China Shanhe Lu
Kashgar Travel Guide
Northwest

Kashgar Travel Guide

The Old Town and Bazaar at China's westernmost point

Kashgar | China's westernmost old town and bazaar: Kashgar is the convergence point of the north and south routes of the Silk Road east of the Congling Mountains. People still live in the old town, and the ochre-colored alleys, wooden doors, and copper shops are part of daily life. For overseas Chinese, the sense of 'exoticism' here is closest to Central Asia. This site compiles the best seasons to visit, recommended stay duration, intercity transportation, and local tips.

This site only handles information compilation and itinerary design; prices and bookings are based on final confirmation.

Destination Details

Key facts
Best seasonMay to October; fruits are most abundant in September
Suggested stay2-3 days
Affiliated AreaNorthwest · Xinjiang
Key highlightsKashgar Old Town · Id Kah Mosque · Central Asian Grand Bazaar · Xiangfei Garden and Gao Tai Residences
Local cuisineBaked buns, jarred meat, pilaf, lamb skewers, handmade ice cream, pomegranate juice.

Kashgar is the convergence point of the northern and southern routes of the Silk Road east of the Kunlun Mountains. People still live in the old town, and the tan-colored alleys, wooden doors, and copper shops are part of everyday life. For overseas Chinese, the sense of 'exoticism' here is closest to Central Asia.

Main Highlights

Kashgar Old Town

A rammed-earth old town area, best visited at sunrise and sunset; you can walk straight into residents' courtyards from the alleys.

Id Kah Mosque

One of the largest mosques in China, its gate tower and square are landmarks of the old town.

Central Asian Grand Bazaar

Most lively on Sundays, with everything from carpets and copperware to dried fruits and livestock, it’s the best place to observe local trade.

Xiangfei Garden and Raised Courtyard Houses

A cluster of traditional residences in the northeast corner of the old town, where you can see how rammed-earth buildings are constructed.

Recommended Stay and Suggested Route

  • Recommended stay: 2-3 days.
  • Spend at least two half-days in the old town—one day for wandering the alleys and visiting the mosque, and another day for the bazaar and raised courtyard houses.
  • Connecting with other cities of the same theme for a route is more efficient; refer to 'Extendable Routes' below.

Best Season

May to October; fruits are at their peak in September.

How to Get There & Intercity Transport

Kashgar Airport has direct flights to Urumqi and Xi’an; the Southern Xinjiang Railway connects Hetian and Kuqa.

Local Cuisine

Baked buns, clay pot meat, pilaf, lamb skewers, handmade ice cream, pomegranate juice.

Local Tips

  • Always ask for permission before photographing residents in the old town; avoid entering the main hall of mosques during prayer times; always carry identification near border areas.

Province

This entry belongs to Xinjiang (2 preset routes available), where you can compare all possible routes in the province from the provincial page.

Routes that include this stop