KashgarNeighbourhoods of Kashgar
- Old CityAtmospheric historic core with narrow lanes and strong Uyghur character, good base for wandering explorers.
Dining: Uyghur Nightlife: Quiet Shopping: Souks Stays: Guesthouses- Id Kah Mosque: Large congregational mosque at the old quarter’s heart, a local landmark.
- Kashgar Old Town alleys: Winding streets of wooden homes and workshops, very photogenic.
- Aba Khoja Mausoleum: Ornate tomb complex on the old area’s eastern edge, admired for decoration.
- Sunday BazaarVibrant market area for visitors who enjoy lively bazaars and bargain hunting.
Dining: Street Food Nightlife: None Shopping: Markets Stays: Mixed- Sunday Market (Livestock Market): Huge Central Asian bazaar selling everything from carpets to camels.
- Adjacent food stalls: Busy stalls serving quick, spicy Uyghur snacks during market day.
- Spice and textile rows: Long rows of spices and textiles, excellent for browsing and bargaining.
- New CityCalmer modern area with hotels and services, good base for practical travellers.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Low-key Shopping: Shops Stays: Hotels- Modern hotels and restaurants: Modern hotels and restaurants offering more predictable dining and lodging options.
- Transport hubs: Transport hubs with bus and train connections to the wider region.
- City parks: Green city parks providing calm spaces away from the bazaar bustle.
Kashgar at a Glance
Costs: Budget: $30-60 per day - very affordable local services; costs rise for guided Silk Road tours and permits.
Safety: High-security environment; restrictions common - heavy security presence and restrictions; follow local rules and avoid photography limits.
Best Time: Late spring to early autumn (May-Oct) - warm, dry weather May-Oct; winters are cold and harsh.
Kashgar is a storied Silk Road city in Xinjiang, anchored by its bustling Old City, Id Kah Mosque, and the famously lively Sunday bazaar. Travelers come for vibrant Uyghur culture, markets overflowing with spices and textiles, and centuries-old caravanserais.
Getting around: Walk the Old City and bazaars; shared taxis and minibuses serve the main routes to Id Kah Mosque, the Sunday livestock market, and Kashgar railway station.
Infrastructure & convenience: Basic tourist infrastructure in Kashgar old town with guesthouses near Id Kah Mosque; expect heavy security presence, limited international card acceptance, and intermittent mobile internet.
Local tips: Dress modestly in the Old City, always ask permission before photographing people or buildings, bargain at the Sunday market, and learn simple Uyghur greetings.
Dining: Feast on Uyghur lamb kebabs, hand-pulled laghman noodles, samsa pastries and pilaf at Id Kah Mosque stalls or teahouses near the Sunday Bazaar.
Why Visit Kashgar?
A crossroads of the Silk Road, Kashgar appeals for its living history, colorful markets and Uyghur culture. The Old City lanes and the massive Sunday livestock and bazaar market offer sensory immersion, while the Id Kah Mosque and local polo and pilaf (Uyghur polo) hint at deep traditions. Travelers come to browse handwoven carpets, sample lamb kebabs and witness a place where Central Asian trade routes still shape daily life.
Who's Kashgar For?
Backpackers
Kashgar is a Silk Road classic for independent travelers-lively Sunday livestock market, the old city lanes and cheap dorm-style guesthouses near Id Kah Mosque. Many overlanders stop for visa paperwork, local bazaars and onward transport to the Pamir Highway.
Foodies
Uyghur cuisine shines in Kashgar: hand-pulled laghman, spicy kebabs, samsa and sweet naan at the Sunday market. Teahouses around the old bazaar and roadside grills near the Id Kah area serve authentic, inexpensive plates.
Nature Buffs
Kashgar is a gateway to high-altitude scenery-short trips lead to the Karakul Lake and Pamir foothills for alpine vistas. Expect dusty desert outskirts too; guided excursions work best for safe travel in remote areas.
Couples
Couples can wander hand-in-hand through the old bazaar at dusk and sip tea in rooftop cafés near Id Kah Mosque. The city’s historic architecture makes for atmospheric evenings, though some parts of the old town are under repair.
Plan Your Visit to Kashgar
Best Things to Do in Kashgar
Mosque
Id Kah Mosque
Kashgar mosque and central Uyghur religious site
Monument
Afaq Khoja Mausoleum
Prominent mausoleum in Kashgar, Islamic pilgrimage site
Kashgar Bucket List
Don't Miss
Id Kah Mosque - Largest mosque in Xinjiang, central to Kashgar’s religious and social life.
Kashgar Old Town - Labyrinthine alleyways and traditional Uyghur homes reflecting the city’s centuries-old Silk Road heritage.
Kashgar Sunday Market (Livestock Market) - Vast weekly livestock and goods market where traders converge from across southern Xinjiang.
Afaq Khoja Mausoleum - Elaborate tiled mausoleum and pilgrimage site outside town, associated with Afaq Khoja.
Hidden Gems
Kashgar Regional Museum - Compact museum with archaeological finds and Uyghur ethnographic displays, great contextual background.
Old City Teahouses near Id Kah Mosque - Low-key teahouses where locals meet, offering tea, conversation, and authentic everyday atmosphere.
Local carpet workshops in the Old City - Small family-run workshops where you can watch traditional weaving and learn about carpet symbolism.
Backstreet bakeries on Tuman Road - Modest bakeries producing fresh naan and samsa, ideal for tasting everyday Kashgari baked goods.
Day Trips
Yengisar - Town famous for generations-old Uyghur knife-makers; workshops and small local markets to explore.
Shufu (Shule) Old Town - Quiet traditional town near Kashgar with old bazaars, local life, and small mosques.
Kashgar Sunday Market (evening sections) - Smaller weekday and evening stalls offer handicrafts and street food away from the main crowds.
Kashgar countryside orchards (seasonal) - Nearby riverside orchards offer seasonal fruit-picking and a glimpse of rural Uyghur life.
Best Time to Visit Kashgar
The best times to visit Kashgar are spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild, orchards and bazaars bustle, and nearby mountains are pleasant for day trips. Summers bring intense heat and dust, while winters are very cold and quiet - plan accordingly.
Spring
Dry, sunny days and cool nights; windy and dusty at times, but markets bloom and foothills green-one of the best times to explore without blazing heat.
Summer
Intense daytime heat but long, lively evenings; ideal for visiting night markets and outlying deserts if you can handle 35-40°C afternoons.
Autumn
Crisp, dry days and colourful harvests; perfect for exploring bazaars, Kashgar Old Town and nearby mountains before winter sets in.
Kashgar's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 32°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -11° - 0° | -5° | 3 mm | partly cloudy | 55% | 1.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| February | Acceptable | -6° - 5° | -3° | 5 mm | partly cloudy | 48% | 1.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.6h |
| March | Good | 2° - 13° | 7° | 10 mm | partly cloudy | 35% | 1.6 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 9° - 22° | 15° | 10 mm | partly cloudy | 26% | 2.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.1h |
| May | Excellent | 13° - 26° | 20° | 17 mm | partly cloudy | 27% | 2.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.2h |
| June | Excellent | 16° - 30° | 23° | 11 mm | partly cloudy | 24% | 1.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.7h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 32° | 26° | 11 mm | some cloud | 24% | 1.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 14.5h |
| August | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 15 mm | some cloud | 27% | 1.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.5h |
| September | Ideal | 12° - 27° | 19° | 10 mm | some cloud | 30% | 1.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 5° - 20° | 12° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 31% | 1.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Very Good | -2° - 10° | 4° | 3 mm | some cloud | 41% | 1.1 m/s | 0.5 low | 9.9h |
| December | Acceptable | -8° - 2° | -3° | 2 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 1.0 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.3h |
How to Get to Kashgar
Kashgar (Kashi) is reached by air at Kashgar Airport (KHG) and by rail at Kashgar Railway Station on the Southern Xinjiang Railway. Flights and long‑distance trains connect Kashgar with Ürümqi and other regional centres; long overland coach services link the city to towns across southern Xinjiang.
Kashgar Airport (KHG): Kashgar (Kashi) Airport is the city’s main airport, about 15-20 km northeast of the urban centre. From the airport you can take a metered taxi to central Kashgar (approx. 25-40 minutes depending on traffic) - expect roughly 40-80 CNY in typical conditions. There is usually an airport shuttle/minibus serving central points and major hotels; shuttle fares are cheaper (often under 20 CNY) but schedules can be limited, so check the desk on arrival. Didi (China’s ride‑hail app) works here and will often be similar to a taxi fare but with the convenience of app booking.
Train: Kashgar Railway Station (Kashgar Station) is on the Southern Xinjiang Railway and handles conventional long‑distance trains to/from Ürümqi and other Xinjiang cities. Trains from Ürümqi are long overnight runs (often 20-30+ hours depending on service); hard‑sleepers and soft‑sleepers are available - fares vary by class but expect a few hundred CNY for the full journey. Book tickets in advance, especially in peak seasons and national holidays.
Bus: Long‑distance coaches depart from Kashgar’s main long‑distance bus stations to regional destinations such as Hotan, Yarkand and border towns; journey times range from a few hours to 10+ hours and fares vary by distance (typically tens to a couple of hundred CNY). Local city buses and minibuses serve routes around Kashgar - they are very cheap but can be slow and sparsely scheduled in some neighbourhoods.
How to Get Around Kashgar
Kashgar is compact enough that the old town and main market are best experienced on foot, while taxis and Didi are the most practical ways to reach sites outside the centre or to handle airport/train transfers. For regional travel, choose overnight trains when possible for comfort; coaches are a flexible backup for destinations not on the rail network.
- Taxis (10-40 CNY) - Metered taxis are the most convenient way to get around Kashgar for door‑to‑door travel, especially when carrying luggage or visiting sites outside the old town. Fares for short trips inside the city are modest but negotiate or confirm the meter; drivers may expect higher fixed fares for airport runs. Taxis are plentiful near the railway station, market areas and major hotels.
- Didi (ride‑hailing) (10-60 CNY) - Didi operates in Kashgar and is useful for booking rides without haggling; English support is limited, so have addresses written in Chinese. Fares are generally comparable to local taxis but can rise during busy periods or long intercity pickups. Use Didi for scheduled pickups from the airport or for trips to attractions outside the core old town.
- City buses (1-3 CNY) - Kashgar’s city buses cover main routes and are very cheap, making them a budget option for getting between neighbourhoods. Routes and timetables are less tourist‑friendly and stops may not be clearly marked in English - ask hotel staff for help. Buses can be slow and infrequent compared with taxis or Didi, but they are reliable for routine travel.
- Long‑distance coaches (30-150 CNY) - Coaches link Kashgar with other Xinjiang towns (Hotan, Yarkand, etc.) and are a common way to travel regionally when trains are unavailable. Journey times vary widely and seats can fill in peak periods, so buy tickets in advance at the coach station or through a travel agency. Coaches range from basic to more comfortable services; bring water and snacks for long trips.
- Bicycle / E‑bike rental (10-50 CNY/day) - Short‑term bicycle and electric‑bike rentals are available around the city and can be a pleasant way to explore quieter streets and the outskirts at your own pace. Roads around the old town can be busy; choose quieter hours and wear a helmet if possible. Rental rates vary by model and duration - ask locally for day or half‑day prices.
- Walking - Kashgar’s historic old city and the central market are best explored on foot - walking lets you soak up the atmosphere and enter alleys inaccessible by car. Temperatures can be extreme in summer and winter, so plan walks for cooler parts of the day and carry water. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven pavements in older districts.
Where to Stay in Kashgar
Budget
Old City / Id Kah Area - $15-50/night
Basic guesthouses and family-run inns in the old city. Simple rooms, helpful hosts, a good way to experience local life on a tight budget.
Mid-Range
Bazaar District - $40-120/night
Mid-range hotels near the bazaar with private bathrooms and breakfast. Comfortable for exploring markets and historic sites without overspending.
Luxury
Near City Center - $120-250/night
Higher-end properties with larger rooms and better service, often closer to transport hubs. Useful if you want more comfort after long travel days.
Best for First-Timers
Walled Old Town - $30-140/night
Stay inside or near the old walled town to be within walking distance of main attractions, markets, and historic mosques for easy orientation.
Best for Families
Bazaar / Park Areas - $50-160/night
Family-run hotels and larger rooms near the bazaar and parks give space and easy access to food stalls and day trips to nearby sights.
Best for Digital Nomads
City Center - $35-130/night
Choose a centrally located hotel with steady internet and comfortable common areas; cafés near the bazaar can double as daytime workspaces.
Where to Eat in Kashgar
Kashgar is a Uyghur culinary heartland-expect hand-pulled laghman noodles, tandoor-baked naan, flaky samsa and charcoal-grilled lamb skewers perfuming the Old Town. The food scene is rooted in markets and teahouses: wander the lanes around Id Kah Mosque and the vast Sunday Bazaar to sample sweets, breads and spicy kebabs.
Street food is king here, so eating is a social, on-the-go affair: sit at a tea house with a plate of polo (pilaf) or grab a skewer and a warm naan from a vendor and watch life in the medina.
Local Food
Kashgar’s Uyghur food is all about hand-pulled laghman, oily lamb kebabs, flaky samsa and tandoori naan served around the Old Town and mosque.
- Kashgar Old Town stalls - Skewered lamb, naan and samsa pastries
- Id Kah Mosque area eateries - Laghman, polo and noodle houses galore
- Sunday Bazaar (Lakash) - Handmade breads, kebabs and street snacks
International Food
International options are limited but present-hotel restaurants and newer cafés mix Han-Chinese and Central Asian flavors for visitors.
- Hotel restaurants near the train station - Chinese and Uyghur fusion for travelers
- Modern cafés in Tashkurgan Road area - Coffee shops and light international fare
- Bazaar tea houses - Persian-leaning pilafs and teahouse snacks
Vegetarian
Vegetarian choices center on breads, noodle dishes, vegetable pilafs and abundant market fruits and nuts-ask for laghman without meat or vegetable samsa.
- Tea houses in the Old City - Vegetable pilafs and herb-heavy salads
- Naan bakeries - Warm bread with yogurt and tea
- Market fruit and nut stalls - Fresh apricots, melons and roasted nuts
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Kashgar’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Kashgar
Kashgar’s nighttime identity is anchored in its Old Town bazaars and the area around Id Kah Mosque - markets and street stalls stay lively into the evening, especially on market days. Alcohol is uncommon; evenings are about food stalls, tea-houses and wandering the historic streets. Modest dress and respect for local customs are important in this predominantly Muslim city. Keep to main streets after dark and stick to populated market areas.
Best Bets
- Id Kah Mosque & Bazaar - Central evening market stalls and street food near the mosque.
- Kashgar Old City night market - Lively stalls selling snacks, textiles and local snacks.
- Weekly Sunday Bazaar (main market days) - If your visit aligns, markets swell with evening activity.
- Old Town alley cafés - Small tea-houses and late-evening food stalls in the lanes.
- Silk Road market areas - Shopping by night with local snacks and souvenirs.
- Hotel rooftop cafés - Rooftop tea and views over the Old Town at sunset.
Shopping in Kashgar
Kashgar is one of Central Asia’s classic bazaars: the Sunday Market (the big Xinjiang Sunday Bazaar) is the highlight, overflowing with carpets, livestock trading, spices, pashmina and Uyghur street food. The Old Town around Id Kah Mosque and the Grand Bazaar area are the best places to hunt for handcrafted knives, embroidered clothing and silk. Bargaining is part of the culture-start low and be polite; cash is king in small stalls.
Best Bets
- Kashgar Sunday Market - World-famous weekly market for carpets, livestock and spices.
- Id Kah Mosque Bazaar - Small shops around the mosque selling textiles and souvenirs.
- Kashgar Old Town Markets - Narrow streets full of Uyghur handicrafts and tea houses.
- Carpet & Rug Workshops - Local producers of Xinjiang and Kashgar-style handwoven carpets.
- Silk & Pashmina Shops - Fine silk and pashmina stoles sold across the bazaars.
- Handicraft & Knife Sellers - Souvenirs from small family-run craftsmen and metalworkers.