Kashgar

Understand

The Silk Road route from Eastern and Central China branches after Dunhuang; one route runs along the north edge of the Taklamakan Desert, the other along the south. Kashgar is where the two branches meet again in the western part of the desert. From there, the main route continues west into toward the Ferghana Valley and Samarkand. Another former caravan trail has now become the Karakorum Highway leading south into Pakistan; Kashgar is its northern terminus. Historically, Kashgar has often been the capital of an independent kingdom — Marco Polo mentions one that existed before the Mongol conquest; the most recent was under Yakub Beg (originally from Kokand) in the late 19th century. At other times it has been part of the Mongol, Persian, Chinese and other empires. It has usually been under Chinese control since the Qing took it in 1759, though there have been several revolts; the last ended in 1934. Today it is China's westernmost city.

Getting there

Travelling in this area has several options, with a direct relationship between how much you are willing to pay and how fast you want to get to your destination. Trains are the slowest and only leave a few times a day, but are also almost always the cheapest option.

By plane 1 Kashgar Airport (KHG IATA) (18km north of the town centre). Flights are available to/from Urumqi as well as direct flights to and from Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. There is a weekly flight to and from Khujand in Tajikistan and to Islamabad in Pakistan. A taxi to the city should cost about 30-¥100 by meter. Shuttle buses leaving from the International Hotel at People's Square are available for ¥10 per person. The airport has its own shuttle bus that goes from the airport into any location in town (just tell the driver where you are going) for ¥15. There is also a public bus that goes to/from the airport to most locations in town, the line 2, for ¥2. To get to the public bus, you must walk straight out of the front entrance of the airport, past the airport gates and turn left. The line 2 buses wait at the side of the street, about 20 metres to the left. If you want to visit Tashkurgan, you need a Border Area Pass. If you don't have one, police won't let you through at checkpoint on the road. To get one, you need to go to Foreign Affairs Office - 4 km from the airport, taxi about ¥10 (2025; ask people to write the place in Mandarin for taxi driver). Then it's 5 minute procedure, no cost, but waiting queue may be long. Working hours (2025) 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-20:00. From there to the city center taxi is about ¥35 (2025), but you can't catch a car on the street, you have to book (or ask someone to book for you). When you get out from the airport to the city, you may be shocked of the differences from your country (or where you came from): very wide streets, big distances, lots of flags and decorations, lots of video cameras, police, car brands almost all Chinese, lots of electronics in taxis.

By train Kashgar Railway Station (喀什火车站; Kāshí Huǒchēzhàn) is the main railway station in the city. It is on Renmin East Road (人民东路; Rénmíndōnglù). Although it is east of the town centre, the distance is too far for walking. Bus 28 connects the city including Renmin Square (人民广场; Rénmín Guángchǎng), to the railway station. From the railway station, walk out and turn right and you will probably see a bus waiting there already. The fare is ¥1 and is paid onboard. If you do not know where you are going, get on bus 28, get off at Renmin Square and figure things out from there; the city ce

Getting around

Most of Kashgar including the bus station, bazaar, main square, downtown (with the notable exception of the animal market) can be reached on foot within 15–20 minutes of each other if you are not carrying huge amounts of baggage. The railway station is too far to walk but is reachable with public bus 28 which, among other places, stops at Renmin Square (人民广场; Rénmín Guángchǎng), the main square. The international bus station is near the city and walkable. The old town and narrow alleyways are pretty much only explorable on foot. Cross streets carefully in Kashgar as no pedestrian crossings are available. There are many electrical motorbikes, they have their special lanes (between car lanes and pavement). Be aware and careful of these bikes, because they run silently. Cycling is an option but the traffic is somewhat dangerous, so only do this if you are experienced with this kind of traffic environment. Bicycles can be rented at major hotels such as Qinibagh for typically less than ¥30/day. Taking a taxi with Didi or just by flagging one down is the easiest method of traveling around. Taxi vehicles are full of electronics, in stark contrast with ones in neighboring Pakistan.

Maps If you prefer a paper map, look in your home country for one made by Reise Know-How or Gizi Map. Even if they don't have the best China mapping, these maps are useful enough for Kashgar and surroundings (i.e. Tashkurgan), especially if you visit Kashgar as part of a bigger itinerary (i.e. Silk Road connecting Karakoram Highway).

See

Mor Buddhist Pagoda (About 40 km northeast of Kashgar city). Built in 7th century during the Tang dynasty and destroyed in the 12th century. Nowadays only one pagoda is left, next to the pagoda is a platform. The pagoda is the place where the monks in the city to come and do their worship. The Mor pagoda has three square layers, each a little smaller than the one below it. The bottom layer has circumferences of more than forty-eight meters, the second layer forty meters and the third layer thirty-two meters, while the pagoda stands more than twelve meters high. The platform beside the pagoda was one of the central temple structures, and in its side walls were carved niches housing Buddha figurines. But now there aren’t any figures left, and even the niches themselves are barely visible. (updated Jun 2024)

Bazaars Mal Bazaar (Take bus 23 from near the international bus station, next to the river, ¥1.). Sundays. The livestock market, where locals from all the surrounding villages come to town to buy and sell animals. It's held on an open and fenced ground. It's popular with tourists, yet is so big it still feels like (in fact it is) a working bazaar. It changed its location some three years ago; now it's a good 30 minute bus ride north of the city (bus 23, get off with everyone else - you'll know when) or a (¥15-20) metered taxi ride for around 15 minutes.

Old Town

Old Town. The old town used to have warren-like niches and winding streets, home to friendly (if occasionally guarded) residents and delightfully improvised architecture. However, in 2017, the Chinese government tore down the original buildings and rebuilt the town with wider streets and modern amenities, and it can come off as a little tacky. (updated May 2025) Gaotai Ancient Homes. Those seeking more "authentic" old buildings should visit the small hill just outside the East Gate (immediately north of Donghu Park): the buildings near the entrance of this area have been converted into cafes and shops, while numerous buildings at the back are in a state of ruin and can be seen from an elevated viewing pathway. Entrance is free. (updated May 2025)

Other sights

1 Id Kah Mosque. Open 08:50-22:00 though closed during prayer times. First built in 1442, it is distinctive for its yellow walls and Central Asian architecture. As with any place of worship, you should dress modestly, meaning your legs and shoulders should be covered, and women should wear a hijab. You should remove your shoes before entering the carpeted area. On Eid, you can see the local Uyghurs dancing on the square in fr

Do

Visit the Karakoram Highway. Various agencies around the Old Town offer day trips to Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake on the stunning Karakoram Highway, either by tour group or private car and driver. In April 2025, a private car (SUV) and driver (Chinese-speaking) cost 1,000RMB with entrance tickets to both lakes included. Before setting off, make sure you get a (free) permit for this area from the office just north of the airport. Kashgar Silk Road Expeditions tour company, 144 Seman Road. Offers several types of tours in the area, including mountain treks. Kashgar Guide tour company's Shipton's Arch Trekking, 407 Wusitang Boyi Rd. This is a one-day trek done in steeply walled canyons and over Rocky River bed terrain. The arch is 500 metres high and 100 metres wide, and is a little known wonder of the world.

Buy

The price of everything is negotiable in Kashgar, adding to excitement of shopping. Be polite in bargaining, but be mindful that merchants will overcharge you as a foreigner especially if you do not speak Uyghur or Chinese; so bargain hard. Price differences between locals and foreigners can easily amount to several hundred yuan so be careful. Local specialties include kilims (carpets), and colourful Central Asian hats (doppa, kalpak).

Eat

There are plenty of good local restaurants and street food.

Food stalls. For a variety of snacks and dishes, try the food stalls opposite the Id Kah mosque. The stalls start operating during the evening. Sunday Market. The Sunday market also has good things to eat. It may be wise to avoid anything with ice as the ice in Kashgar is usually carried in large blocks and frequently placed on the ground so they may not be clean, but there are places around Id Kah where the ice is clean and safe, and well-known all around Xinjiang. During the summer months there are huge heaps of melons and watermelons - cheap, tasty and refreshing. The going price for a hami melon (哈密瓜; hāmìguā) is around ¥1 per kilogramme, so in total, it costs ¥2-5 per melon depending on the size. Buying, washing and cutting it yourself is probably the most hygienic way to eat these fabulous tasty fruits. It would be wise to have the melon seller to cut the melon for you, as it will be hard to find a knife.

Altun Orda Restaurant is the local restaurant with reasonable prices. It is not only good place to taste some local dishes but also to see the local architecture of Uighur people. Try the specialty pollo or rice pilaf with raisins. Tel: +86 (998) 2583555 Karakoram Cafe (新疆), 87 Seman Road (新疆喀什色满路87号2822669), ☏ +86 998 3422888. Western style. Quality food, hot drinks and service that speak English, this may be an oasis in the middle of hectic Asia. Prices are a little pricey but if you can afford it, it is worth it. K2 Rooftop Cafe, Rd Nuo'er Beixi (Right to the North of Id Kah Mosque), ☏ +86 998 2823376. Western style. Fine coffee& pizza, iced drinks, dessert and waiter that speaks good English, the terrace that covered with plants has great view of the mosque and the old town. The cafe is within the Kashgar Pamir Hostel. Shawarma (Continental food), 110 Seman Road (Just north of Eden Hotel and Fubar on Seman Road). Owned and run by a native Pakistani, this is the place to get home-made Pakistani food in Kashgar. Serving mostly daily specials, such as a spicy ground beef platter or curried chicken, the taste of the food is impressive. Ask politely in advance to have delicious falafel or houmous made to order. 10-¥20. Yasin Kariagim Silk Road Uighur Restaurant, 库木代尔瓦扎路 Kumudaierwazha Road (Just off the main old city shopping road that runs up the west side of the Id Kah Mosque), ☏ +86 998 2820008. Popular among the locals, this place serves very fresh meat. In fact, sometimes they have no more meat to offer because they've sold out. Buy a nan bread fresh out of the ove

Drink & nightlife

There are not as many places serving alcohol in Kashgar as in other areas of China.

John's Cafe (In Qiniwak Hotel (ancient British consulate)). Offers backpacker hospitality at 1.7 times the price of other locations, and is very popular among single travellers. Managed by Jack who speaks fluent English. Seems to be closed in the off-season. The Gallery Cafe (Gallery Cafe), Jie Fang Bei Lu (From DaShiZi, go towards the Idkah mosque and take the first right turn), ☏ +86 998 2828207. A little oasis for those looking for home style western food or a cup of coffee. Foreign-owned Gallery Cafe opened in October 2009. The place also acts as a showcase for local artists' oil paintings and a tourist information center.

Sleep

Budget Ella's Home (Kashgar Returning Friends International Youth Hostel), in Uyghur ethnic village, 2 km from Kashgar Ancient City (From Chairman Mao Statue go east on the big street. After 1 km you'll come to the lake. Continue east past the lake, then about 800 m further east until the first roundabout. After the roundabout, continue east for some 300 m, you'll see a right turn to Uyghur village. Turn right and go south for some 500 m. Ella's Home will be on your right.), ☏ +86 136 9128 2632, +86 189 0117 4909. Nice and friendly place with helpful host and international guests. Around there are many places to eat. WeChat: loveyunpiaotianya. Single bed in 4-bed dorm room ¥72, breakfast included. (updated Feb 2026) Kashgar Old City Youth Hostel (喀什老城青年旅舍), NO.233 in Wusitangboyi road (bus number 28), ☏ +86 998-2823262. A hostel centrally based with dorm beds and shared bathrooms. Beds were previously very hard, but in spring 2012, the hostel purchased new mattresses that are much more comfortable. Enclosed with a central courtyard with eastern styled areas. Seems to be very popular so a booking is suggested. Community Breakfast (10Y), lunch and dinner (20Y) is offered, as well as a kitchen area. April 2016: There are also doubles for 108Y (non-attached bathroom) or 140Y (own bathroom). 45Y/Night. Qiniwak Hotel (喀什其尼瓦克宾馆; Kāshí Qíníwǎkè Bīnguǎn), 144 Seman Road (色满路144号; Sèmǎnlù) (Occupies the building that used to be the British Consulate, at the cross road with Nuoerbeixi), ☏ +86 998 2981158. Offers dorm style bedrooms in the adjacent building. More expensive doubles have free internet. Business centre, currency exchange, gift shop, ticket office, karaoke, massage and sauna available. Chinese and Western Restaurants as well as coffee shop and bar. Dorms ¥50 in a three bed room; discounted rates for doubles ¥160 including breakfast.

Mid-range Red Willow Flower Hotel, No. 155, Group 2, Village 19, Xincheng, Donghu Street, Duolaitibage Township (From Chairman Mao Statue go east on the big street. After 1 km you'll come to the lake. Continue east past the lake, then about 800 m further east until the first roundabout. After the roundabout, continue east for some 300 m, you'll see a right turn to Uyghur village. Turn right and go south for about 800 m, you'll come to a "T" junction. Turn left, go about 400 m and you'll find a street on your right which is the same big as the one you go. Turn right, go about 200 m and Red Willow Flower Hotel will be on your left.), ☏ +86 177 9912 0514. Pretty and convenient hotel with very nice staff. WC with elec

Go next

Tashkurgan - Silk Road town, has old fort and wetlands to see, and you can stay with Tajik families for a night. On the road there you can visit Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake. From Tashkurgan continue to Khunjerab Pass or come back to Kashgar. You may need a shared taxi or help of local travel agency to get there - ask your hotel staff or locals you know. Kashgar is near the border with Kyrgyzstan, which can be accessed via the Irkeshtam and Torugart passes. Khunjerab Pass is along the Karakoram Highway, allowing access to India and Pakistan.