The Xiangfei Garden Scenic Area is located on Xiangfei Road, Aizirete Village, Haohan Township, Kashgar City, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction covering an area of more than 300 mu. The scenic area is a tourist attraction whose main functions include the display of history and celebrity culture, folk custom experience, sightseeing, and recreation and dining. Its architectural style highlights the integration of traditional architecture and modern elements. The main tomb chamber in the scenic area is the largest dome-style building in Xinjiang. It is entirely built of earth and gypsum, without a single beam or pillar. It is 35 meters wide, 29 meters deep, and 26 meters high. The top is a dome with a diameter of 17 meters. At the four corners of the building are cylindrical towers half embedded in the walls.
History and Culture
The core landscape of Xiangfei Garden is the Xiangfei Tomb, also called the Apak Khoja Tomb, which was first built around 1640. This is the family cemetery of Xiangfei, a group of exquisite and magnificent ancient buildings, in which 72 people from five generations of the same family are buried. Legend has it that Xiangfei's real name was Maimur Aizim, and she was known by the name "Iparhan," meaning "Fragrant Girl." She was Emperor Qianlong's beloved consort. Because her body had the fragrance of jujube flowers, she was called "Xiangfei" (Fragrant Concubine). After Xiangfei died, Emperor Qianlong arranged for her remains to be transported back to Kashgar and buried in the Apak Khoja Tomb. However, according to textual research, Xiangfei's exact burial place is in the Yufei Garden Tomb in the Eastern Qing Tombs in Zunhua, Hebei.
Main Attractions
Xiangfei Tomb
The Xiangfei Tomb is the core building of the scenic area. The overall building is magnificent and tall, with strong local ethnic characteristics. The main tomb chamber covers an area of more than 2,000 square meters. Its outer wall is made of dark green glazed bricks, interspersed with yellow and blue tiles. It has a history of more than 300 years and features various colorful decorative patterns and scriptural aphorisms, which is also a typical Muslim decorative technique.
Jiaman Mosque
Built in 1873 AD, it consists of a 100-meter open corridor and a back hall. The 62 wooden columns were carved by 62 families, and their woodcarving patterns and painted designs are all different, making it worthy of being called the essence of Uygur woodcarving art.
Baoyue Tower
There are wonderful performances inside the tower, fully displaying court luxury. Its golden appearance and exquisite carvings make it quite magnificent.
Mirror Pool
The Mirror Pool is built in imitation of the architectural style of the Taj Mahal in India. In the pool, you can see the reflection of the main tomb of the Xiangfei Tomb in the water. It is the best photo spot.
Former Residence of Xiangfei
Through scene restoration, it shows Xiangfei's growth environment, and you can also enjoy Uygur wedding performances.
Food
Nang
A popular food of the Uygur people, just like steamed buns in northern China, and an indispensable daily food for Uygur people.
Stuffed Lamb Lungs and Stuffed Rice Sausages
Traditional flavor snacks made with sheep offal as raw materials. The stuffed lamb lungs are soft and tender, and the stuffed rice sausages are glutinous and fresh.
Grilled Lamb Skewers
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with delicious meat and a unique flavor. They can be seen everywhere in urban and rural areas, on streets, and at bazaars.
Baked Samosas
The skin is golden and bright, the meat is tender, and they are crispy and delicious, similar to Tianjin's Goubuli steamed buns.
Lagman
Also called latiaozi. It tastes chewy and firm, round and smooth, and delicious. It can also be made into fried noodles with a unique flavor.
Pilaf
The lamb is stewed until tender, the rice grains are coated with lamb fat aroma, and it is paired with refreshing shredded carrots. It is very delicious.
Tickets：
Tickets are 30 yuan per person.
You can search for the official public account "Kashgar Xiangfei Garden Scenic Area Official" on WeChat to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours：
10:00 - 20:00.
Tour Route：
The scenic area will provide Uygur tour guides to lead the tour. You can first visit the front part, including the Tourist Service Center, the Former Residence of Xiangfei, and the Huo Family History Museum, and then tour the original scenic area in the back part, including the Abak Khoja Tomb, the Sermon Hall, and the Jiaman Mosque. You can also, according to your own interests, focus on visiting check-in spots such as the Xiangfei Tomb, Mirror Pool, and Baoyue Tower, enjoy Uygur wedding performances, and watch the Xiangfei welcome ceremony and the large-scale song and dance drama "Joyful Xiangfei."
Transportation：
Take Bus No. 20 in the urban area of Kashgar to reach the scenic area directly.
The scenic area is 10 kilometers from Kashgar Airport and 1.5 kilometers from Kashgar Railway Station. You can choose to take a taxi.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Xiangfei Tomb: The largest dome-style building in Xinjiang, with a strong Islamic style, exquisite architectural craftsmanship, and high historical and cultural value.
Mirror Pool: In the style of the Taj Mahal, the reflection of the main tomb in the pool is extraordinarily beautiful and is a paradise for photography.
Former Residence of Xiangfei: You can experience Uygur life scenes and wedding customs and feel the unique ethnic style.
Travel Suggestions：
You can participate in folk activities in the scenic area, such as the intangible cultural heritage Dawaz high-wire walking performance every Sunday, to feel the unique cultural atmosphere.
Wear solid-color long dresses when taking photos at spots such as the internet-famous blue wall and the Mirror Pool for good photo results.
Taste the food in the scenic area, such as pilaf, thin-skinned samosas, and pomegranate juice.
Follow the scenic area's free guided tour service to gain an in-depth understanding of Xiangfei's anecdotes and the scenic area's history and culture.
Notes：
Respect local religious beliefs and customs.
Do not touch cultural relics and ancient buildings at will in the scenic area.
Pay attention to protecting the environment and do not litter.
When watching performances and experiencing folk activities, obey on-site order.