Kashgar Tour Charter Dolan Painting Village Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Maigaiti + Cultural Quotation Recommended Itinerary Cost and Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Outside the interwoven ancient city of Kashgar, a profound exploration of Dolan culture awaits to begin. As tourists wander through the poplar forests in Maigaiti County, touch the vibrant colors on farmers’ paintings, and listen to the melodious tunes of Mukam instruments, they can comprehend the cultural epic jointly written by various ethnic groups on this land. Here is a customized travel plan for Kashgar that integrates intangible cultural heritage experiences with natural scenery. All information is based on recent field research conducted in 2026.
I. Core Highlights of the Destination: Three-Dimensional Deconstruction of Dolan Culture
The Dolan Painting Village Tourist Area (National AAAA-level) is located in Kumukusar Township, Maigaiti County, 7 kilometers from the county seat, and is a cultural gem on the edge of the Taklimakan Desert. Here, the creative ecosystem of Dolan farmers’ paintings is fully preserved. Tourists can enter painters’ studios to observe the creative process, participate in painting experience classes guided by intangible cultural heritage inheritors, and have their works mounted and taken away on-site. The scenic area features four major themed exhibition halls:
Dolan Farmers’ Painting Exhibition Hall:It displays over 200 award-winning works, among which ‘Family Ethics Diagram’ uses exaggerated techniques to showcase traditional family values of various ethnic groups, becoming a popular check-in spot.
Gourd Painting Workshop:On giant hourglass gourds with diameters exceeding 1 meter, craftsmen use special needle pens to carve scenes of the Twelve Mukam performances, with a craftsmanship complexity meeting high-quality intangible cultural heritage standards.
Desert Exploration Memorial Hall:It uses holographic projection technology to restore the history of the ancient kingdom’s demise and displays a copy of the desert route map drawn by Swedish explorer Sven Hedin in 1901.
Ethnic Musical Instrument Museum:It showcases 37 types of traditional musical instruments. Professional artists perform excerpts from ‘Dolan Mukam’ at 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily, and tourists can try playing the Dutar and Rawap.
The surrounding area of the scenic spot features the Dao Nang Bazaar Industrial Park, where visitors can not only taste the Dolan Nang with a diameter of 60 centimeters but also watch women from various ethnic groups making Nang pit meat on-site. The newly added Desert Café in 2026 offers the specialty drink ‘Poplar Latte’, becoming a popular rest spot for young tourists.
II. 4-Day, 3-Night In-Depth Itinerary Planning
Day 1:Cultural Warm-up in the Ancient City of Kashgar
Outside the interwoven ancient city of Kashgar, a profound exploration of Dolan culture awaits to begin. As tourists wander through the poplar forests in Maigaiti County, touch the vibrant colors on farmers’ paintings, and listen to the melodious tunes of Mukam instruments, they can comprehend the cultural epic jointly written by various ethnic groups on this land. Here is a customized travel plan for Kashgar that integrates intangible cultural heritage experiences with natural scenery. All information is based on recent field research conducted in 2026.Morning:Depart from Kashgar at 9:00 AM and drive for 2 hours along National Highway G314 to reach Maigaiti County
Noon:Experience giant Nang making at the Dao Nang Bazaar Industrial Park (you can participate in the kneading process)
Afternoon:Core area of the Dolan Painting Village (it is recommended to focus on visiting the Farmers’ Painting Exhibition Hall + Gourd Painting Workshop)
Evening:Return to the county seat for check-in. It is recommended to taste stewed local chicken with Cistanche (a local specialty medicinal diet)
Transportation Tips:A one-way trip in a 7-seater business vehicle costs approximately 350 yuan (including fuel and toll fees). The driver is familiar with the country roads and can save 20 minutes.
Day 2:Full Experience of Intangible Cultural Heritage Creation
Morning:9:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Farmers’ painting creation class (including canvas, mineral pigments, and other materials)
Noon:Taste gray jujube stewed lamb at the Painting Village Restaurant (using gray jujubes from the Taklimakan Desert)
Afternoon:2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Gourd carving experience (advance reservation for craftsman guidance is required)
Evening:5:00 PM: Head to the N39 Desert Tourist Area (AAA-level) to experience camel riding
I. Core Highlights of the Destination: Three-Dimensional Deconstruction of Dolan CultureSpecial Tips:Creation classes require advance reservation 3 days in advance, with a daily limit of 20 people.
Day 3:Desert Ecological Exploration Day
Morning:8:30 AM: Desert off-road vehicle surfing (including insurance, it is recommended to choose a four-wheel-drive vehicle)
Noon:Simple meal at the desert camp (providing Nang, yogurt, and seasonal fruits)
Afternoon:2:00 PM: Visit the desert control demonstration area (learn about straw checkerboard sand fixation technology)
Evening:6:00 PM: Return to Maigaiti County and freely purchase creative products (Dolan farmers’ painting silk scarves are recommended)
Equipment Suggestions:The temperature difference between day and night in the desert can reach 20°C. It is necessary to bring windproof jackets and high-SPF sunscreen.
Day 4:Cultural Return Journey and Summary
Morning:9:00 AM: Visit the County Cultural Center (its collection includes original Dolan farmers’ paintings from the 1960s)
Noon:11:30 AM: Experience special meals in the county seat (roasted pigeon with medicinal tea is recommended)
Afternoon:1:00 PM: Return to Kashgar (it is recommended to choose a right-side seat to enjoy the poplar forests along the way)
The Dolan Painting Village Tourist Area (National AAAA-level) is located in Kumukusar Township, Maigaiti County, 7 kilometers from the county seat, and is a cultural gem on the edge of the Taklimakan Desert. Here, the creative ecosystem of Dolan farmers’ paintings is fully preserved. Tourists can enter painters’ studios to observe the creative process, participate in painting experience classes guided by intangible cultural heritage inheritors, and have their works mounted and taken away on-site. The scenic area features four major themed exhibition halls:Hidden Play Methods:Before returning, you can go to the intangible cultural heritage workshop at the County Vocational High School to purchase affordable cultural and creative products made by students.
III. 2026 Customized Vehicle Cost Breakdown
Basic Service Package (mandatory):
7-seater business vehicle (Buick GL8):1,400-1,800 yuan/day (including driver, fuel, and insurance)
5-seater SUV (Toyota RAV4):900-1,300 yuan/day (suitable for 2-3 person families)
Cost Includes:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, basic operational insurance (seat insurance ≥ 500,000 yuan/person)
Upgraded Service Package (optional):
Driver’s food and accommodation subsidy:150 yuan/day (can be negotiated to be included in the total quotation)
Intangible cultural heritage experience courses:Farmers’ painting creation: 280 yuan/person, gourd carving: 360 yuan/person
Desert project package ticket:Off-road vehicle + camel riding + sand sliding = 450 yuan/person
Dolan Farmers’ Painting Exhibition Hall: It displays over 200 award-winning works, among which ‘Family Ethics Diagram’ uses exaggerated techniques to showcase traditional family values of various ethnic groups, becoming a popular check-in spot.Special Instructions:
Prices increase by 30% during the peak season from June to August. It is recommended to make reservations 45 days in advance.
The final cost shall be subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency.
Scenic Spot Ticket Policies:The first ticket for the Dolan Painting Village is 60 yuan (including explanation), and the ticket for the N39 Desert Scenic Area is 80 yuan.
IV. Registration and Consultation Process
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency. The specific process is as follows:
Online Consultation:Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing by phone or WeChat to explain the number of travelers, dates, and special needs
Itinerary Customization:The customer service provides 2-3 itinerary plans (including cost breakdowns) according to needs
Contract Signing:Sign an electronic contract (cultural and tourism filing version) after confirming the itinerary
Cost Payment:Installment payment is supported (30% for the first installment, and the balance paid 7 days before departure)
Gourd Painting Workshop: On giant hourglass gourds with diameters exceeding 1 meter, craftsmen use special needle pens to carve scenes of the Twelve Mukam performances, with a craftsmanship complexity meeting high-quality intangible cultural heritage standards.V. Service Guarantee System
Vehicle Standards:All vehicles are equipped with GPS positioning, first aid kits, and car chargers
Driver Qualifications:Driving experience ≥ 5 years, familiar with road conditions in southern Xinjiang and the distribution of intangible cultural heritage sites
Emergency Plan:Establish a green channel with Maigaiti County People’s Hospital, and the desert camp is equipped with satellite phones
Complaint Handling:48-hour response mechanism, and initiate advance compensation for major issues
VI. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist
Documents:Valid documents, permits (required for traveling to Taxkorgan)
Clothing:Windproof jackets, quick-drying clothes and pants, comfortable hiking shoes
Medications:Medicines for altitude sickness, gastrointestinal medicines, motion sickness patches
Photography:Telephoto lens (for shooting desert textures), polarizing filter (for reducing glare)
Culture:You can bring a blank sketchbook to record creative inspiration
As the sunset casts a golden veil over the Taklimakan Desert, lights are still on in the painting village studios – a new batch of students are outlining the Dolan world in their hearts on the canvases. This cultural dialogue across time and space is precisely the unique charm of customized vehicle travel in Kashgar. Through the professional services of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, tourists can not only deeply experience the essence of intangible cultural heritage but also enjoy a free and flexible itinerary arrangement, making each journey a cultural memory worth cherishing. For specific itinerary details and recent discounts, please communicate and confirm with customer service manager Zhang Jing in a timely manner.
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation

