Kazanchi Historical Street (also spelled Kazanqi) is the beating heart of Shache Old Town (4A)—a 150-year-old Uyghur cultural strip where crafts, food, and daily life blend seamlessly.
Quick Facts
Name Meaning: “Kazanchi” (Uyghur) = “people who cast pots”.
Age: Established 1870 (late Qing Dynasty).
Length: 1.5 km; 187 alleys, 227 historic buildings, 8 ancient city ruins.
Location: Shache Old Town, adjacent to the Mausoleum of Yarkant Khans.
Status: Part of Shache Old Town (4A); “Xinjiang Tourism & Leisure Street” (2024).
What to See & Do
Copper & Iron Crafts (Signature)
The street’s soul: coppersmiths hammering pots, kettles, and teaware—a tradition for 4+ generations. Watch artisans at work and buy handcrafted souvenirs.
Uyghur Architecture
Vibrant blue-and-yellow facades, carved wooden eaves, and mosaic tilework—Central Asian style meets Uyghur design.
Local Food Tour
Try Shache’s classics:
Roast pigeon (local specialty)
Colored baked buns (savory, stuffed)
Mutton soup in a mug (rich, hearty)
Pea pilaf (fragrant, spiced)
Tea House Culture
Sit in a century-old teahouse for brick tea (~¥15) and listen to live Twelve Muqam performances (afternoons/evenings).
Handicraft Shops
Browse Idilais silk (rainbow-patterned), Uyghur musical instruments (dutar, tambur), carpets, and jewelry.
Visiting Tips
Open: 24/7 (best: 10:00–22:00 for day + night vibe).
Entry: Free (part of Shache Old Town; separate ticket for Yarkant Khan’s Mausoleum).
Best Time: Spring (Apr–May) or Autumn (Sep–Oct) (mild weather).
Combine: Pair with Amannisa Khan Mausoleum and Yarkant Khan Palace (5-min walk).
Why Go?
It’s authentic, unpolished, and full of life—a rare Silk Road street where locals live, work, and welcome visitors. No tourist traps, just pure Uyghur culture.
