- Old City Youth Hostel: Budget, social, and in the heart of the Old City.
- Silk Road Hotel: Mid-range, comfortable, and accepts foreigners without hassle.
- Luxury options: There are a few high-end hotels near the city center, but they feel disconnected from the city. Stay in the Old City if you can.
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer tourists, but dust storms are possible.
- Summer (June-August): Hot (35-40°C / 95-104°F), but the Old City is alive in the evening. This is peak domestic tourism season.
- Autumn (September-October): The best time. The weather is comfortable, the light is beautiful, and the tourist numbers drop.
- Winter (November-February): Cold but crisp. The Old City is quiet. Some guesthouses close for the season.
- Early morning (7-9 AM): The city is waking up. Bread ovens (馕坑, nángkēng) are firing up. The light is soft. Few tourists.
- Midday: Hot. The narrow alleys don’t get much air. Locals retreat indoors. Not the best time to walk.
- Late afternoon (5-7 PM): The golden hour. The light hits the mud-brick walls. The Old City looks like something out of a 19th-century drawing. This is when to be there.
- Evening: The night market (夜市, yèshì) opens. Food stalls, music, people. It’s lively but not chaotic.
- Old City Youth Hostel: Budget, social, and in the heart of the Old City.
- Silk Road Hotel: Mid-range, comfortable, and accepts foreigners without hassle.
- Luxury options: There are a few high-end hotels near the city center, but they feel disconnected from the city. Stay in the Old City if you can.
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer tourists, but dust storms are possible.
- Summer (June-August): Hot (35-40°C / 95-104°F), but the Old City is alive in the evening. This is peak domestic tourism season.
- Autumn (September-October): The best time. The weather is comfortable, the light is beautiful, and the tourist numbers drop.
- Winter (November-February): Cold but crisp. The Old City is quiet. Some guesthouses close for the season.
- Early morning (7-9 AM): The city is waking up. Bread ovens (馕坑, nángkēng) are firing up. The light is soft. Few tourists.
- Midday: Hot. The narrow alleys don’t get much air. Locals retreat indoors. Not the best time to walk.
- Late afternoon (5-7 PM): The golden hour. The light hits the mud-brick walls. The Old City looks like something out of a 19th-century drawing. This is when to be there.
- Evening: The night market (夜市, yèshì) opens. Food stalls, music, people. It’s lively but not chaotic.
- Old City Youth Hostel: Budget, social, and in the heart of the Old City.
- Silk Road Hotel: Mid-range, comfortable, and accepts foreigners without hassle.
- Luxury options: There are a few high-end hotels near the city center, but they feel disconnected from the city. Stay in the Old City if you can.
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer tourists, but dust storms are possible.
- Summer (June-August): Hot (35-40°C / 95-104°F), but the Old City is alive in the evening. This is peak domestic tourism season.
- Autumn (September-October): The best time. The weather is comfortable, the light is beautiful, and the tourist numbers drop.
- Winter (November-February): Cold but crisp. The Old City is quiet. Some guesthouses close for the season.
- Early morning (7-9 AM): The city is waking up. Bread ovens (馕坑, nángkēng) are firing up. The light is soft. Few tourists.
- Midday: Hot. The narrow alleys don’t get much air. Locals retreat indoors. Not the best time to walk.
- Late afternoon (5-7 PM): The golden hour. The light hits the mud-brick walls. The Old City looks like something out of a 19th-century drawing. This is when to be there.
- Evening: The night market (夜市, yèshì) opens. Food stalls, music, people. It’s lively but not chaotic.
- Old City Youth Hostel: Budget, social, and in the heart of the Old City.
- Silk Road Hotel: Mid-range, comfortable, and accepts foreigners without hassle.
- Luxury options: There are a few high-end hotels near the city center, but they feel disconnected from the city. Stay in the Old City if you can.
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer tourists, but dust storms are possible.
- Summer (June-August): Hot (35-40°C / 95-104°F), but the Old City is alive in the evening. This is peak domestic tourism season.
- Autumn (September-October): The best time. The weather is comfortable, the light is beautiful, and the tourist numbers drop.
- Winter (November-February): Cold but crisp. The Old City is quiet. Some guesthouses close for the season.
- Early morning (7-9 AM): The city is waking up. Bread ovens (馕坑, nángkēng) are firing up. The light is soft. Few tourists.
- Midday: Hot. The narrow alleys don’t get much air. Locals retreat indoors. Not the best time to walk.
- Late afternoon (5-7 PM): The golden hour. The light hits the mud-brick walls. The Old City looks like something out of a 19th-century drawing. This is when to be there.
- Evening: The night market (夜市, yèshì) opens. Food stalls, music, people. It’s lively but not chaotic.
- Old City Youth Hostel: Budget, social, and in the heart of the Old City.
- Silk Road Hotel: Mid-range, comfortable, and accepts foreigners without hassle.
- Luxury options: There are a few high-end hotels near the city center, but they feel disconnected from the city. Stay in the Old City if you can.
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer tourists, but dust storms are possible.
- Summer (June-August): Hot (35-40°C / 95-104°F), but the Old City is alive in the evening. This is peak domestic tourism season.
- Autumn (September-October): The best time. The weather is comfortable, the light is beautiful, and the tourist numbers drop.
- Winter (November-February): Cold but crisp. The Old City is quiet. Some guesthouses close for the season.
- Early morning (7-9 AM): The city is waking up. Bread ovens (馕坑, nángkēng) are firing up. The light is soft. Few tourists.
- Midday: Hot. The narrow alleys don’t get much air. Locals retreat indoors. Not the best time to walk.
- Late afternoon (5-7 PM): The golden hour. The light hits the mud-brick walls. The Old City looks like something out of a 19th-century drawing. This is when to be there.
- Evening: The night market (夜市, yèshì) opens. Food stalls, music, people. It’s lively but not chaotic.
- Old City Youth Hostel: Budget, social, and in the heart of the Old City.
- Silk Road Hotel: Mid-range, comfortable, and accepts foreigners without hassle.
- Luxury options: There are a few high-end hotels near the city center, but they feel disconnected from the city. Stay in the Old City if you can.
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer tourists, but dust storms are possible.
- Summer (June-August): Hot (35-40°C / 95-104°F), but the Old City is alive in the evening. This is peak domestic tourism season.
- Autumn (September-October): The best time. The weather is comfortable, the light is beautiful, and the tourist numbers drop.
- Winter (November-February): Cold but crisp. The Old City is quiet. Some guesthouses close for the season.
- Early morning (7-9 AM): The city is waking up. Bread ovens (馕坑, nángkēng) are firing up. The light is soft. Few tourists.
- Midday: Hot. The narrow alleys don’t get much air. Locals retreat indoors. Not the best time to walk.
- Late afternoon (5-7 PM): The golden hour. The light hits the mud-brick walls. The Old City looks like something out of a 19th-century drawing. This is when to be there.
- Evening: The night market (夜市, yèshì) opens. Food stalls, music, people. It’s lively but not chaotic.
- Old City Youth Hostel: Budget, social, and in the heart of the Old City.
- Silk Road Hotel: Mid-range, comfortable, and accepts foreigners without hassle.
- Luxury options: There are a few high-end hotels near the city center, but they feel disconnected from the city. Stay in the Old City if you can.
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer tourists, but dust storms are possible.
- Summer (June-August): Hot (35-40°C / 95-104°F), but the Old City is alive in the evening. This is peak domestic tourism season.
- Autumn (September-October): The best time. The weather is comfortable, the light is beautiful, and the tourist numbers drop.
- Winter (November-February): Cold but crisp. The Old City is quiet. Some guesthouses close for the season.
- Early morning (7-9 AM): The city is waking up. Bread ovens (馕坑, nángkēng) are firing up. The light is soft. Few tourists.
- Midday: Hot. The narrow alleys don’t get much air. Locals retreat indoors. Not the best time to walk.
- Late afternoon (5-7 PM): The golden hour. The light hits the mud-brick walls. The Old City looks like something out of a 19th-century drawing. This is when to be there.
- Evening: The night market (夜市, yèshì) opens. Food stalls, music, people. It’s lively but not chaotic.
- Old City Youth Hostel: Budget, social, and in the heart of the Old City.
- Silk Road Hotel: Mid-range, comfortable, and accepts foreigners without hassle.
- Luxury options: There are a few high-end hotels near the city center, but they feel disconnected from the city. Stay in the Old City if you can.
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather, fewer tourists, but dust storms are possible.
- Summer (June-August): Hot (35-40°C / 95-104°F), but the Old City is alive in the evening. This is peak domestic tourism season.
- Autumn (September-October): The best time. The weather is comfortable, the light is beautiful, and the tourist numbers drop.
- Winter (November-February): Cold but crisp. The Old City is quiet. Some guesthouses close for the season.
A Note on Security and Permits
Kashgar is in a border-sensitive area, but you don’t need a special permit to visit the city itself. The Old City, the Sunday Bazaar, the mosques — all are open to foreign visitors with just a Chinese visa (or visa-free entry).
This guide is part of our complete Xinjiang Travel Guide series for foreign travelers.
What does require a permit is traveling farther south to Taxkorgan (the Pamir Plateau). If you’re planning to go to Taxkorgan, Muztagh Ata, or the Pakistan border, you’ll need a Border Area Entry Permit. See our guide to Xinjiang travel permits for details.
Security checks are more frequent in Kashgar than in Urumqi or Turpan. Carry your passport. Be patient with the checks — they’re routine, not personal.
When to Visit Kashgar
The Bottom Line
Kashgar isn’t just a stop on a Xinjiang itinerary. It’s a place to slow down. Spend at least 2-3 days here. Wander the Old City without a plan. Drink tea with someone who invites you. Eat until you can’t move.
This is the Xinjiang that the travel forums talk about but rarely describe well. Come see it for yourself.
—
*This guide was updated in June 2026 based on first-hand travel experience.*
What to See in the Old City
Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺): The largest mosque in China. Non-Muslims can visit (except during prayer times). Dress modestly — cover your shoulders and knees. Women don’t need to cover their hair, but should avoid sleeveless tops.
Abakh Khoja Mausoleum (香妃园): The tomb of a 17th-century ruler of Kashgar and his family. The tile work is extraordinary — blues and greens that have kept their color for 300+ years. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Old City.
The Alleys (小巷, xiǎoxiàng): The best part of the Old City isn’t a specific sight — it’s getting lost in the alleys. There are no maps (the Old City is a maze by design). Walk. Turn corners. Peek into courtyards (if the gate is open, it’s OK to look in). You’ll find woodworkers, metalworkers, kids playing, women baking bread. This is the real Kashgar.
The Sunday Livestock Bazaar (周日牲畜巴扎)
This is the thing people tell you not to miss — and they’re right. Every Sunday, the Livestock Bazaar (located about 20 minutes from the city center by car) becomes one of the largest animal markets in Central Asia.
You’ll see: sheep, cows, donkeys, and the occasional camel, all being bought and sold in a open field. It’s not performative — this is how livestock has been traded in Kashgar for centuries. The dealers haggle, the animals bleat, the dust flies.
When to go: The bazaar starts early (around 7 AM) and winds down by noon. Get there by 8:30 AM. By 11 AM, the best animals are already sold.
How to get there: Take a taxi (20-30 RMB from the city center). Ask for “周日巴扎” (Zhōumì Bāzhā) or show the driver the Chinese characters for “牲畜巴扎” (Shēngchù Bāzhā).
What to expect: It’s dusty, smelly, and completely fascinating. You don’t need to buy a sheep to enjoy it — just walking through and watching the trading is enough. Bring a mask if you’re sensitive to dust.
Photography note: People at the bazaar are used to cameras, but ask before taking someone’s portrait. A thumbs-up and a smile usually works as permission.
The Food in Kashgar
Kashgar has the best Uyghur food in Xinjiang. Not because the recipes are different, but because the cooks here have been doing this for generations.
What to Eat
Uyghur polo (抓饭, zhuāfàn): Rice cooked with lamb, carrots, and onions. The Kashgar version is slightly different from the Urumqi version — the rice is fluffier, the lamb more tender. Try it at any small restaurant in the Old City.
Laghmán (拉面, lāmiàn): Hand-pulled noodles with a meat and vegetable sauce. The Kashgar version tends to be spicier than elsewhere in Xinjiang.
Samsa (烤包子, kǎobāozi): Baked dumplings filled with lamb and onion. They’re cooked in a tandoor-like oven (馕坑, nángkēng) and come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Buy them fresh from any nang shop.
Chai (茶, chá): Tea is a big deal in Kashgar. You’ll find teahouses in the Old City where old men sit for hours, drinking brick tea (砖茶, zhuānchá) and playing cards. Join them. Order a pot. Sit for a while.
Where to Eat
The Old City has countless small restaurants and street stalls. Look for places where the menu is only in Uyghur and Chinese, and where you’re the only non-local. That’s where the good stuff is.
The Night Market (夜市) in the Old City is touristier but still good. It’s a good place to try a bit of everything — kebabs, noodles, bakes, and fruit.
Getting to Kashgar
Kashgar has an airport (Kashgar Airport, KHG) with direct flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and some international cities (Islamabad, Osh). Most travelers fly in from Urumqi — it’s a 2-hour flight.
The train from Urumqi to Kashgar takes 12-15 hours (overnight). It’s a good way to see the landscape change from the desert of Turpan to the mountains near Kashgar, but it’s not the most comfortable ride. Book a soft sleeper (软卧, ruǎnwò) if you go by train.
Where to Stay
Kashgar has a growing number of boutique hotels in the Old City — restored traditional houses with modern amenities. These are genuinely nice places to stay, and they support the local economy (unlike the big chain hotels).
Recommendations (as of 2026):
A Note on Security and Permits
Kashgar is in a border-sensitive area, but you don’t need a special permit to visit the city itself. The Old City, the Sunday Bazaar, the mosques — all are open to foreign visitors with just a Chinese visa (or visa-free entry).
What does require a permit is traveling farther south to Taxkorgan (the Pamir Plateau). If you’re planning to go to Taxkorgan, Muztagh Ata, or the Pakistan border, you’ll need a Border Area Entry Permit. See our guide to Xinjiang travel permits for details.
Security checks are more frequent in Kashgar than in Urumqi or Turpan. Carry your passport. Be patient with the checks — they’re routine, not personal.
When to Visit Kashgar
The Bottom Line
Kashgar isn’t just a stop on a Xinjiang itinerary. It’s a place to slow down. Spend at least 2-3 days here. Wander the Old City without a plan. Drink tea with someone who invites you. Eat until you can’t move.
This is the Xinjiang that the travel forums talk about but rarely describe well. Come see it for yourself.
—
*This guide was updated in June 2026 based on first-hand travel experience.*
If Xinjiang has a soul, it’s in Kashgar. Not in the brochure photos of Heavenly Lake or the postcard scenery of Kanas — but in the narrow alleys of the Old City, where people have been living, trading, and praying for over 2,000 years.
I went to Kashgar expecting a museum piece — a preserved old town for tourists to walk through. What I found was a living city where the past isn’t past, it’s just how things are.
The Old City (喀什古城)
This is the reason to come to Kashgar. The Old City (老城, Lǎochéng) is one of the largest and best-preserved Islamic urban districts in Central Asia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it doesn’t feel like one — there are no ticket booths at the entrance, no rope lines guiding you through. People live here. Kids play in the alleys. Old men sit on wooden beds (炕, kàng) in the doorways.
When to Visit the Old City
The Old City is open all day, every day. But it’s different at different times:
What to See in the Old City
Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺): The largest mosque in China. Non-Muslims can visit (except during prayer times). Dress modestly — cover your shoulders and knees. Women don’t need to cover their hair, but should avoid sleeveless tops.
Abakh Khoja Mausoleum (香妃园): The tomb of a 17th-century ruler of Kashgar and his family. The tile work is extraordinary — blues and greens that have kept their color for 300+ years. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Old City.
The Alleys (小巷, xiǎoxiàng): The best part of the Old City isn’t a specific sight — it’s getting lost in the alleys. There are no maps (the Old City is a maze by design). Walk. Turn corners. Peek into courtyards (if the gate is open, it’s OK to look in). You’ll find woodworkers, metalworkers, kids playing, women baking bread. This is the real Kashgar.
The Sunday Livestock Bazaar (周日牲畜巴扎)
This is the thing people tell you not to miss — and they’re right. Every Sunday, the Livestock Bazaar (located about 20 minutes from the city center by car) becomes one of the largest animal markets in Central Asia.
You’ll see: sheep, cows, donkeys, and the occasional camel, all being bought and sold in a open field. It’s not performative — this is how livestock has been traded in Kashgar for centuries. The dealers haggle, the animals bleat, the dust flies.
When to go: The bazaar starts early (around 7 AM) and winds down by noon. Get there by 8:30 AM. By 11 AM, the best animals are already sold.
How to get there: Take a taxi (20-30 RMB from the city center). Ask for “周日巴扎” (Zhōumì Bāzhā) or show the driver the Chinese characters for “牲畜巴扎” (Shēngchù Bāzhā).
What to expect: It’s dusty, smelly, and completely fascinating. You don’t need to buy a sheep to enjoy it — just walking through and watching the trading is enough. Bring a mask if you’re sensitive to dust.
Photography note: People at the bazaar are used to cameras, but ask before taking someone’s portrait. A thumbs-up and a smile usually works as permission.
The Food in Kashgar
Kashgar has the best Uyghur food in Xinjiang. Not because the recipes are different, but because the cooks here have been doing this for generations.
What to Eat
Uyghur polo (抓饭, zhuāfàn): Rice cooked with lamb, carrots, and onions. The Kashgar version is slightly different from the Urumqi version — the rice is fluffier, the lamb more tender. Try it at any small restaurant in the Old City.
Laghmán (拉面, lāmiàn): Hand-pulled noodles with a meat and vegetable sauce. The Kashgar version tends to be spicier than elsewhere in Xinjiang.
Samsa (烤包子, kǎobāozi): Baked dumplings filled with lamb and onion. They’re cooked in a tandoor-like oven (馕坑, nángkēng) and come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Buy them fresh from any nang shop.
Chai (茶, chá): Tea is a big deal in Kashgar. You’ll find teahouses in the Old City where old men sit for hours, drinking brick tea (砖茶, zhuānchá) and playing cards. Join them. Order a pot. Sit for a while.
Where to Eat
The Old City has countless small restaurants and street stalls. Look for places where the menu is only in Uyghur and Chinese, and where you’re the only non-local. That’s where the good stuff is.
The Night Market (夜市) in the Old City is touristier but still good. It’s a good place to try a bit of everything — kebabs, noodles, bakes, and fruit.
Getting to Kashgar
Kashgar has an airport (Kashgar Airport, KHG) with direct flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and some international cities (Islamabad, Osh). Most travelers fly in from Urumqi — it’s a 2-hour flight.
The train from Urumqi to Kashgar takes 12-15 hours (overnight). It’s a good way to see the landscape change from the desert of Turpan to the mountains near Kashgar, but it’s not the most comfortable ride. Book a soft sleeper (软卧, ruǎnwò) if you go by train.
Where to Stay
Kashgar has a growing number of boutique hotels in the Old City — restored traditional houses with modern amenities. These are genuinely nice places to stay, and they support the local economy (unlike the big chain hotels).
Recommendations (as of 2026):
A Note on Security and Permits
Kashgar is in a border-sensitive area, but you don’t need a special permit to visit the city itself. The Old City, the Sunday Bazaar, the mosques — all are open to foreign visitors with just a Chinese visa (or visa-free entry).
What does require a permit is traveling farther south to Taxkorgan (the Pamir Plateau). If you’re planning to go to Taxkorgan, Muztagh Ata, or the Pakistan border, you’ll need a Border Area Entry Permit. See our guide to Xinjiang travel permits for details.
Security checks are more frequent in Kashgar than in Urumqi or Turpan. Carry your passport. Be patient with the checks — they’re routine, not personal.
When to Visit Kashgar
The Bottom Line
Kashgar isn’t just a stop on a Xinjiang itinerary. It’s a place to slow down. Spend at least 2-3 days here. Wander the Old City without a plan. Drink tea with someone who invites you. Eat until you can’t move.
This is the Xinjiang that the travel forums talk about but rarely describe well. Come see it for yourself.
—
*This guide was updated in June 2026 based on first-hand travel experience.*
What to See in the Old City
Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺): The largest mosque in China. Non-Muslims can visit (except during prayer times). Dress modestly — cover your shoulders and knees. Women don’t need to cover their hair, but should avoid sleeveless tops.
Abakh Khoja Mausoleum (香妃园): The tomb of a 17th-century ruler of Kashgar and his family. The tile work is extraordinary — blues and greens that have kept their color for 300+ years. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Old City.
The Alleys (小巷, xiǎoxiàng): The best part of the Old City isn’t a specific sight — it’s getting lost in the alleys. There are no maps (the Old City is a maze by design). Walk. Turn corners. Peek into courtyards (if the gate is open, it’s OK to look in). You’ll find woodworkers, metalworkers, kids playing, women baking bread. This is the real Kashgar.
The Sunday Livestock Bazaar (周日牲畜巴扎)
This is the thing people tell you not to miss — and they’re right. Every Sunday, the Livestock Bazaar (located about 20 minutes from the city center by car) becomes one of the largest animal markets in Central Asia.
You’ll see: sheep, cows, donkeys, and the occasional camel, all being bought and sold in a open field. It’s not performative — this is how livestock has been traded in Kashgar for centuries. The dealers haggle, the animals bleat, the dust flies.
When to go: The bazaar starts early (around 7 AM) and winds down by noon. Get there by 8:30 AM. By 11 AM, the best animals are already sold.
How to get there: Take a taxi (20-30 RMB from the city center). Ask for “周日巴扎” (Zhōumì Bāzhā) or show the driver the Chinese characters for “牲畜巴扎” (Shēngchù Bāzhā).
What to expect: It’s dusty, smelly, and completely fascinating. You don’t need to buy a sheep to enjoy it — just walking through and watching the trading is enough. Bring a mask if you’re sensitive to dust.
Photography note: People at the bazaar are used to cameras, but ask before taking someone’s portrait. A thumbs-up and a smile usually works as permission.
The Food in Kashgar
Kashgar has the best Uyghur food in Xinjiang. Not because the recipes are different, but because the cooks here have been doing this for generations.
What to Eat
Uyghur polo (抓饭, zhuāfàn): Rice cooked with lamb, carrots, and onions. The Kashgar version is slightly different from the Urumqi version — the rice is fluffier, the lamb more tender. Try it at any small restaurant in the Old City.
Laghmán (拉面, lāmiàn): Hand-pulled noodles with a meat and vegetable sauce. The Kashgar version tends to be spicier than elsewhere in Xinjiang.
Samsa (烤包子, kǎobāozi): Baked dumplings filled with lamb and onion. They’re cooked in a tandoor-like oven (馕坑, nángkēng) and come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Buy them fresh from any nang shop.
Chai (茶, chá): Tea is a big deal in Kashgar. You’ll find teahouses in the Old City where old men sit for hours, drinking brick tea (砖茶, zhuānchá) and playing cards. Join them. Order a pot. Sit for a while.
Where to Eat
The Old City has countless small restaurants and street stalls. Look for places where the menu is only in Uyghur and Chinese, and where you’re the only non-local. That’s where the good stuff is.
The Night Market (夜市) in the Old City is touristier but still good. It’s a good place to try a bit of everything — kebabs, noodles, bakes, and fruit.
Getting to Kashgar
Kashgar has an airport (Kashgar Airport, KHG) with direct flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and some international cities (Islamabad, Osh). Most travelers fly in from Urumqi — it’s a 2-hour flight.
The train from Urumqi to Kashgar takes 12-15 hours (overnight). It’s a good way to see the landscape change from the desert of Turpan to the mountains near Kashgar, but it’s not the most comfortable ride. Book a soft sleeper (软卧, ruǎnwò) if you go by train.
Where to Stay
Kashgar has a growing number of boutique hotels in the Old City — restored traditional houses with modern amenities. These are genuinely nice places to stay, and they support the local economy (unlike the big chain hotels).
Recommendations (as of 2026):
A Note on Security and Permits
Kashgar is in a border-sensitive area, but you don’t need a special permit to visit the city itself. The Old City, the Sunday Bazaar, the mosques — all are open to foreign visitors with just a Chinese visa (or visa-free entry).
What does require a permit is traveling farther south to Taxkorgan (the Pamir Plateau). If you’re planning to go to Taxkorgan, Muztagh Ata, or the Pakistan border, you’ll need a Border Area Entry Permit. See our guide to Xinjiang travel permits for details.
Security checks are more frequent in Kashgar than in Urumqi or Turpan. Carry your passport. Be patient with the checks — they’re routine, not personal.
When to Visit Kashgar
The Bottom Line
Kashgar isn’t just a stop on a Xinjiang itinerary. It’s a place to slow down. Spend at least 2-3 days here. Wander the Old City without a plan. Drink tea with someone who invites you. Eat until you can’t move.
This is the Xinjiang that the travel forums talk about but rarely describe well. Come see it for yourself.
—
*This guide was updated in June 2026 based on first-hand travel experience.*
If Xinjiang has a soul, it’s in Kashgar. Not in the brochure photos of Heavenly Lake or the postcard scenery of Kanas — but in the narrow alleys of the Old City, where people have been living, trading, and praying for over 2,000 years.
I went to Kashgar expecting a museum piece — a preserved old town for tourists to walk through. What I found was a living city where the past isn’t past, it’s just how things are.
The Old City (喀什古城)
This is the reason to come to Kashgar. The Old City (老城, Lǎochéng) is one of the largest and best-preserved Islamic urban districts in Central Asia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it doesn’t feel like one — there are no ticket booths at the entrance, no rope lines guiding you through. People live here. Kids play in the alleys. Old men sit on wooden beds (炕, kàng) in the doorways.
When to Visit the Old City
The Old City is open all day, every day. But it’s different at different times:
What to See in the Old City
Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺): The largest mosque in China. Non-Muslims can visit (except during prayer times). Dress modestly — cover your shoulders and knees. Women don’t need to cover their hair, but should avoid sleeveless tops.
Abakh Khoja Mausoleum (香妃园): The tomb of a 17th-century ruler of Kashgar and his family. The tile work is extraordinary — blues and greens that have kept their color for 300+ years. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Old City.
The Alleys (小巷, xiǎoxiàng): The best part of the Old City isn’t a specific sight — it’s getting lost in the alleys. There are no maps (the Old City is a maze by design). Walk. Turn corners. Peek into courtyards (if the gate is open, it’s OK to look in). You’ll find woodworkers, metalworkers, kids playing, women baking bread. This is the real Kashgar.
The Sunday Livestock Bazaar (周日牲畜巴扎)
This is the thing people tell you not to miss — and they’re right. Every Sunday, the Livestock Bazaar (located about 20 minutes from the city center by car) becomes one of the largest animal markets in Central Asia.
You’ll see: sheep, cows, donkeys, and the occasional camel, all being bought and sold in a open field. It’s not performative — this is how livestock has been traded in Kashgar for centuries. The dealers haggle, the animals bleat, the dust flies.
When to go: The bazaar starts early (around 7 AM) and winds down by noon. Get there by 8:30 AM. By 11 AM, the best animals are already sold.
How to get there: Take a taxi (20-30 RMB from the city center). Ask for “周日巴扎” (Zhōumì Bāzhā) or show the driver the Chinese characters for “牲畜巴扎” (Shēngchù Bāzhā).
What to expect: It’s dusty, smelly, and completely fascinating. You don’t need to buy a sheep to enjoy it — just walking through and watching the trading is enough. Bring a mask if you’re sensitive to dust.
Photography note: People at the bazaar are used to cameras, but ask before taking someone’s portrait. A thumbs-up and a smile usually works as permission.
The Food in Kashgar
Kashgar has the best Uyghur food in Xinjiang. Not because the recipes are different, but because the cooks here have been doing this for generations.
What to Eat
Uyghur polo (抓饭, zhuāfàn): Rice cooked with lamb, carrots, and onions. The Kashgar version is slightly different from the Urumqi version — the rice is fluffier, the lamb more tender. Try it at any small restaurant in the Old City.
Laghmán (拉面, lāmiàn): Hand-pulled noodles with a meat and vegetable sauce. The Kashgar version tends to be spicier than elsewhere in Xinjiang.
Samsa (烤包子, kǎobāozi): Baked dumplings filled with lamb and onion. They’re cooked in a tandoor-like oven (馕坑, nángkēng) and come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Buy them fresh from any nang shop.
Chai (茶, chá): Tea is a big deal in Kashgar. You’ll find teahouses in the Old City where old men sit for hours, drinking brick tea (砖茶, zhuānchá) and playing cards. Join them. Order a pot. Sit for a while.
Where to Eat
The Old City has countless small restaurants and street stalls. Look for places where the menu is only in Uyghur and Chinese, and where you’re the only non-local. That’s where the good stuff is.
The Night Market (夜市) in the Old City is touristier but still good. It’s a good place to try a bit of everything — kebabs, noodles, bakes, and fruit.
Getting to Kashgar
Kashgar has an airport (Kashgar Airport, KHG) with direct flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and some international cities (Islamabad, Osh). Most travelers fly in from Urumqi — it’s a 2-hour flight.
The train from Urumqi to Kashgar takes 12-15 hours (overnight). It’s a good way to see the landscape change from the desert of Turpan to the mountains near Kashgar, but it’s not the most comfortable ride. Book a soft sleeper (软卧, ruǎnwò) if you go by train.
Where to Stay
Kashgar has a growing number of boutique hotels in the Old City — restored traditional houses with modern amenities. These are genuinely nice places to stay, and they support the local economy (unlike the big chain hotels).
Recommendations (as of 2026):
A Note on Security and Permits
Kashgar is in a border-sensitive area, but you don’t need a special permit to visit the city itself. The Old City, the Sunday Bazaar, the mosques — all are open to foreign visitors with just a Chinese visa (or visa-free entry).
What does require a permit is traveling farther south to Taxkorgan (the Pamir Plateau). If you’re planning to go to Taxkorgan, Muztagh Ata, or the Pakistan border, you’ll need a Border Area Entry Permit. See our guide to Xinjiang travel permits for details.
Security checks are more frequent in Kashgar than in Urumqi or Turpan. Carry your passport. Be patient with the checks — they’re routine, not personal.
When to Visit Kashgar
The Bottom Line
Kashgar isn’t just a stop on a Xinjiang itinerary. It’s a place to slow down. Spend at least 2-3 days here. Wander the Old City without a plan. Drink tea with someone who invites you. Eat until you can’t move.
This is the Xinjiang that the travel forums talk about but rarely describe well. Come see it for yourself.
—
*This guide was updated in June 2026 based on first-hand travel experience.*
If Xinjiang has a soul, it’s in Kashgar. Not in the brochure photos of Heavenly Lake or the postcard scenery of Kanas — but in the narrow alleys of the Old City, where people have been living, trading, and praying for over 2,000 years.
I went to Kashgar expecting a museum piece — a preserved old town for tourists to walk through. What I found was a living city where the past isn’t past, it’s just how things are.
The Old City (喀什古城)
This is the reason to come to Kashgar. The Old City (老城, Lǎochéng) is one of the largest and best-preserved Islamic urban districts in Central Asia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it doesn’t feel like one — there are no ticket booths at the entrance, no rope lines guiding you through. People live here. Kids play in the alleys. Old men sit on wooden beds (炕, kàng) in the doorways.
When to Visit the Old City
The Old City is open all day, every day. But it’s different at different times:
What to See in the Old City
Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺): The largest mosque in China. Non-Muslims can visit (except during prayer times). Dress modestly — cover your shoulders and knees. Women don’t need to cover their hair, but should avoid sleeveless tops.
Abakh Khoja Mausoleum (香妃园): The tomb of a 17th-century ruler of Kashgar and his family. The tile work is extraordinary — blues and greens that have kept their color for 300+ years. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Old City.
The Alleys (小巷, xiǎoxiàng): The best part of the Old City isn’t a specific sight — it’s getting lost in the alleys. There are no maps (the Old City is a maze by design). Walk. Turn corners. Peek into courtyards (if the gate is open, it’s OK to look in). You’ll find woodworkers, metalworkers, kids playing, women baking bread. This is the real Kashgar.
The Sunday Livestock Bazaar (周日牲畜巴扎)
This is the thing people tell you not to miss — and they’re right. Every Sunday, the Livestock Bazaar (located about 20 minutes from the city center by car) becomes one of the largest animal markets in Central Asia.
You’ll see: sheep, cows, donkeys, and the occasional camel, all being bought and sold in a open field. It’s not performative — this is how livestock has been traded in Kashgar for centuries. The dealers haggle, the animals bleat, the dust flies.
When to go: The bazaar starts early (around 7 AM) and winds down by noon. Get there by 8:30 AM. By 11 AM, the best animals are already sold.
How to get there: Take a taxi (20-30 RMB from the city center). Ask for “周日巴扎” (Zhōumì Bāzhā) or show the driver the Chinese characters for “牲畜巴扎” (Shēngchù Bāzhā).
What to expect: It’s dusty, smelly, and completely fascinating. You don’t need to buy a sheep to enjoy it — just walking through and watching the trading is enough. Bring a mask if you’re sensitive to dust.
Photography note: People at the bazaar are used to cameras, but ask before taking someone’s portrait. A thumbs-up and a smile usually works as permission.
The Food in Kashgar
Kashgar has the best Uyghur food in Xinjiang. Not because the recipes are different, but because the cooks here have been doing this for generations.
What to Eat
Uyghur polo (抓饭, zhuāfàn): Rice cooked with lamb, carrots, and onions. The Kashgar version is slightly different from the Urumqi version — the rice is fluffier, the lamb more tender. Try it at any small restaurant in the Old City.
Laghmán (拉面, lāmiàn): Hand-pulled noodles with a meat and vegetable sauce. The Kashgar version tends to be spicier than elsewhere in Xinjiang.
Samsa (烤包子, kǎobāozi): Baked dumplings filled with lamb and onion. They’re cooked in a tandoor-like oven (馕坑, nángkēng) and come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Buy them fresh from any nang shop.
Chai (茶, chá): Tea is a big deal in Kashgar. You’ll find teahouses in the Old City where old men sit for hours, drinking brick tea (砖茶, zhuānchá) and playing cards. Join them. Order a pot. Sit for a while.
Where to Eat
The Old City has countless small restaurants and street stalls. Look for places where the menu is only in Uyghur and Chinese, and where you’re the only non-local. That’s where the good stuff is.
The Night Market (夜市) in the Old City is touristier but still good. It’s a good place to try a bit of everything — kebabs, noodles, bakes, and fruit.
Getting to Kashgar
Kashgar has an airport (Kashgar Airport, KHG) with direct flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and some international cities (Islamabad, Osh). Most travelers fly in from Urumqi — it’s a 2-hour flight.
The train from Urumqi to Kashgar takes 12-15 hours (overnight). It’s a good way to see the landscape change from the desert of Turpan to the mountains near Kashgar, but it’s not the most comfortable ride. Book a soft sleeper (软卧, ruǎnwò) if you go by train.
Where to Stay
Kashgar has a growing number of boutique hotels in the Old City — restored traditional houses with modern amenities. These are genuinely nice places to stay, and they support the local economy (unlike the big chain hotels).
Recommendations (as of 2026):
A Note on Security and Permits
Kashgar is in a border-sensitive area, but you don’t need a special permit to visit the city itself. The Old City, the Sunday Bazaar, the mosques — all are open to foreign visitors with just a Chinese visa (or visa-free entry).
What does require a permit is traveling farther south to Taxkorgan (the Pamir Plateau). If you’re planning to go to Taxkorgan, Muztagh Ata, or the Pakistan border, you’ll need a Border Area Entry Permit. See our guide to Xinjiang travel permits for details.
Security checks are more frequent in Kashgar than in Urumqi or Turpan. Carry your passport. Be patient with the checks — they’re routine, not personal.
When to Visit Kashgar
The Bottom Line
Kashgar isn’t just a stop on a Xinjiang itinerary. It’s a place to slow down. Spend at least 2-3 days here. Wander the Old City without a plan. Drink tea with someone who invites you. Eat until you can’t move.
This is the Xinjiang that the travel forums talk about but rarely describe well. Come see it for yourself.
—
*This guide was updated in June 2026 based on first-hand travel experience.*
What to See in the Old City
Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺): The largest mosque in China. Non-Muslims can visit (except during prayer times). Dress modestly — cover your shoulders and knees. Women don’t need to cover their hair, but should avoid sleeveless tops.
Abakh Khoja Mausoleum (香妃园): The tomb of a 17th-century ruler of Kashgar and his family. The tile work is extraordinary — blues and greens that have kept their color for 300+ years. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Old City.
The Alleys (小巷, xiǎoxiàng): The best part of the Old City isn’t a specific sight — it’s getting lost in the alleys. There are no maps (the Old City is a maze by design). Walk. Turn corners. Peek into courtyards (if the gate is open, it’s OK to look in). You’ll find woodworkers, metalworkers, kids playing, women baking bread. This is the real Kashgar.
The Sunday Livestock Bazaar (周日牲畜巴扎)
This is the thing people tell you not to miss — and they’re right. Every Sunday, the Livestock Bazaar (located about 20 minutes from the city center by car) becomes one of the largest animal markets in Central Asia.
You’ll see: sheep, cows, donkeys, and the occasional camel, all being bought and sold in a open field. It’s not performative — this is how livestock has been traded in Kashgar for centuries. The dealers haggle, the animals bleat, the dust flies.
When to go: The bazaar starts early (around 7 AM) and winds down by noon. Get there by 8:30 AM. By 11 AM, the best animals are already sold.
How to get there: Take a taxi (20-30 RMB from the city center). Ask for “周日巴扎” (Zhōumì Bāzhā) or show the driver the Chinese characters for “牲畜巴扎” (Shēngchù Bāzhā).
What to expect: It’s dusty, smelly, and completely fascinating. You don’t need to buy a sheep to enjoy it — just walking through and watching the trading is enough. Bring a mask if you’re sensitive to dust.
Photography note: People at the bazaar are used to cameras, but ask before taking someone’s portrait. A thumbs-up and a smile usually works as permission.
The Food in Kashgar
Kashgar has the best Uyghur food in Xinjiang. Not because the recipes are different, but because the cooks here have been doing this for generations.
What to Eat
Uyghur polo (抓饭, zhuāfàn): Rice cooked with lamb, carrots, and onions. The Kashgar version is slightly different from the Urumqi version — the rice is fluffier, the lamb more tender. Try it at any small restaurant in the Old City.
Laghmán (拉面, lāmiàn): Hand-pulled noodles with a meat and vegetable sauce. The Kashgar version tends to be spicier than elsewhere in Xinjiang.
Samsa (烤包子, kǎobāozi): Baked dumplings filled with lamb and onion. They’re cooked in a tandoor-like oven (馕坑, nángkēng) and come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Buy them fresh from any nang shop.
Chai (茶, chá): Tea is a big deal in Kashgar. You’ll find teahouses in the Old City where old men sit for hours, drinking brick tea (砖茶, zhuānchá) and playing cards. Join them. Order a pot. Sit for a while.
Where to Eat
The Old City has countless small restaurants and street stalls. Look for places where the menu is only in Uyghur and Chinese, and where you’re the only non-local. That’s where the good stuff is.
The Night Market (夜市) in the Old City is touristier but still good. It’s a good place to try a bit of everything — kebabs, noodles, bakes, and fruit.
Getting to Kashgar
Kashgar has an airport (Kashgar Airport, KHG) with direct flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and some international cities (Islamabad, Osh). Most travelers fly in from Urumqi — it’s a 2-hour flight.
The train from Urumqi to Kashgar takes 12-15 hours (overnight). It’s a good way to see the landscape change from the desert of Turpan to the mountains near Kashgar, but it’s not the most comfortable ride. Book a soft sleeper (软卧, ruǎnwò) if you go by train.
Where to Stay
Kashgar has a growing number of boutique hotels in the Old City — restored traditional houses with modern amenities. These are genuinely nice places to stay, and they support the local economy (unlike the big chain hotels).
Recommendations (as of 2026):
A Note on Security and Permits
Kashgar is in a border-sensitive area, but you don’t need a special permit to visit the city itself. The Old City, the Sunday Bazaar, the mosques — all are open to foreign visitors with just a Chinese visa (or visa-free entry).
What does require a permit is traveling farther south to Taxkorgan (the Pamir Plateau). If you’re planning to go to Taxkorgan, Muztagh Ata, or the Pakistan border, you’ll need a Border Area Entry Permit. See our guide to Xinjiang travel permits for details.
Security checks are more frequent in Kashgar than in Urumqi or Turpan. Carry your passport. Be patient with the checks — they’re routine, not personal.
When to Visit Kashgar
The Bottom Line
Kashgar isn’t just a stop on a Xinjiang itinerary. It’s a place to slow down. Spend at least 2-3 days here. Wander the Old City without a plan. Drink tea with someone who invites you. Eat until you can’t move.
This is the Xinjiang that the travel forums talk about but rarely describe well. Come see it for yourself.
—
*This guide was updated in June 2026 based on first-hand travel experience.*
If Xinjiang has a soul, it’s in Kashgar. Not in the brochure photos of Heavenly Lake or the postcard scenery of Kanas — but in the narrow alleys of the Old City, where people have been living, trading, and praying for over 2,000 years.
I went to Kashgar expecting a museum piece — a preserved old town for tourists to walk through. What I found was a living city where the past isn’t past, it’s just how things are.
The Old City (喀什古城)
This is the reason to come to Kashgar. The Old City (老城, Lǎochéng) is one of the largest and best-preserved Islamic urban districts in Central Asia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it doesn’t feel like one — there are no ticket booths at the entrance, no rope lines guiding you through. People live here. Kids play in the alleys. Old men sit on wooden beds (炕, kàng) in the doorways.
When to Visit the Old City
The Old City is open all day, every day. But it’s different at different times:
What to See in the Old City
Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺): The largest mosque in China. Non-Muslims can visit (except during prayer times). Dress modestly — cover your shoulders and knees. Women don’t need to cover their hair, but should avoid sleeveless tops.
Abakh Khoja Mausoleum (香妃园): The tomb of a 17th-century ruler of Kashgar and his family. The tile work is extraordinary — blues and greens that have kept their color for 300+ years. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Old City.
The Alleys (小巷, xiǎoxiàng): The best part of the Old City isn’t a specific sight — it’s getting lost in the alleys. There are no maps (the Old City is a maze by design). Walk. Turn corners. Peek into courtyards (if the gate is open, it’s OK to look in). You’ll find woodworkers, metalworkers, kids playing, women baking bread. This is the real Kashgar.
The Sunday Livestock Bazaar (周日牲畜巴扎)
This is the thing people tell you not to miss — and they’re right. Every Sunday, the Livestock Bazaar (located about 20 minutes from the city center by car) becomes one of the largest animal markets in Central Asia.
You’ll see: sheep, cows, donkeys, and the occasional camel, all being bought and sold in a open field. It’s not performative — this is how livestock has been traded in Kashgar for centuries. The dealers haggle, the animals bleat, the dust flies.
When to go: The bazaar starts early (around 7 AM) and winds down by noon. Get there by 8:30 AM. By 11 AM, the best animals are already sold.
How to get there: Take a taxi (20-30 RMB from the city center). Ask for “周日巴扎” (Zhōumì Bāzhā) or show the driver the Chinese characters for “牲畜巴扎” (Shēngchù Bāzhā).
What to expect: It’s dusty, smelly, and completely fascinating. You don’t need to buy a sheep to enjoy it — just walking through and watching the trading is enough. Bring a mask if you’re sensitive to dust.
Photography note: People at the bazaar are used to cameras, but ask before taking someone’s portrait. A thumbs-up and a smile usually works as permission.
The Food in Kashgar
Kashgar has the best Uyghur food in Xinjiang. Not because the recipes are different, but because the cooks here have been doing this for generations.
What to Eat
Uyghur polo (抓饭, zhuāfàn): Rice cooked with lamb, carrots, and onions. The Kashgar version is slightly different from the Urumqi version — the rice is fluffier, the lamb more tender. Try it at any small restaurant in the Old City.
Laghmán (拉面, lāmiàn): Hand-pulled noodles with a meat and vegetable sauce. The Kashgar version tends to be spicier than elsewhere in Xinjiang.
Samsa (烤包子, kǎobāozi): Baked dumplings filled with lamb and onion. They’re cooked in a tandoor-like oven (馕坑, nángkēng) and come out crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Buy them fresh from any nang shop.
Chai (茶, chá): Tea is a big deal in Kashgar. You’ll find teahouses in the Old City where old men sit for hours, drinking brick tea (砖茶, zhuānchá) and playing cards. Join them. Order a pot. Sit for a while.
Where to Eat
The Old City has countless small restaurants and street stalls. Look for places where the menu is only in Uyghur and Chinese, and where you’re the only non-local. That’s where the good stuff is.
The Night Market (夜市) in the Old City is touristier but still good. It’s a good place to try a bit of everything — kebabs, noodles, bakes, and fruit.
Getting to Kashgar
Kashgar has an airport (Kashgar Airport, KHG) with direct flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and some international cities (Islamabad, Osh). Most travelers fly in from Urumqi — it’s a 2-hour flight.
The train from Urumqi to Kashgar takes 12-15 hours (overnight). It’s a good way to see the landscape change from the desert of Turpan to the mountains near Kashgar, but it’s not the most comfortable ride. Book a soft sleeper (软卧, ruǎnwò) if you go by train.
Where to Stay
Kashgar has a growing number of boutique hotels in the Old City — restored traditional houses with modern amenities. These are genuinely nice places to stay, and they support the local economy (unlike the big chain hotels).
Recommendations (as of 2026):
A Note on Security and Permits
Kashgar is in a border-sensitive area, but you don’t need a special permit to visit the city itself. The Old City, the Sunday Bazaar, the mosques — all are open to foreign visitors with just a Chinese visa (or visa-free entry).
What does require a permit is traveling farther south to Taxkorgan (the Pamir Plateau). If you’re planning to go to Taxkorgan, Muztagh Ata, or the Pakistan border, you’ll need a Border Area Entry Permit. See our guide to Xinjiang travel permits for details.
Security checks are more frequent in Kashgar than in Urumqi or Turpan. Carry your passport. Be patient with the checks — they’re routine, not personal.
When to Visit Kashgar
The Bottom Line
Kashgar isn’t just a stop on a Xinjiang itinerary. It’s a place to slow down. Spend at least 2-3 days here. Wander the Old City without a plan. Drink tea with someone who invites you. Eat until you can’t move.
This is the Xinjiang that the travel forums talk about but rarely describe well. Come see it for yourself.
—
*This guide was updated in June 2026 based on first-hand travel experience.*