A taste of summer in Xinjiang's oasis city

Nothing says summer quite like the taste of fresh, in-season produce. And a walk through the winding streets of Kashgar's old city is a feast for the senses: the air fragrant with ripe, juicy melons, and fresh tea, and the streets alive with the sound of stall owners hawking their wares.

There has been a settlement on the site of modern-day Kashgar for over 2,000 years. The trading hub was once an outpost on the ancient Silk Road, offering respite for weary travelers as they moved between China, the Middle East and Europe. Its commerce roots run deep and continue to this day. In 2010, the city was made into a Special Economic Zone, the only city in western China with such distinction.

The city is more than a tourist destination, however, and more and more people are moving to Kashgar, drawn to the dynamic, promising business environment.