Nestled in the Tarim Basin, at the foot of the Pamir Mountains in western Xinjiang, Kashgar (喀什, Kāshén) is an ancient oasis city that has connected China with South and Central Asia for centuries. Deeply intertwined with the history of the Silk Road, it once served as a vital crossroads where caravan routes bypassing the Gobi and Taklamakan deserts converged before continuing through mountain passes into India. Today, Kashgar retains a unique atmosphere in which centuries-old trading traditions continue to thrive in the everyday culture of the Uyghur people.
To truly experience Kashgar, soak up its daily life: stroll down narrow old streets, visit local shops, watch artisans at work, and embrace the city’s unhurried rhythm. For centuries, the muezzin’s stirring call to prayer has echoed through the streets five times a day, continuing to set the rhythm of urban life and add to the timeless magic of the place. As a predominantly Muslim destination, Kashgar’s historic quarters captivate visitors with traditional Islamic architecture that seamlessly integrates residential homes and bustling workshops.
Local markets, intricate traditional patterns, handmade crafts, music, and genuine hospitality showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage, while the aroma of spices, fresh bread, and juicy fruits offers a perfect introduction to Xinjiang’s distinctive cuisine. A journey to Kashgar is a fascinating immersion in a culture where the legacy of the Silk Road is felt not only in history but also in modern life.
Kashgar Tours
Kashgar offers a rich historical and cultural backdrop. Choose an itinerary that helps you explore the city at a pace that is comfortable for you.
For a brief introduction, opt for a one-day excursion to see the iconic sights of Kashgar in a single day. A packed schedule takes you to the heart of this ancient oasis’s past and present, tracing its history through the lanes of the Old City.
For those dreaming of a grander adventure, a ten-day Silk Road tour is a perfect choice. The itinerary begins in Xi’an and leads through ancient trading oases of Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang before reaching its main highlights in Turpan and Kashgar. The journey across these regions clearly demonstrates how historical eras, architectural styles, and cultural traditions in Western China become intertwined.
If you want to see more, take a look at other tours that visit Kashgar and combine the city with interesting destinations across Xinjiang and Western China.
Best Time to Visit Kashgar
Visiting by Season
The best time to visit Kashgar is from spring to autumn. Spring brings mild warmth to the region, summer is characterised by dry, sunny weather, and autumn attracts visitors with comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
Spring is ideal for those who prefer to avoid intense heat. In April, daytime temperatures typically rise to 23°C (73°F), reaching 28°C (82°F) in May and creating comfortable conditions for exploring the historic quarters and surrounding areas.
Summer in Kashgar is hot and predominantly arid. In July, average daytime temperatures reach around 33°C (91°F), so it is best to plan extended outdoor activities for the morning or evening. June and July feature consistently clear weather with minimal rainfall.
Autumn offers an ideal balance. Average daytime temperatures remain around 26°C (79°F) in September and drop to 19°C (66°F) in October. With the summer heat having receded, this is the optimal time for long walks.
Winter brings a significant drop in temperature to Kashgar. In January, average daytime highs barely reach 0°C (32°F), while sharp frosts are common at night with temperatures falling to -10°C (14°F). During this season, it is also worth bearing the shorter daylight hours in mind.
Festivals and Cultural Events
Planning your trip around local festival dates offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the region’s living culture. The main event in Kashgar is the Xinjiang Corban Festival, or Eid al-Adha, which usually falls on the 10th of Dhu’l-Hijja, the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. At dawn, worshippers gather in the city’s central square, after which the traditional Sama dance (萨玛舞) fills the streets. Meanwhile, the Old City comes alive with festive feasts serving ritual polo (local pilaf) and other delicacies.
Another major event is Nowruz, the spring equinox festival, celebrated around 21 March. During this time, the city comes alive with large-scale craft fairs and open-air musical performances.
History of Kashgar
An Ancient Crossroads
Kashgar’s history dates back to the first millennium BC, when the first settlements began to emerge in the oases at the foot of the Pamir Mountains. By the second century BC, the city, then known as Shule, had become an important hub in the western Tarim Basin. Over the following centuries, Shule came under varying degrees of influence or control from the Xiongnu, Han, Kushans, Hephthalites, and Turkic Khaganates, among others.
From Buddhism to Islam
During the Tang dynasty (618–907), Kashgar experienced a cultural golden age. In 644, the Buddhist monk Xuanzang visited the city, describing a fertile oasis with a highly developed weaving industry and hundreds of monasteries that were home to more than 10,000 monks. From the tenth century onwards, the city came under the influence of the Karakhanids under Sultan Satuq Bughra Khan, who embraced Islam. Kashgar briefly served as the capital of the state, developing into a vital centre of Turkic Islamic scholarship and literature.
Mongols and the Old City
In the thirteenth century, Kashgar was incorporated into the Mongol Empire, later becoming part of the Chagatai Khanate. The city maintained its status as a major trading hub on the routes connecting East and Central Asia. Around 1273–1274, the Venetian merchant Marco Polo visited Kashgar, noting a sizable community of Nestorian Christians, which reflected the religious and cultural diversity of the city at that time.
At the beginning of the sixteenth century, the city entered a new chapter in its history. In 1514, Mirza Abu Bakr Dughlat, the ruler of Kashgaria, a region in what is now Xinjiang, destroyed the old settlement and built a powerful fortress on the banks of the Tuman River. This fortress later became the foundation of the historic quarter known today as the Old City.
Qing Rule
In 1759, the Qing dynasty established control over Kashgar. Throughout the nineteenth century, the city repeatedly became a battleground for uprisings, and in 1865, power was seized by Yaqub Beg, who soon extended his rule over a significant part of Kashgaria. Following his death in 1877, the Qing dynasty re-established its control over the region.
A City at the Heart of History
At the beginning of the twentieth century, Kashgar remained an important political and trading centre in Central Asia. Between 1933 and 1934, the city became a battleground in fighting associated with the proclamation of the First East Turkestan Republic. In 1949, Kashgar was incorporated into the People’s Republic of China. Today, Kashgar remains a major cultural centre of Xinjiang, where historic quarters, mosques, and traditional neighbourhoods showcase how Turkic, Islamic, Chinese, and Central Asian cultural traditions have intertwined over the centuries.
Things to Do in Kashgar
Places to Visit in Kashgar
Begin your Kashgar experience with a stroll through the Old City. Set off to explore its labyrinth of narrow streets and quiet courtyards, and look out for carved wooden doors and ancient terraces. To see Kashgar in one of its most unchanged forms, be sure to visit the Gaotai Ancient Homes district (高台民居). Perched on a high loess cliff, this Uyghur residential quarter with its multi-tiered mud-brick houses preserves the true spirit of the city as it was many centuries ago. The Rainbow Alley is another marvel to discover during your stroll through the old city.
Continue your walk at the Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺), one of the city’s primary architectural landmarks and the largest mosque in China. Admire its yellow-brick facade, flanked by two minarets decorated with arabesques and green and turquoise inscriptions, each topped with a crescent moon. Its prayer hall, which spans 2,600 square metres, draws the largest number of worshippers during Friday prayers.
For a break, step into the Century-old Teahouse (百年茶馆). Over a cup of tea, you can listen to traditional live music, watch daily life unfold, and experience the city’s unhurried rhythm.
To connect with the legends of Kashgar, head to the Afaq Khoja Mausoleum (阿巴和加麻扎), located 5 kilometres (3 miles) northeast of the city centre. The mausoleum stands within a vast complex surrounded by Persian-style gardens. Here, you can admire the elegant architecture of the tomb and learn about the story of the Fragrant Concubine (香妃). Local guides will certainly share two completely different versions of this legend – the Chinese and the Uyghur.
In the very heart of the city, visit the Yusuf Khass Hajib Mausoleum (玉素甫·哈斯·哈吉甫墓). This secluded and peaceful memorial complex is dedicated to the great eleventh-century thinker and poet. The architecture of the tomb, with its magnificent turquoise-blue dome and elegant minarets, instantly transports you to the atmosphere of ancient Central Asia, while the shaded courtyard, with its grapevine arches, provides the perfect escape from the bustle of the city.
To discover another side of the city, somewhat off the beaten path, take a walk through Kashgar cemetery, located east of the Old City. It bears witness to century-old traditions and showcases the city’s funerary architecture, featuring numerous mud-brick mausoleums topped with domes. It is a truly striking place that may appeal to both amateur and professional photographers, as well as visitors interested in anthropology and local customs.
At sunset, numerous rooftop cafés and terraces near the ramparts offer views across the city and opportunities to listen to local music. The area is lively and noisy, while the historic centre offers similar establishments with a quieter atmosphere.
For a unique cultural experience and a chance to step back in time and see how local people live, visit the Sunday Livestock Market in Kashgar. There, you will see buyers negotiating prices for cows, sheep, horses, yaks, camels, and other animals. It is one of the oldest markets in the region.
Landmarks in the Surroundings of Kashgar
To see more, venture beyond the city limits. The surroundings of Kashgar will captivate you with ancient history, majestic landscapes, and sacred sites along the Great Silk Road.
Connect with the roots of an ancient faith at the Buddhist Mo’er Temple ruins, located 30 kilometres (18 miles) northeast of Kashgar. Standing solitary in the heart of the desert since the third century, these massive mud-brick structures bear silent testament to the days when the oasis thrived as a vibrant centre of Buddhism.
Be sure to visit the Tomb of Mahmud al-Kashgari (麻赫穆德·喀什噶里墓), situated 45 kilometres (28 miles) southwest of Kashgar in the picturesque town of Upal. Here, you can pay tribute to the great eleventh-century Turkic scholar, relax in the shade of centuries-old orchards, and collect water from a sacred mountain spring.
Trade the desert landscapes for cool mountain air at Oytagh Glacier Park (奥依塔克森林公园), located 100 kilometres (62 miles) southwest of Kashgar on the edge of the Pamir Plateau. This park offers a striking contrast of coniferous forests, red cliffs, and a massive glacier.
Rising dramatically from a labyrinth of sheer-sided canyons, Shipton’s Arch (阿图什天门, Atushen Tianmen), can be found 110 kilometres (68 miles) northwest of the city. This epic natural wonder remained hidden from the world for a long time.
Conclude your journey with a drive along the legendary Karakoram Highway to the high-altitude Karakul Lake (卡拉库里湖), located 190 kilometres (118 miles) south of Kashgar. Its glassy, mirror-like surface beautifully reflects the snow-capped peaks of Muztagh Ata, which rises to 7,546 metres (24,757 feet), and Kongur Tagh, rising at 7,649 metres (25,095 feet), creating one of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Asia.
Museums in Kashgar
To deepen your understanding of the region’s centuries-old heritage, be sure to make time for the city’s key cultural attractions. Discover the fascinating history of the ancient oasis at the Kashgar Museum (喀什地区博物馆). This modern complex houses unique artefacts from the Silk Road era, including a three-handled pottery jar from the Northern and Southern dynasties period, ancient Buddhist murals from the Tang dynasty, and a silk robe from the Song dynasty featuring exquisite hand embroidery.
Kashgar Theatre
See the city’s main immersive show at the Meet Kashgar International Performing Arts Centre (遇见喀什国际演艺中心). It was selected by the International Centre for Creativity and Sustainable Development under the auspices of UNESCO. This large-scale 100-minute production completely blurs the lines between the stage and the audience.
The show is divided into four themed zones. Begin your journey at the Gate of Time and Space zone, which takes you on a voyage through time. Next, find yourself inside the historical space of Shule Ancient City, which recreates the ancient rammed-earth walls, artisan shops, and bustling bazaars of the Western Regions. In the next zone, Pearl of the Silk Road, pass through the multimedia sandstorms from the Taklamakan Desert and the cold winds of Oytagh Glacier Park. This zone showcases the golden age of the Great Silk Road. Take your seats in the final hall, the Soul Theatre, where an epic performance brings the story of the Twelve Muqams to life, a unique, ancient vocal and dance art form of the Uyghur people, through modern lighting and puppet show.
Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Kashgar
Kashgar offers a wealth of opportunities for relaxation, cultural experiences, and the discovering of local traditions.
Entertainment in Kashgar
Attend the East Gate Ceremony, which takes place each morning at 10:30, except on Mondays. This theatrical revival recreates an ancient ceremonial welcome from the Silk Road tradition. Performers dressed in traditional Uyghur clothing emerge to the sound of pounding drums, while dancers in vivid silk costumes move to the rhythm of traditional music. Mounted traders then pass beneath the arch, evoking the arrival of merchants from distant Silk Road settlements.
Engage with local culture by participating in a workshop. You can book pottery, carpet-knotting or even dance classes provided by local artists. It is a fun way to learn more about the traditions of the city and to interact with local people.
Parks of Kashgar
Green oases in the very heart of Kashgar offer an excellent opportunity to take a break from the bustling city streets and connect with the region’s history.
Stroll through the shady avenues of People’s Park (人民公园), one of the city’s largest and oldest public parks. Located in the very centre, it attracts visitors with its spreading trees, picturesque ponds, and historic sites. Right at the entrance, in a spacious square, stands the monumental Mao Zedong Statue, one of the tallest in China.
Enjoy magnificent panoramic views at Donghu Park (东湖公园), located near the Old City. Its well-kept lakeside promenade is an ideal place for evening relaxation.
Step back into the era of the great campaigns of the Han dynasty at Kashi Banchao Memorial Park (喀什市班超纪念公园), also known as Pantuocheng Ruins Park (盘橐城遗址公园). This memorial complex was built on the site of ancient ruins and is dedicated to the legendary military commander and diplomat Ban Chao, who guarded the frontier along the Great Silk Road in the first century AD.
Shopping in Kashgar
In Kashgar, shopping becomes another way to explore the city – through its patterns, crafts, spices, and the work of local artisans.
Head to the Oriental Sunday Bazaar, next to the Sunday Livestock Market, where you can find everything from fabrics and carpets to rare spices and musical instruments among the colourful stalls. To experience the atmosphere of the Silk Road, stroll through the Old City and visit the artisans’ shops on Handicraft Street (Zhiren Street, 喀什职人街) near the Id Kah Mosque.
Pay a visit to the Kashgar Grand Bazaar, located near the city centre. Among the local crafts, look out for handmade carpets and tapestries, vibrant Atlas silk, embroidered doppa skullcaps, chased copper utensils, and painted ceramics. In the artisans’ shops, glance at carved wooden boxes, dutar and rawap, both stringed instruments, as well as the famous Yingjisha knives with inlaid handles, and decorative carved ke hulu gourds (兰州刻葫芦). Small imperfections in the patterns or glaze only highlight the handmade character of these items.
The ideal way to end your shopping will be the edible gifts of Xinjiang, which keep well and are easy to transport. Bring home aromatic cumin, saffron, and spice blends, as well as incredibly sweet dried fruits and nuts, dried figs, dried apricots, dried melon, almonds, and thin-shelled walnuts, which will let you savour the taste of the ancient oasis long after your trip.
Food in Kashgar
Chinese Cuisine
Uyghur cuisine is one of Kashgar’s greatest attractions – hearty, aromatic, and generous with meat, vegetables, and spices. Common ingredients include lamb, beef and chicken, as well as carrots, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and dairy products, while centuries of cultural exchange have introduced influences from across Xinjiang and Central Asia. The result is a varied cuisine that is both distinctive and familiar.
Begin exploring Kashgar’s cuisine with kawap, small pieces of spiced lamb threaded onto skewers and grilled over charcoal. You will find it everywhere from street stalls and bazaars to local restaurants. Pair it with freshly baked naan, the round flatbread made from wheat dough and often topped with sesame seeds. Traditionally baked in a tandoor until golden brown, it may contain butter, milk, salt, and sugar. Naan is available throughout Kashgar, including at Abulaiti Barbecue Restaurant (阿布来提烤肉店), where diners can also try signature fried naan, stewed mutton served in a clear broth, and fresh Uyghur yoghurt. The restaurant is located 80 metres south-east of the junction of Areyia Road and Oerdashike Road (阿热亚路与欧尔达希克路交叉口东南80米).
For something equally satisfying, try samsa: small pastries filled with lamb or beef, onions, and sometimes potatoes, which are baked in a tandoor or fried. Polo, or Uyghur pilaf, combines rice with meat, carrots, onions, and oil, with some versions adding raisins or dried apricots. Another must-try dish is laghman: hand-pulled wheat noodles topped with a stir-fried sauce of meat, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other vegetables.
For a taste of Kashgar’s cold noodle dishes, visit Yawag Ancient Cold Noodles and Liangpi Shop (亚瓦格古老凉粉凉皮店) at No. 233 Jiefang North Road (解放北路233号). Its liangpi cold noodles make a refreshing contrast to the city’s more substantial meat dishes, while its Xinjiang-style mutton buns are made with thin pastry and a generous filling.
If you are looking for a particularly hearty dish, order dapanji, tender chicken stewed with potatoes and hot peppers, and that is served on a large platter. Both establishments are situated in or near Kashgar’s historic district, making them convenient stops during a culinary walk through the Old City.
Vegetarian Restaurants
Although Kashgar’s cuisine is famous for its meat dishes, you can find restaurants with a good selection of vegetarian options in the city. The menus feature spiced vegetable dishes, fresh salads, noodles, rice, and dough-based dishes, and some establishments prepare vegetarian versions of popular local dishes upon request. This is a convenient way to explore the culinary traditions of Xinjiang while choosing meat-free dishes.
Tea Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries
Traditional teahouses and bakeries offer a chance to experience a quieter side of Kashgar, where tea, freshly baked naan, and traditional Uyghur music are part of everyday life.
The famous Kashgar Century-Old Teahouse (喀什百年老茶馆) invites you to spend time over a cup of aromatic hot tea and a hearty flatbread, listening to traditional Uyghur music. Here, you can take a break from walking and enjoy the unhurried atmosphere of the old quarters. Location: Wustangboyi Road (吾斯塘博依路).
Also drop by The Naan of Great-Great-Grandpa’s Father (爷爷的爷爷的爸爸的馕), one of the oldest establishments in Kashgar. It is known for its unusually long and amusing name and, most importantly, for a tradition that has been carefully preserved here for seven generations: skilled bakers prepare fresh, aromatic naan by hand. Location: No. 60, Group 5, Tahaqi Lane, Yumulake Xiehaier Road Community, Wustangboyi Subdistrict (吾斯塘博依街道尤木拉克协海尔路社区塔哈其巷5组60号).
City Transport of Kashgar
Getting around Kashgar is convenient by city bus or taxis. The bus network covers practically all areas of the city, while taxis allow you to reach your destination faster.
City Buses
There are around 30 city bus routes operating in Kashgar, connecting the centre with the city’s main areas and sights. The cost of a single trip is around CNY/RMB 1 ($0.14 / €0.13 / £0.11). For exploring the city, Bus No. 20 is particularly convenient, running from Xi Yu Square through People’s Square and East Gate to the Abakh Hoja Mausoleum, as well as Bus No. 26 and Bus No. 28. Kashgar Airport can be reached by Bus No. 2, which runs to the central part of the city.
Taxi
Taxis are a great option for short trips and journeys between more distant sights. Drivers often offer a fixed fare depending on the distance instead of using the meter, so it is best to clarify the price before setting off.
The cost of a short trip usually starts at around CNY/RMB 5 ($0.75 / €0.65 / £0.55), while longer trips are calculated based on distance. Waiting time is charged separately.
How to Get to Kashgar
You can reach Kashgar by plane, train, or long-distance bus. The city has good transport links with other areas of Xinjiang and major Chinese cities.
By Air
Kashgar Airport (KHG) is the city’s main gateway, located approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles) north of the centre. Flights operate from here to major cities in Xinjiang, including Ürümqi, Aksu, Hotan, and Kuqa, as well as to cities in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.
You can get from the airport to the centre by Bus No. 2 or by taxi. The bus heads to the central part of Kashgar, and the fare is around CNY/RMB 10 ($1.50 / €1.25 / £1.10). A taxi ride costs about the same.
Another option is Shache Airport (QSZ), located in Shache County, about 21 kilometres (13 miles) from the county centre. The airport is connected by flights to Kashgar, Ürümqi, Hotan, and Korla.
By Train
Kashgar Railway Station lies approximately 5 kilometres (3 miles) from the city centre. You can reach the station by bus No. 26 and bus No. 28 or by taxi. The railway links Kashgar with Ürümqi and Turpan.
By Long-Distance Bus
Long-distance buses link Kashgar with the cities and areas of southern Xinjiang. Kashgar International Bus Station serves routes to Ürümqi, Aksu, Korla, Turpan, Yengisar, Shule, and Shache. Buses to Hotan, Yecheng, and Tashkurgan depart from Kashgar Bus Station.
To travel towards the Pamir Mountains, you can take a bus to Tashkurgan. The journey, covering approximately 292 kilometres (181 miles), costs less than CNY/RMB 60 ($8.80 / €7.50 / £6.60). Along the way, the bus passes scenic spots, including the Karakul Lake, making it a convenient way to combine the journey with sightseeing in the surrounding area.
Languages Spoken in Kashgar
The main language of daily communication in Kashgar is Uyghur. It belongs to the Turkic language family and is one of the official languages of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region alongside Mandarin Chinese. In China, Uyghur is written in a modified Perso-Arabic alphabet, so its distinctive script can be seen on signs and other inscriptions throughout the city.
Mandarin Chinese is widely used in trade, transport, the service sector, and official institutions. Many young residents of the city also speak Mandarin.
Knowledge of English is less common in Kashgar. Some hotel, bank, and airport staff speak English, but you should not count on fluent communication in English when speaking to taxi drivers or staff in small local establishments. For independent trips, it is useful to have a translation app on your smartphone and the destination address written in Chinese.
Security in Kashgar
Carry your passport and other essential travel documents when travelling around Kashgar. Identity checks may take place at transport hubs, checkpoints, markets and tourist attractions, so keep your passport somewhere easily accessible and follow officials’ instructions.
Do not photograph police officers, checkpoints, security installations, military facilities or any site displaying a photography restriction. When visiting mosques or other religious sites, ask about photography rules in advance and avoid taking photographs during prayers or religious ceremonies unless permission has been given. Dress modestly and respect local customs and posted instructions.
If you plan to travel beyond Kashgar, particularly towards border areas, Tashkurgan or remote frontier routes, check the latest requirements before setting off. Certain destinations may require permits, approved transport or additional arrangements for foreign travellers, and access conditions can change at short notice.
As with any busy destination, keep valuables secure in markets, stations and crowded public areas, and do not leave luggage unattended.