About Kashgar
History
Kashgar's recorded history spans over 2,000 years. As a vital node on the Ancient Silk Road, it connected China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, absorbing Buddhist, Nestorian Christian, and Islamic influences. The name means "the place where jade accumulates" in ancient Uyghur. Genghis Khan conquered it in the 13th century; it passed through the Yarkent Khanate, became a centre of Islamic scholarship, and fell under Qing Dynasty control in the 18th century. Marco Polo passed through, later calling it one of the great trading cities of the East.
Why Go?
- Wander a 2,000-year-old labyrinth of Uyghur alleyways, far removed from eastern China
- Visit Asia's largest weekly livestock bazaar on Sundays
- Drive the legendary Karakoram Highway past mirror-still alpine lakes
- Sample laghman noodles, polo rice, samsa pastries, and Xinjiang BBQ lamb
- Discover the China that connects to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan
- Experience Uyghur music, dance, woodcarving, and carpet-weaving traditions
- One of China's most photogenic cities — golden domes, mud-brick walls, vivid bazaars
When to Go
- May–June: Pleasant spring, apricot blossoms, low crowds
- July–August: Peak summer — hottest (36°C), all attractions open, fruits abundant
- September–October: Best overall — golden autumn, harvest melons, ideal hiking
- November–April: Cold winters (–8°C nights), fewer tourists, occasional closures
- Sunday: Always visit on a Sunday for the full livestock market experience
- Karakul Lake is best June–September due to Pamir road conditions
Weather & Climate
Kashgar sits in a warm continental arid zone at 1,289m. Summers are hot (32–38°C) with long sunny days — the sun sets as late as 10pm in June. Winters are cold but dry (−8°C to 5°C). Annual rainfall is minimal (~65mm), mostly in spring. The Pamir Plateau area around Karakul Lake is significantly colder year-round (15–20°C cooler). Spring brings occasional sandstorms from the Taklamakan Desert.
Getting There
- By Air: Kashgar Kashi Airport (KHG) — direct flights from Urumqi (~2hrs), Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu. Check China Southern and Xinjiang Airlines.
- By Train: High-speed trains from Urumqi (~6hrs via Hotan line). Station is 10–15 mins from old town.
- Karakoram Highway: Legendary overland route into Pakistan — permits required.
- Border Crossings: Torugart Pass (Kyrgyzstan) and Irkesham Pass — require permits; organize in advance.
Getting Around
- Taxis & Didi: Cheapest option; meters used in city. Negotiate for day trips.
- Private Car Hire: Essential for Karakul Lake (~¥800–1,200/day) and Tashkurgan. Hotels can arrange.
- Rickshaws/Donkey Carts: Atmospheric way to explore the Old Town alleys
- Walking: Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, and the bazaar area are all walkable
- Buses: City buses are cheap but routes are complex for visitors
- Note: Foreigners must carry passport at all checkpoints; ID checks are frequent
Kashgar on the Map
Kashgar City & Key Attractions
Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang, China — Altitude 1,289mWeather by Month
Average high temperatures. Bar height indicates relative tourist season popularity. Karakul Lake (3,600m) is 15–20°C colder than the city year-round.
Sights & Activities
Eating & Drinking
Must-Try Dishes
- Laghman (拉条子): Hand-pulled noodles in lamb and vegetable sauce — the definitive Uyghur dish
- Polo (手抓饭): Fragrant pilaf rice slow-cooked in lamb broth with carrots and raisins — eaten by hand at festivals
- Xinjiang BBQ (羊肉串): Juicy cumin-spiced lamb skewers over charcoal, served with naan
- Samsa (烤包子): Crispy baked pastry stuffed with lamb, onion, and cumin from a tandoor oven
- Dapanji (大盘鸡): Giant-plate chicken with potatoes, peppers, and flat noodles
- Nang (馕): Round, sesame-studded flatbread baked on tandoor walls — the daily staple
- Whole Roast Lamb: Reserved for celebrations; the king of Xinjiang cuisine
- Polo — Uyghur Rice: Grab rice eaten with hands, rich with lamb broth and sometimes almonds
Where to Eat & Drink
- Night Market (Id Kah Square): Best evening street food — stalls from sundown with kebabs, stuffed breads, pomegranate juice
- K2 Rooftop Café (Pamir Hostel): Western-style café north of Id Kah Mosque — great views, coffee, pizza, English-speaking staff
- Seman Road Area: Lively dining hub around the old Russian consulate — Uyghur restaurants and international options
- Corner House Café: Photogenic café with Viennese coffee and latte art — 9am–10pm, ~30–40¥ per drink
- Yasin Kariagim Silk Road Restaurant: Authentic Uyghur banquet hall off the Id Kah shopping road
- John's Information Café: Legendary backpacker haunt opposite Seman Hotel — pancakes, coffee, travel info, internet
- Shawarma (Seman Rd): Pakistani-run restaurant — falafel, hummus, curried chicken, 10–20¥
- Sunday Market Food Hall: Fresh melons (~¥2–5), grilled corn, dried fruits, spiced nuts
Local Fruits & Drinks
Kashgar is renowned throughout China as the "Town of Fruits and Melons." The Xinjiang Hami melon (哈密瓜) is legendary. Also look for: sweet pomegranates, flat peaches, figs, apricots, mulberries, and sun-dried raisins. Fresh pomegranate juice is sold throughout the Old Town at ~¥8–15 per glass. Non-alcoholic options are predominant; local mosques observe Islamic tradition. Tea — both green and the Central Asian milk tea (奶茶, nǎichá) — is served in traditional teahouses. The 100-Year-Old Teahouse in the Old Town is a must-visit cultural experience.
Shopping
Grand Bazaar (大巴扎)
Once Asia's largest covered bazaar, currently being relocated and rebuilt as of September 2024. Traditionally sold carpets, textiles, spices, and handicrafts. The area around the Old Town retains many stalls. Sunday sees the biggest crowds. Confirm latest location with your hotel or a local guide before visiting.
Livestock Market (牲畜市场)
Held every Sunday at the market grounds outside the city. One of the largest in Asia — cattle, sheep, goats, horses, camels, and donkeys traded by Uyghur, Kyrgyz, and Tajik herders. Also has a hardware section, food stalls, and a cockfighting arena (small entry fee). An absolutely authentic, unforgettable experience. Arrive early.
What to Buy
- Handmade Uyghur carpets and kilims (negotiate hard)
- Copperware, tinwork, and decorative knives (Yengisar knives are famous)
- Hand-embroidered silk suzanis and doppa caps
- Musical instruments: dutar lutes, rawap fiddles, frame drums
- Dried fruits, nuts, and spices — bring an extra bag
- Jade stones and Central Asian jewellery
- Traditional woodcarvings and pottery from Old Town workshops