Shufu Musical Instrument Village Guide | Uyghur Craft Heritage Near Kashgar

Fifteen kilometers west of Kashgar city, in the quiet farmland of Shufu County, lies a village where the air carries the scent of mulberry and apricot wood, and the sound of hand carving replaces the usual hum of rural life. The Musical Instrument Village – also known as Towake Wukusake Village in Wukusake Township – is considered the unofficial "No.

1 Village of Xinjiang Ethnic Musical Instruments." For over 150 years, families here have preserved the art of crafting traditional Uyghur instruments, passing techniques down through as many as five generations. Unlike a static museum, this is a living workshop: walk through the alleys and you will see almost every household engaged in the production of dutar, rawap, tanbur, gijak, and dozens of other instruments.

This guide gives you everything you need to decide whether to add this village to your Kashgar itinerary, how to plan your visit, and what to expect when you arrive. Because verified English-language information is thin, we note where you should confirm details locally.

Why Visit the Musical Instrument Village

The village offers one of the most authentic encounters with Uyghur material culture anywhere in Xinjiang. It is not a staged tourism performance; it is a functional craft center where instruments are made for actual use in Twelve Muqam concerts and Meshrep gatherings across the region.

Key reasons to go:

• Witness generational craft: Families like the Abuduaini lineage have held the secrets of instrument making for five generations. You can watch the entire process – from rough wood selection (mulberry for resonance, apricot for decoration) to carving, assembly, stringing, and tuning.
• See instruments you cannot find elsewhere: 27 types of instruments are produced here, including the pear-shaped rawap, the long-necked tanbur, the bowed gijak, and various drums. Some are decorative; most are playable masterpieces.
• Visit the Xinjiang Ethnic Musical Instrument Museum: Located at the village heart, this museum houses hundreds of instruments – from common folk pieces to rare historical examples. It shows the evolution of Uyghur music across centuries.
• Experience spontaneous Meshrep: If you are lucky, local musicians will break into a traditional performance – dance and song included. This is not a daily show but a natural expression of the village’s living tradition.

When to skip: If you are short on time (half-day or less) and have no interest in crafts or music, the village may feel like a simple workshop tour. Travelers who prefer major historical sites (e.g., Kashgar’s Id Kah Mosque, Old City, or the Sunday Bazaar) should prioritize those first. Also, the village can be quiet in winter months (December–February) when woodworking slows due to cold.

Craftsmanship: From Mulberry Wood to Musical Masterpiece

The Material Tradition

Uyghur instrument makers traditionally favor mulberry wood for its resonant qualities, apricot wood for intricate inlay work, and animal bone or horn for decorative elements. In the village, you will see piles of rough-cut timber drying in courtyards. The wood must air-dry for months before it is stable enough to carve.

The Making Process

Each instrument follows a similar sequence:

1. Shaping: The body is carved from a single block of wood or from shaped strips glued together (for larger instruments like the dutar).
2. Hollowing: The interior is scooped out using hand chisels and curved knives. This is the most skilled step – the thickness of the wood determines the instrument’s tone.
3. Assembly: The neck (usually from mulberry or beech) is attached, along with the pegbox and bridge.
4. Decoration: Bone, horn, and mother-of-pearl are inlaid in geometric patterns. Some instruments are painted with lacquer; others are left natural.
5. Stringing and tuning: Silk or nylon strings are fitted, and the craftsman tests the instrument by plucking or bowing.

You can watch these steps in any workshop. The craftsmen are accustomed to visitors and usually happy to explain (though Uyghur or Mandarin is the working language; English is rare – bring a translator app or guide).

Types of Instruments Made

The source data lists 27 types. The most common include:

• Dutar: A two-stringed long-necked lute, often used in folk songs.
• Rawap: A five-stringed plucked instrument, the lead instrument in Uyghu classical music.
• Tanbur: A long-necked lute with five strings, used in Twelve Muqam.
• Gijak (or Gijek): A bowed string instrument, similar to a spike fiddle.
• Naghra: Drum sets used in festive music.
• Surnay: A double-reed woodwind, similar to a shawm.

Source gap: No definitive list of all 27 types exists in the provided data. Plan to ask on arrival if you want a complete catalog.

Xinjiang Ethnic Musical Instrument Museum

Inside the village is a dedicated museum that is free to enter (based on source data, but verify locally). It contains:

• A chronological display of instrument evolution
• Rare examples from other ethnic groups in Xinjiang (Kazakh, Mongol, Kyrgyz)
• Explanatory panels in Chinese and Uyghur (English translation is limited)
• Some instruments that you can touch or try (usually with staff permission)

What to look for: The museum’s collection is strongest on Dutar and Rawap varieties. You may see instruments that are no longer made commercially, preserved here as cultural artifacts.

Photography: Permitted in most areas, but check with staff before using flash on sensitive older pieces.

Meshrep Performances and Living Music

The term "Meshrep" refers to a traditional Uyghur gathering that combines music, dance, poetry, and social events. In the Musical Instrument Village, such gatherings occur spontaneously when visitors show interest and a musician is free. There is no fixed schedule – the source data does not list performance times. If you want to ensure a performance, consider hiring a local guide from Kashgar who can coordinate with village elders.

What to expect: A short concert (15–30 minutes) of instrumental pieces, often ending with a dance invitation. The energy is joyful and inclusive. Guests are sometimes handed a drum or pair of bones (a percussion instrument) to join in.

Source gap: Confirm performance availability with your guide or at the village upon arrival. Do not rely on a fixed schedule.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Best Time to Go

The source data lists spring, summer, and autumn as ideal. April to June and September to October offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring on foot. Summers (July–August) are hot but workable if you go early morning or late afternoon. Winters are cold and dry; workshops may be less active.

Note: The village is open year-round, but there is no specified opening hours in the source data. It is advisable to visit between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM to catch workshops in full swing.

Getting There

The village is about 15 km west of Kashgar city. Options:

• Taxi: From central Kashgar, bargain a round-trip fare (approximately 100–150 CNY, but confirm current price). Ask the driver to wait because finding a return taxi can be difficult.
• Private car/driver: Many hotels in Kashgar can arrange a half-day tour that includes the village and maybe the Shufu market.
• Public bus: Not documented. The source data provides no bus route. Assume a taxi is the most reliable.

What to Wear

• Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees (respectful in a predominantly Muslim area).
• Comfortable walking shoes; the alleys are unpaved and may be dusty.
• Hat and sunscreen in summer; a jacket in spring/autumn.

Money and Shopping

Workshops sell finished instruments. Prices vary widely – a simple dutar may cost 200–500 CNY; a decorated rawap can exceed 1,000 CNY. Cash is preferred (CNY), though some larger workshops may accept mobile payments. Bargaining is expected but be fair.

Who Should Go (and Who Should Skip)

Good fit for:

• Music enthusiasts who want to see how instruments are made by hand
• Photographers interested in craft, textures, and cultural portraits
• Travelers who enjoy slow experiences and talking to artisans
• Anyone looking for a peaceful half-day trip away from Kashgar’s crowded bazaars

Less suitable for:

• Visitors with limited mobility (uneven paths, low seating in workshops)
• Travelers on a tight schedule (minimum 3 hours round-trip)
• Those expecting a polished tourist attraction with English signage and fixed programs

Altitude and Safety

The village sits at 1,289 meters above sea level. This is not high enough to cause altitude sickness for most people. However, Xinjiang’s dry climate can cause dehydration and nosebleeds – drink plenty of water.

General safety: The village is safe; petty crime is unlikely. Keep valuables out of sight, as with any rural area.

Women traveling alone: Exercise normal caution. Dress modestly and consider hiring a male guide if you want to move freely without attention. The village is family-oriented and generally welcoming.

Photography Guide

• Workshops: Ask permission before photographing craftsmen at work. Many are happy to pose but appreciate the courtesy.
• Museum: Flash is off-limits for some old instruments; natural light is best.
• Portraits: Avoid photographing children without asking a parent.
• Best light: Morning (9–11 AM) or late afternoon (4–6 PM) gives warm side-lighting for alley shots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Musical Instrument Village?
It is located in Towake Wukusake Village, Wukusake Township, Shufu County, about 15 km west of Kashgar city.

What types of instruments are made here?
Craftsmen produce 27 types, including Dutar, Rawap, Tanbur, Aijieke (Gijak), and various percussion instruments.

Can I see the production process?
Yes, visitors can enter traditional workshops to watch carving, assembling, and stringing. The craftsmen are accustomed to onlookers.

Is there an entrance fee?
The source data says the village is free to enter. The museum is also free. Confirm at the entrance for any recent changes.

Are there cultural performances?
Yes, the village often hosts spontaneous Meshrep music and dance gatherings. There is no fixed schedule; arrange via a guide or ask at the village.

What is the best time to visit?
April to June and September to October offer the most pleasant weather. Winter is cold and less active.

How long should I spend?
No specific duration is given; a typical visit including museum and workshops takes 1.5–3 hours.

Is English spoken?
Rarely. Basic Uyghur or Mandarin will help. A local guide or translation app is recommended.

Can I buy an instrument?
Yes. Most workshops sell their products. Prices are negotiable.

Final Thoughts

The Musical Instrument Village is a rare chance to step inside Xinjiang’s living craft tradition. It is not a polished tourist site – that is its strength. You get dust, wood shavings, and the honest work of families who have done this for generations. The information landscape is thin, so go with flexibility, a sense of adventure, and a translator. It will reward those who value authenticity over convenience.

For help planning a Kashgar trip that includes this village, consider a private guide service or a Silk Road tour package. Contact a local operator for current logistics and to arrange a performance visit.