The Kite Runner, written by Afghan-American novelist Khaled Hosseini, has captivated numerous readers, spending over 100 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list and becoming the must-read item for many more.
The heart-touching story was then turned into a movie of the same name directed by German-born Swiss filmmaker Marc Forster. It was nominated the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2007, and has garnered 8.2 points out of 10 on Douban.com, a Chinese online platform similar to Rotten Tomatoes.
The poster of "The Kite Runner" (2007). /Photo via Douban.com
Albeit the story was originally set in Kabul, the movie wasn't able to be filmed in Afghanistan due to the wars. The production team spent months searching for a better option with 20 places on their initial list, including India, Morocco and South Africa.
They finally fixed their eyes on the westernmost city of China in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region where no Western film had ever been made. Follow CGTN and unveil the mysterious filming location of The Kite Runner.
A still from the movie "The Kite Runner" (2007). /CGTN Screenshot
The old town of Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. /Photo by CGTN's Qu Bo
Kashgar turned out to be the best fit in terms of appearance with a diverse Muslim population and a countryside that plausibly resembles Afghanistan.
A big slice of the film was shot here, including the scenes where two heroes, Amir and Hassan, spend their childhood as well as the pivotal scene of the annual kite-fighting tournament.
A still from the movie "The Kite Runner" (2007) showing the kids flying kites at the kite-fighting tournament. /CGTN Screenshot
Gaotai residential area in the old town of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. /Photo by CGTN's Qu Bo
Built on a loess plateau in the southeast part of the old town, the Gaotai residential area demonstrates the traditional dwellings of local Uygur ethnic group. It is the best example of a traditional Islamic city in Central Asia. Unfortunately, it is currently under renovation as the houses are much dilapidated and might cause safety hazards.
Two-thousand-year-old Kashgar old town has been a crucial trading center on the ancient Silk Road, enticing travelers and traders alike with its captivating bazaars, maze-like residences and vibrant street life. It still retains the exotic air and immense appeal of medieval Asia.
A still from the movie "The Kite Runner" (2007) showing the kids chasing the kite in the narrow alleyway. /CGTN Screenshot
To walk through the twisting narrow alleyways of the old city is to walk through the living history. You can always feel the scintillating Silk Road charm and recognize some of the familiar settings in the movie.
The scene where Amir's father Baba and Baba's loyal friend Rahim watch the kite-fighting was filmed at the local tea house near Id Kah Mosque. As the only century-old tea house in Kashgar, it remains popular among local residents and tourists.
A still from the movie "The Kite Runner" (2007) showing Amir's father Baba and Baba's loyal friend Rahim watching the kite-fighting. /CGTN Screenshot
The only century-old tea house in Kashgar. /Photo by CGTN's Qu Bo
Travel tips:
1. The Ancient City of Kashgar offers free admission. An opening ceremony is held at the entrance gate every day at 10:30 a.m., featuring ethnic music and dance performances.
2. Here's a trick to avoid getting lost in the old town. You can always follow the hexagonal bricks under your feet, whereas square bricks will lead you to a dead end.
"For you, a thousand times over!"
Take a tour around Kashgar old town and explore its unique charms. You might want to come a thousand times more.
(Cover photo taken by Qu Bo, designed by Yu Peng)