A city of republican significance / Founded in VI century AD / Population is 1 112 739
Attractions and entertainment
DENDROPARK
The dendropark is similar to a botanical garden, but with a prevailing park component. From the city center to the arboretum can be reached on route No. 70. A walk in the arboretum will not hit your budget: you will give only 21 tenge. The park boasts 600 species of plants. From the fauna here you can see peacocks, squirrels, spotted deer. In the center of the arboretum there is a picturesque lake with swans and ducks. You can ride a catamaran on the lake, bicycle rental is available for sushi lovers and special bike paths are laid. The arboretum even has an alley of trees planted by famous people.
ZOO
Shymkent Zoo is home to more than 200 species of animals, of which 43 species are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. Here you can see ungulates, predators, primates, reptiles. There is also an aquarium on the territory of the zoo, which is home to 510 species of fish. In 2015, a rare species appeared in the zoo – a blue sheep. An interesting fact is that about 25% of the zoo's animal feed is grown here.
INDEPENDENCE PARK
Independence Park is located in the historical part of the city. The park became a gift of the city authorities to the citizens for the 20th anniversary of independence. The total area of Independence Park, the entrance to which is the arch, is 82 thousand square meters. In Independence Park you can see a unique singing fountain created by an architect from China, numerous flower arrangements, plants which were brought from Holland. In the center of the park there is a monument, which is a structure made of metal elements.
“AKMESHIT” CENTRAL MOSQUE
"Akmeshit" is located at the exit from the city of Shymkent along the Tamerlane highway. The "Bekzhan" market will serve as a reference point. The mosque was built by a charitable foundation from the UAE as part of an agreement on cooperation between the presidents of the two countries. Together with the site, the mosque occupies 2.69 hectares. The area of the building itself is more than 8,500 square meters. You will be surprised by the main prayer hall, made in the form of a spacious Kazakh yurt, covered with an oriental carpet of incredible size. In front of the mosque there is a small souvenir shop with religious literature and ceremonial supplies.
Where to stay
Shymkent Grand Hotel, City Hotel Shymkent and Aidana Plaza Hotel are hotels with high ratings on tourist platforms. City Hotel Shymkent is suitable to stay on a budget, but at the same time in a very atmospheric and modern place.
Where to eat
The Sandyk restaurant is the best place in Shymkent to taste the national cuisine in an exquisite presentation. If you want to taste the best samsa and fresh kymran, go to the Kok-sarai restaurant. But I recommend sweet tooths to visit the famous coffee shop-confectionary "Madeleine" and drink tea with a cake.
