Kashgar — The Last Caravanserai Before the Pamirs
Kashgar is the most foreign city in China — a place where Uyghur, Central Asian, Persian, and Chinese cultures have converged for over 2,000 years. As the westernmost city in China, it was the last stop on the Silk Road before the caravans crossed the Pamir Mountains into Central Asia. The Id Kah Mosque, the largest in China, anchors a city so unlike the rest of the country that it feels like stepping into another nation entirely.
The Old City (Kashgar Ancient City) is a maze of winding alleyways, mud-brick houses, and covered markets where Uyghur artisans hammer copper, bake naan in wood-fired ovens, and weave silk in patterns that have been passed down for generations. The Sunday Bazaar — one of the largest markets in Central Asia — draws traders from across Xinjiang and neighbouring countries.
📍 Where is Kashgar?
Kashgar sits in far western Xinjiang, at the foot of the Pamir Mountains (the "Roof of the World") and near the borders with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It is the starting point of the legendary Karakoram Highway to Pakistan. Direct flights connect Kashgar to Urumqi (2h), Beijing (4.5h), and Chengdu (3.5h).
| to City | Transport | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Urumqi | Flight | 2h |
| Tashkurgan (Karakoram Hwy) | Bus | 4h |
| Beijing | Flight | 4.5h |
🌤️ When to Visit
| Month | Temp | Rain | Crowd | Rating | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | -8~2°C | None | Low | ★★ | Freezing. Dry |
| Feb | -5~6°C | None | Low | ★★ | Still cold |
| Mar | 2~15°C | Low | Low | ★★★ | Sandstorms possible |
| Apr | 8~22°C | Low | Medium | ★★★★ | Pleasant |
| May | 13~27°C | Low | High | ★★★★★ | Perfect |
| Jun | 17~32°C | Low | High | ★★★★ | Hot |
| Jul | 20~36°C | None | High | ★★★ | Very hot |
| Aug | 19~34°C | None | High | ★★★ | Hot. Dry |
| Sep | 13~28°C | None | Medium | ★★★★★ | Best. Comfortable |
| Oct | 6~20°C | None | Medium | ★★★★ | Cool. Pleasant |
| Nov | -1~10°C | None | Low | ★★★ | Cold. Quiet |
| Dec | -7~3°C | None | Low | ★★ | Freezing |
🗺️ Attractions — Ranked
🔴 Must-See
1. Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺) — The largest mosque in China, built in 1442. The courtyard holds 20,000 worshippers during Eid. The architecture blends Uyghur, Persian, and Central Asian styles — turquoise tiles, arched portals, and a 19m minaret. ¥30. 1h.
2. Kashgar Old City (喀什古城) — A UNESCO-listed maze of over 500 alleyways. The houses are built from sun-dried mud brick, with wooden balconies and carved doors. Every turn reveals a courtyard, a coppersmith hammering, or a child playing. Free. 3-5h.
3. Sunday Bazaar (喀什大巴扎) — The original Silk Road market. 100,000+ visitors on peak days. Livestock market (donkeys, sheep, camels), dry fruit and nut market, textiles, carpets, copperware, knives, and everything else. Sundays only. Free to enter. 3-5h.
🟢 Worth a Visit
4. Apakh Hoja Tomb (香妃墓) — A 17th-century mausoleum of the Hoja family. The blue-glazed tiles are strikingly beautiful. ¥30. 1h.
5. Karakoram Highway — One of the highest paved international roads in the world. Day trips to the White Sand Mountain (1.5h) or Tashkurgan town (4h) are available through local drivers. Book through your hotel.
🗓️ Suggested Itineraries
1 Day
AM: Id Kah Mosque → Old City wandering Lunch: Lamb pilaf at a Uyghur restaurant PM: Apakh Hoja Tomb → Old City evening walk
2 Days
Add Day 2: Sunday Bazaar (if Sunday) or Karakoram Highway day trip.
🍜 Food Guide
Kashgar's cuisine is Uyghur — closer to Uzbek, Turkish, and Persian food than Han Chinese cooking.
Lamb Pilaf (抓饭 / Polo) — Rice cooked with lamb, carrots, and cumin in a heavy pot. The rice absorbs the lamb fat and the sweetness of the carrots. Topped with a whole lamb shank. ¥20-40.
Laghman Noodles (拉条子) — Hand-pulled wheat noodles stir-fried with lamb, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. The sauce is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet. ¥15-25.
Samsa (烤包子) — Triangular baked pastries filled with spiced minced lamb and onion. Baked in a wood-fired tandoor oven. The perfect street snack. ¥3-5 each.
Naan (馕) — Uyghur flatbread baked in a tandoor. The sesame and onion varieties are the best. A staple at every meal. ¥2-5.
Uyghur Tea (维吾尔茶) — Black tea with milk, sugar, and sometimes cardamom. Served in small bowls. ¥5-8.
🏨 Where to Stay
| Area | Vibe | Price/night | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old City | Atmospheric, traditional Uyghur guesthouses | ¥150-400 | Culture, atmosphere |
| People's Square area | Modern hotels, restaurants | ¥200-600 | Comfort, convenience |
🚌 Getting Around
| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Walking | Old City is best explored on foot |
| Taxi | ¥5-10 within the city — very cheap |
| Bus | ¥1-2. Limited English |
🎭 Unique Experiences
| Experience | Book Ahead? |
|---|---|
| Sunday Bazaar | ❌ Just show up (Sunday only) |
| Old City walking tour | ✅ Ask at your hotel for a local guide |
🛍️ Souvenirs
| Souvenir | Price |
|---|---|
| Uyghur embroidered hat (doppa) | ¥15-50 |
| Hand-hammered copper pot | ¥50-200 |
| Xinjiang dried dates & raisins | ¥20-60 |
| Uyghur knife (handmade) | ¥30-150 |
| Silk Road carpet (small) | ¥100-500 |
📱 Before You Go — Checklist
Xinjiang travel regulations: Foreigners need a temporary residence registration from local PSB if staying more than 24h. Your hotel will handle this. Travel restrictions: Some areas near borders require PSB permits. Check current rules. Respect Uyghur customs: Dress modestly, especially near mosques. Hydration: The desert climate is extremely dry — drink 2-3L of water per day.
Travel Styles
Budget: ¥80 Uyghur guesthouses, ¥5 naan bread, free Old City wandering. Budget guide → Family: The Old City is a safe, friendly maze for kids. Sunday Bazaar is unforgettable. Family guide →
🔗 Related
Routes: Silk Road Route Info: Visa · Payment · Internet
Have you been to Kashgar?
What stayed with you longer — the Sunday Bazaar's chaos or the silence of the Old City's alleyways?
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