KÌ LẠ VÙNG ĐẤT THUỘC TQ nhưng KO NÓI TIẾNG HÁN - P4. CON ĐƯỜNG TƠ LỤA ĐẾN KASHGAR

Xinjiang Exploration: From High Border to Ancient City

Key Concepts:

• Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
• Khunjerab Pass (highest border crossing)
• Karakoram Highway
• Kashgar (Kashi)
• Uyghur culture
• Huong Phi (Fragrant Concubine/Rong妃)
• Livestock Market

I. Journey to Xinjiang via Khunjerab Pass

• The Adventure Begins: The video documents a journey to Xinjiang, China, starting from Pakistan and crossing the Khunjerab Pass, the highest border crossing in the world.
• Challenges and Preparations: The journey is described as dangerous due to mountain passes and deep valleys. Sost is the last town for supplies before the border.
• Border Crossing Options: Two options to reach the border: a two-day journey by road or a short flight to Gilgit followed by a 7-8 hour drive. A small ETR plane costs $90 to fly to a station.
• Karakoram Highway: The Karakoram Highway is described as the "eighth wonder of the century," a 1290 km long cross-border route. Travelers experience various emotions, including fear and excitement.
• Border Formalities (Pakistan Side):
  • Sust is a hub for trade and customs paperwork.
  • A special travel permit is required for locals to cross the border.
  • Foreigners need a passport, Chinese visa, and a permit with the driver's name.
  • Foreign visitors have to pay 40 dollars, Chinese people pay 40 yuan to go to Khunjerab National Park.
• Khunjerab National Park: Located 52km from the border. Known for snow leopards.
• Highest ATM: The video highlights the presence of the world's highest ATM at the Chinese border.
• Crossing into China: "Bye Pakistan and welcome to China."

II. Strict Border Control in China

• Thorough Inspection: Upon entering China, luggage and vehicles undergo extremely thorough inspections. Every item, including clothing and phone chargers, is examined.
• Verification of Liquids: Travelers are required to drink water and medicine to prove they are not drugs or stimulants.
• Multiple Checkpoints: After initial checks, another hour of travel is required to reach the main immigration checkpoint.
• Sealed Vehicles: Car doors are sealed after inspection and can only be opened at the final destination.
• Khunjerab Port: The Khunjerab border gate is the only crossing point on the 600km China-Pakistan border along the Karakoram Highway.
• Time Zone Change: Upon crossing the border, the time zone shifts to Beijing time, which is 3 hours ahead of Pakistan time.

III. Arrival in Kashgar (Kashi)

• Journey to Kashgar: After crossing the border, the journey continues to Kashgar, a famous city in Xinjiang, approximately 4 hours away.
• Language and Culture: The video notes that Pakistanis and Uyghurs share similar languages, facilitating communication. However, Chinese is not widely spoken; Uyghur is more common.
• Kashi vs. Khashi: The video clarifies that the local name for Kashgar is "Khashi" (喀什), which means "Guest Thap" in Sino-Vietnamese.
• Old Town Security: Luggage is scanned again upon entering the old town of Khashi.

IV. Exploring the Tomb of Huong Phi (Fragrant Concubine)

• Huong Phi's Legacy: The video explores the tomb of Huong Phi (香妃), also known as Abak Hoja, a concubine of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty.
• Multiple Tombs: The video raises the question of which tomb is the real one, as there is also a tomb in Beijing.
• Historical Context: Huong Phi entered the palace at 20 and died at 29. Legend says she was forced to commit suicide by the queen mother.
• 250-Year-Old Tree: A 250-year-old poplar tree, planted by Huong Phi before entering the palace, stands near the tomb.
• Ngu Uyen Garden Model: The tomb complex includes a model of Ngu Uyen Garden, including Bao Nguyet Lau, a palace Qianlong built for Huong Phi.
• Uyghur Culture in Beijing: Qianlong sent Uyghurs to Beijing, built a mosque, and created a market for them to make Huong Phi feel more at home.
• Huong Phi's Requests: Before becoming Qianlong's concubine, Huong Phi made three requests: to live in the Uyghur style, to have her brother accompany her to Beijing, and to have her body returned to Khach Thi after her death.
• Huong Phi's Mausoleum: Huong Phi's mausoleum lies with her brother and mother.
• Huong Phi's Performance: Fahoka paid an extra 150 yuan to be able to go in and watch the performance of Qianlong carrying Huong Phi back.
• Huong Phi's Story: Y Mat Nhi Han was once a concubine of a family, but this clan rebelled, so the Qing court sent troops to suppress it. After suppressing the rebellion, Huong Phi was brought into the palace as a tribute from the vassals.

V. Kashgar Livestock Market

• Traditional Market: The video visits a traditional Xinjiang cattle market in Kashgar, held every Sunday.
• Uyghur Instruments: Traditional Uyghur instruments, including a lute with horse bone strings, are showcased.
• Local Produce: The market offers a variety of dried fruits, including apricots, pomegranates, figs, and Xinjiang jujube raisins.
• Food Stalls: The market features numerous food stalls selling yak beef, goat meat, mutton bone soup, lamb bread, and other local delicacies.
• Traditional Ovens: Lamb pies are baked in traditional wood-fired ovens.
• Government Support: Despite being managed by the Chinese government, the market retains its traditional Uyghur identity.
• Payment Methods: The video notes that WeChat Pay is essential, as AliPay is not widely used.
• Livestock Variety: The market offers a wide variety of livestock, including donkeys and large, strong sheep.

VI. Rural Xinjiang

• Countryside Scenery: The video showcases the beautiful countryside of Xinjiang, with fruit orchards, grapevines, and jujube trees.
• Autumn Foliage: The autumn scenery is highlighted, with birch trees lining the roads and fallen leaves creating a picturesque landscape.
• Irrigation Canals: Canals are used to irrigate the farms and orchards.

VII. Conclusion

• Memorable Experience: The journey to Xinjiang via the Khunjerab Pass is described as a great and memorable experience.
• Cultural Richness: The video highlights the cultural richness of Xinjiang, from its unique border crossing to its ancient cities and traditional markets.
• Invitation to Explore: The video invites viewers to join future trips to explore the region.