Kashgar Uncovered: A Kiwi Vlogger’s Journey Through Xinjiang

When New Zealand vlogger Andy Boreham landed in Kashgar, a 2,000-year-old Silk Road hub in China's Xinjiang region, he expected mystery—but found warmth, bustling markets, and a cultural tapestry that defies stereotypes.

\"The streets are alive here,\" Boreham said, sharing clips of Uygur artisans crafting intricate copperware and families laughing over steaming plates of polo (Xinjiang’s signature lamb rice dish). His videos spotlight Kashgar’s Old City, where UNESCO-preserved architecture meets TikTok dances by local teens.

While global headlines often frame Xinjiang through political lenses, Boreham’s boots-on-the-ground approach highlights everyday life: vibrant bazaars selling spices and silk, impromptu street music, and elderly residents playing chess under apricot trees. \"People welcomed me like family,\" he noted, debunking myths of division.

For travelers and culture enthusiasts, Boreham’s journey is a reminder: See it yourself. As cross-border tourism rebounds, Xinjiang’s mix of history, landscapes, and hospitality is drawing curious explorers—one viral story at a time.

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What's the real Xinjiang like? A New Zealander finds out in Kashgar

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