nourished by the Yarkand River, supports diverse agriculture, including cotton, wheat, and a variety of fruits. Shache is also known for its mineral wealth, including petroleum, natural gas, and precious metals.

Shache, also referred to as Yarkant, is a captivating city in Xinjiang, China, steeped in history and culture. Located on the southern rim of the Taklamakan Desert, it was once the seat of an ancient Buddhist kingdom and a significant stop along the Silk Road. The city is predominantly inhabited by Uyghurs, with a small Tajik minority, offering a rich cultural tapestry for visitors to explore. The fertile oasis, nourished by the Yarkand River, supports diverse agriculture, including cotton, wheat, and a variety of fruits. Shache is also known for its mineral wealth, including petroleum, natural gas, and precious metals.

You might want to ask

Highlights

  • Ancient Buddhist kingdom remnants.

  • Southern branch of the Silk Road.

  • Predominantly Uyghur settlement.

  • Fertile oasis with diverse agriculture.

  • Rich mineral deposits.

Before you go: Shache essentials

  • Close access to the Taklamakan Desert, ideal for desert excursions.

  • Rich cultural heritage with historical sites from the Silk Road era.

  • Predominantly Uyghur population with unique cultural practices.

Local Cuisine

Try local Uyghur dishes such as hand-pulled noodles and lamb kebabs.

Getting Around

Public transportation is limited; consider hiring a local guide for a more in-depth experience.

Best For

History enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Currency

CNY ¥

Average Cost

$50-$100 p/day

Languages Spoken

Mandarin, Uyghur

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

Occasion Tags

Cultural Exploration, Historical Tourism, Nature Lovers

Best time to visit Shache

April-JuneSeptember-November

Best Season

Spring

Spring offers mild weather, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Best Season

Summer

Summers can be hot, but it's a great time to experience local festivals.

Best Season

Fall

Fall provides pleasant temperatures and is ideal for cultural tours.

Winter

Winters are cold, but the landscape offers a unique beauty worth experiencing.

Join millions of curious travelers.

Get early access to exclusive partner discounts, tips & user itineraries.

We promise not to spam you!

Location

Shache, Xinjiang, China

Things to do in Shache

Kashgar Airport Transfer to Hotel with Private Vehicle
From $50

Kashgar Airport Transfer to Hotel with Private Vehicle

Duration: 30 min
Kashgar
PRI Day Tour in Kashgar including Apa Hoja Tomb, Id Ghar Mosque
From $212

PRI Day Tour in Kashgar including Apa Hoja Tomb, Id Ghar Mosque

Duration: 8h
Kashgar
Private Full-Day Tour to Dawakun Desert from Kashgar
From $219

Private Full-Day Tour to Dawakun Desert from Kashgar

Duration: 7h
Kashgar
Full-inclusive Kashgar Private Day Tour with Sunday Market
From $202

Full-inclusive Kashgar Private Day Tour with Sunday Market

Duration: 8 min
Kashgar
Kashgar City Tour
From $220

Kashgar City Tour

Duration: 48h
Kashgar
7 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour to Kashgar, Turpan and Urumqi
From $1,220

7 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour to Kashgar, Turpan and Urumqi

5.0(17)
Duration: 168h
Kashgar
8-Day Silk Road Tour from Kashgar to Dunhuang, Zhangye etc.
From $2,399

8-Day Silk Road Tour from Kashgar to Dunhuang, Zhangye etc.

Duration: 192h
Kashgar
All Inclusive Private Day Tour: Kashgar City Highlights and Animal Bazaar
From $212

All Inclusive Private Day Tour: Kashgar City Highlights and Animal Bazaar

Duration: 8h
Kashgar
Explore on Viator