The ancient city of Kashi, the heart of ancient Silk Road culture, is a mesmerizing tapestry of earth-toned beauty. Bathed in a timeless palette of sand and ochre, its entire landscape – from winding alleys to traditional mud-brick houses – glows under the sun like a desert mirage. The uniform sandy hue blends harmoniously with the surrounding arid terrain, creating a seamless flow between nature and architecture. Under the vast blue sky, this sand-colored fortress of history stands as a silent yet profound testament to resilience and simplicity, where every wall, dome and staircase tells a story in shades of earth and dust.

(All images via CGTN)