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Locked away in the westernmost corner of China, closer to Tehran and Damascus than to Běijīng, Kashgar (喀什; Kāshí) has been the epicentre of regional trade and cultural exchange for more than two millennia.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Shipton’s Arch

This extraordinary natural rock arch (the rather prosaic Uyghur name means simply ‘mountain with a hole in it’) is one of the tallest on earth. The first…

Sunday Livestock Market

No visit to Kashgar is complete without a trip to the Livestock Market, which takes place once a week on Sunday. The day begins with Uyghur farmers and…

Grand Sunday Bazaar

Kashgar’s main bazaar is open every day but really kicks it up a gear on Sunday. Step through the jam-packed entrance and allow your five senses to guide…

Kashgar Old Town

The Old Town is the soul of Kashgar, and as such the government has spent much of the past two decades knocking it down block by block and building a…

Id Kah Mosque

The yellow-tiled Id Kah Mosque, which dates from 1442, is the spiritual and physical heart of the city. Enormous (it's the largest mosque in Xinjiang),…

Abakh Hoja Mausoleum

This 3-hectare mausoleum complex was built by the Khoja family, who ruled the region in the 17th and 18th centuries. Widely considered the holiest Muslim…

At the end of a 45km drive northeast of Kashgar are the ruins of Ha Noi, a Tang-dynasty town built in the 7th century and abandoned in the 12th century…

Kashgar Museum

This regional museum is not as good as some of the other excellent local museums in Xinjiang, but it's free and includes an incredible 6th-century…

Latest stories from Kashgar

May 5, 2017 • 5 min read

The unmoving landscapes of the Silk Road, which passes through the far northwest reaches of China, have enchanted travellers for millennia. Sights along…

Apr 18, 2017 • 6 min read

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• Attractions
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Kashgar Attractions

Starting from the city center, you can see the Id Kah Mosque on Jiefang Lu. It is the largest mosque as well as the center of Islam in Xinjiang. On Sundays and holidays, thousands of Moslems will gather here to pray. Some of the young Uygur men wear their national costumes and dance happily to show their thanks to god. The mosque itself is also an excellent architectural work worth visiting. Women are not allowed to enter mosques according to Islamic regulation. However, as a tourism attraction, Id Kah Mosque accepts women visitors with special permission. The locals go to church on Friday of each week. On Fridays no women are allowed to enter the mosque for any reason. The Old Town District of Kashgar, which is located opposite the Id Kah Square outside the mosque is also attractive. It is the best place to experience the everyday life of the locals as well as the traces of history. This Old Town District has a history as long as 2,000 years. Traditional workshops are scattered every corner here, making pottery products, colorful caps and other folk handicrafts. The locals are warmhearted. You may even get a chance to have dinner with one of the families.  

Getting out of the Old Town District, you can take Bus No.20 at Renmin Square to the nearby Abakh Khoja Tomb. The tomb is located in Haohan Township, five kilometers (3.1 miles) northeast of the city proper. It is a typical Islamic mausoleum where the large family of an Islamic leader buried. Abakh Khoja Tomb is commonly known as Fragrant Lady's Tomb. Fragrant Lady was one of the favorite concubines of Emperor Qian Long of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The tomb is like a magnificent palace and there are several ingenious mosques around it. Taking Bus No.20 to Dongmen Stop, you will come to the biggest bazaar in northwest China --- Grand Bazaar (also known as Central Asia International Grand Bazaar). It has a history of more than 2,000 years and was known as 'the largest bazaar in Asia' in ancient times. There are over 5,000 booths in the bazaar selling thousands of goods, including some folk handicrafts like knives and carpets. It is a shopping heaven for visitors. If you are looking for natural beauty, the following sites will satisfy you:  

Mt. Muztahgata means the 'father of iceberg' in the Tajik language. It is an important destination for mountaineers and also the only way to Khunjerab Pass from Kashgar. This lofty white mountain towers elegantly, regarded as a symbol of pure love by the Tajik. Lying at the foot of Mt. Muztahgata, Karakul Lake is 191 kilometers (118 miles) from city center. It is a moraine lake surrounded by a series of high mountains. The white-capped Mt. Muztahgata inverts its reflection in the blue lake, where the mountain and the lake echo each other's beauty. It is truly a god-given scene worth experiencing. The Khunjerab Pass is situated in the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang, about 290 kilometers (180 miles) from Kashgar, a significant crossroad on the world-famous Silk Road . The pass is close to the Pamirs in the west and near Karakoram Range in the south.  Because of the foul weather, the pass is only open to the public from April 15th to October 15th.  

With an elevation of about 4,727 meters (15,509 feet), the pass is a border between China and Pakistan and was named 'No.7 Mere Stone'. In Xinjiang, it is also the only highway trades pass open to Pakistan and other countries. It had become an important door to the Middle East, India and Europe. This high mountain pass was once the key route of the time-honored Silk Road. Xuanzang passed through this place in Tang Dynasty  (618-907) and recorded the old civilization of Taxkorgan County titled with "Qiepantuo State" in Pilgrim to the West in Tang Dynasty. Nowadays, with the prosperous border trade between China, Pakistan and other countries, this pass has built a bridge for exchanging culture and economy between China and Central Asia. This provides a vital nexus for linking friendly neighboring countries. In addition, the nongovernmental frontier trade develops rapidly. Kashgar becomes the flourishing market site for Uygurs (Uigurs), Tagiks (Tajiks), Khalkhas and Pakistanis. The opening up of the Khunjerab Pass brings not only new prosperity of the ancient commercial city – Kashgar, but also the new look of Taxkorgan.  

Tips:  1. Owing to the high altitude and low temperature of the Khunjerab Pass, please carry an oxygen tank and quick-acting for heart resurrection, wear down coats and muffler. 2. You must have a valid Identity Card or Passport to get a Border Permit (CNY 10 per person) at the Border Checkpoint of Tajik Autonomous County. 3. There is no bus to the Khunjerab Pass, so it is necessary to charter a vehicle (bus, car, taxi) in Kashgar. 4. Spring (March - May) and autumn (September – November) are the best seasons to visit the Khunjerab Pass. Three Immortals Buddhist Caves, are one of the earliest Buddhist caves in western China, and are possibly 300 or 400 years older than Mogao Caves. Located in the north of the city, the Caves are on a cliff on the side of the mountain near to a river. Another famous attraction around the city is the Stone City. Lies in Tashkurgan County, it's a renowned historical site on the ancient Silk Road.

Kashgar Travel Guide

Updated November 2023 ,  The Kashgar Travel Guide was originally written in August 2018

Kashgar : The important Silk Road trading post at the junction of the Northern & Southern Routes in the extreme western fringes of China.

Closer to the Middle East than it is to Beijing and a world away. Home to Uyghur people, a suppressed ethnic minority within China, yet the majority in the Xinjiang Autonomous Uyghur Region.

I personally didn’t enjoy traveling in the Xinjiang Region, not because of anything to do with Xinjiang itself, but because of the constant military and police security checkpoints.

With that said, Kashgar seemed to be the most relaxed of the areas I was able to visit in Xinjiang, really bestowing on it the oasis it’s been known to be for the last two millennia.

Learn what to see, where to go, what to eat and where to sleep in this Kashgar Travel Guide.

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What To See & Do

There are a number of things to see in Kashgar. Sadly most of the old town has been removed and replaced by new buildings.

Most mosques have had their minarets taken off and signs with Chinese propaganda hung at the entrances. With that said the Uyghur culture is strong and you can still see important aspects of their lifestyle in Kashgar.

Sunday Livestock Market

About a 30 minute drive outside of Kashgar every Sunday this livestock market kicks off from about 8 am to 6 pm. It’s a great place to see the Uyghur, as well as Hui ( Dungan ), Tajik, Uzbek, Kazakh and Kyrgyz traders from all around Kashgar and the surrounding area come to trade livestock.

You’ll see trucks, carts, and pens full of sheep, camels, horses, cows, and donkeys. Watching the men haggle with their hand gestures is quite interesting. Make sure and get some freshly prepared lamb samsa and chai before you leave.

The Grand Sunday Bazaar

This is the main bazaar in Kashgar that happens every day, however, it’s far more lively on Sundays. Grab some silk, spices, tea, carpets, and doppa caps here.

Kashgar Old Town

Most of the true Old Town has been demolished and some parts re-built in the typical Chinese  let’s-tear-down-and-rebuild-in-a-Disneyified-manner-and-build-a-new-building-that-looks-old , and others built into very Chinese looking characterless big buildings.

In the government’s defense, the structures were dilapidated and had sewage issues. You aren’t allowed to visit what remains of the true Old Town, however, there’s no guard on duty there until about 9am. So get an early start and sneak in and out before his shift starts.

Id Kah Mosque

This is the big yellow mosque in the main square. This is the largest mosque in all of Xinjiang. Non-Muslims may enter outside of prayer times. Entrance is 45 RMB per person.

Abakh Hoja Mausoleum

One of the holiest sites in all of Xinjiang built by the Hoja family in 1640. The architecture is worth coming to visit, and it’s a major pilgrimage site for Muslims around Xinjiang. 30 RMB to enter.

Located in Kashgar’s Renmin Quare there is a massive Mao Statue.  I mean, when in China, right?

Mor Buddhist Pagoda

With only one pagoda remaining from the 7th century, this was where monks came to worship until most of the pagodas were destroyed in the 12th century.

Tomb Of Yusap Khas Hajip

Tomb of the Kashgari poet Yusap Khas Hajip who wrote the famous Uyghur poem  The Wisdom of Happiness and Pleasure.  30 RMB to enter.

Tomb of Mahmud Kashgari

Mahmud Kashgari compiled and created the first Turkic Language dictionary in the 11th century. The tomb is also home to a mosque and sacred spring. 30 RMB to enter. Located in Upal, about an hour drive south outside of Kashgar.

Karakul Lake

A beautiful lake located about a 5 hour drive south of Kashgar. A nice stop if you’re planning to travel between Kashgar and Tashkurgan. Nearby along the Karakoram Highway toward Tashkurgan you can find the turquoise Bulungkol Lake.

Shipton’s Arch (Toshuk Tag)

Likely the highest rock arch in the work at 2,973m in altitude. Located about 2 hours drive west of Kashgar as you drive toward the Irkeshtam border crossing with Kyrgyzstan. A good stop for those bound for or coming from Kyrgyzstan.

Travel Or Cycle The Karakoram Highway

For the adventurous, you can cycle or travel the Karakoram Highway. The Karakoram Highway starts in Kashgar in the north, continues south to Tashkurgan and then heads south to cross the  Khunjerab Pass  into Pakistan’s  Gilgit-Baltistan  and eventually ends in Islamabad in the south.

This is a bucket list trip for many as the KKH is one of the highest paved roads in the world and  Khunjerab Pass  is the highest paved border crossing in the world. Note that to travel south beyond Tashkurgan on the KKH you need a Pakistani Visa which must be applied for from your home country usually.

Read:  Crossing Khunjerab Pass  & The  Gilgit-Baltistan Travel Guide  to plan for the KKH

How To Get To Kashgar

You’ll arrive to Kashgar either by road, train or by air.

By Plane : Kashgar Airport has direct connections to Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Internationally there are direct flights to Islamabad, Pakistan. A taxi from the airport to the center of Kashgar will cost around 30 RMB. Many times taxis operate as shared taxis so others may climb in with you and you can split the fare.

By Car & Bus : You can reach Kasher from Urumqi, Hotan, Tashkurgan, Kuqa and more by bus or car. You can also travel by road over the Irkeshtam Pass from  Kyrgyzstan , the  Khunjerab Pass  from Sost, Pakistan, or over the  Qolma Pass  from Tajikistan. Traveling to Kashgar from Sost usually requires an overnight stay in Tashkurgan.

By Train : Kashgar isn’t yet connected to China’s high-speed network. All trains ( much like buses ) will take an eternity. You can reach Kashgar by train from Urumqi,  Turpan , Kuqa, and Hotan. Note that train stations in Kashgar and Xinjiang require you to go through a painstaking number of security checkpoints.

Want To Visit Turpan?

Turpan In One Day Travel Guide: The Hottest Place In China

How To Get Around

Kashgar is small enough that you can get around by foot as most things are not more than 15-20 minutes walk apart. Though some of the outlying sites as well as sites outside the city you may want to get a taxi.

The train station you’ll want to either get a taxi or take bus #28 to reach the center of Kashgar. From the airport grab a taxi.

Where To Sleep

Most accommodations in Kashgar will not accept foreigners at this time. One that has been confirmed to take foreign guests is Ancient City Yashe Hostel.

Where To Eat

Trying traditional Uyghur food is a must in Kashgar. Uyghur cuisine is related to Central Asian cuisine but it tastes 1,000x better.

Make sure and try lagman, plov, samsa, manti, kawaplar, and non. Of course, there are a scattering of Sichuan restaurants around town as well.

Going across Irkeshtam Pass? Check out my  Kyrgyzstan travel guide

Wanna combine China &  Tajikistan ? Read about crossing  Qolma Pass

Not up to sort a trip on your own?

Check out this private Kashgar 2 day tour

Book one of these multi-day Xinjiang and Silk Road tours

Looking to save some money? It’s usually cheaper to book tours once you arrive in Kashgar.

Heading to Kashgar Soon?

Have any questions not answered in the Kashgar Travel Guide? Ask in the comments!

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Crossing The Qolma Pass Between Tajikistan & China

Kashgar Travel Guide: Xinjiang’s Oasis In The Chinese Far West

Crossing Khunjerab Pass Between Pakistan & China

Marco Poloing Around: The Long Way to Italy, Via Afghanistan

Travel with Me to China, Tajikistan and Pakistan in 2018!

5 thoughts on “kashgar travel guide: xinjiang’s oasis in the chinese far west”.

Hi! I plan to travel to Kashgar in April. I’m wondering where people stay overnight if most hotels don’t take foreigners? I was in Urümqi in 2018 and was able to book via booking… was the restriction mentioned due to COVID or did it have another reason? Thank you in advance for taking the time to read and respond 🙂

A traveler had emailed this past summer stating that it was difficult to find accommodations accepting foreigners, and I am assuming that this was something related to China finally opening up to travelers again but it could be due to the political situation-I don’t have the concrete details on this. I would look up hotels via booking/google/etc and contact the hotel via email directly and ask.

Any update how to reach in 2022?

As of now it still sounds like China has some really strict entry rules (Covid).

Thank you! I arrived in Kashgar and used your advice here, very helpful!!

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Explore Tashikuergan Kashgar in 6 Days: A Journey Through Time and Culture

April 17, 2024 · 3 min read

Embark on a 6-day journey through the enchanting Tashikuergan Kashgar, where history whispers through the ancient streets and majestic landscapes. Begin your adventure at the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, a serene cemetery that offers a glimpse into the region's past. Spend your first day soaking in the rich culture of Kashgar Old Town, wandering through its labyrinthine alleys for an immersive 4-hour experience. Day 2 takes you to the vibrant Kashgar Grand Bazaar, a bustling market where you can haggle for treasures, followed by a visit to the informative Kashgar Museum. The third day is reserved for spiritual reflection at the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, and a scenic escape to the Sanxiandong Scenic Area. Day 4 promises an unforgettable full-day excursion to the awe-inspiring Pamirs Plateau, where the earth meets the sky. As you near the end of your trip, Day 5 offers a historical trek along the Panlong Ancient Path and a breathtaking view from the Khunjerab Pass. Your final day is a grand finale with a drive along the legendary Karakoram Highway and a visit to the majestic Qogir. Each day is meticulously planned to ensure a blend of cultural immersion and natural exploration, making your 6-day itinerary with Trip.com an unforgettable tapestry of Tashikuergan Kashgar's most treasured experiences.

• Day 1: Unveiling the Mysteries of Kashgar

Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine

Begin your journey through the enchanting city of Kashgar with a visit to the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, a site shrouded in legend and beauty. Set aside two hours to immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere of this historic cemetery located on Ayutthaya Road. The tomb is a poignant reminder of the region's rich cultural tapestry and offers a serene start to your exploration.

Attraction Info

• Ayutthaya Road, Kashi City, Kashgar
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 9:30am-8:30pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Kashgar Old Town

After paying respects at the tomb, let the vibrant life of Kashgar Old Town captivate your senses. Allocate a generous four hours to wander through the labyrinthine alleys of this ancient town, located at No.10, Yawage Road. Here, every corner tells a story, and the architectural marvels stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. The Old Town is not just a place, but an experience, inviting you to become part of its ongoing history.

• No.10, Yawage Road, Kashgar City, Kashgar Region
• Suggested tour duration: 4 hour
• Open 24 hours

Where to Stay Tonight

Guiqi homestay (kashgar ancient city branch), at that time,kashigar was a homestay.

• Day 2: Cultural Wonders and Bustling Bazaars of Kashgar

Kashgar Grand Bazaar

Starting your second day with a vibrant dive into local life, the Kashgar Grand Bazaar awaits as your first stop. As one of the largest markets in Central Asia, it's a bustling maze of colors, textures, and aromas. Spend about three hours wandering through countless stalls, where you can haggle for handcrafted souvenirs, taste exotic spices, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere that has thrived here for centuries. Located near No. 218, Aizirete Road, this bazaar is not just a market; it's the pulsating heart of Kashgar, offering an authentic slice of Uyghur culture and commerce.

• Near No. 218, Aizirete Road, Kashgar City
• Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour
• Open from 11:00am-8:00pm

Kashgar Museum

After immersing yourself in the market's lively spirit, a more serene cultural experience awaits at the Kashgar Museum. Set aside an hour to explore this treasure trove of regional history, located at No. 19, Tawu Guzi Road. The museum offers a profound glimpse into the area's rich heritage, with exhibits that showcase Silk Road artifacts, traditional Uyghur art, and ethnographic displays. It's a place where the past whispers to you through ancient relics and thoughtfully curated galleries, providing a reflective counterpoint to the morning's exuberant bazaar visit.

• No. 19, Tawu Guzi Road, Kashgar
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open on Tue-Sun,10:00am-7:00pm;Closed on Mon

Kashi Qingju Hotel

Greentree inn (kashgar ancient city airport).

• Day 3: Spiritual Mornings and Scenic Afternoons in Kashgar

Id Kah Mosque

Begin your third day with a serene visit to the Id Kah Mosque, a spiritual oasis nestled in the heart of Kashgar. As the largest mosque in China, it's a place where history and faith intertwine beneath its towering minarets and expansive courtyards. Spend a couple of hours soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and admiring the intricate Islamic architecture. The mosque's central location on North Jiefang Road makes it an accessible and enlightening start to your day.

• North Jiefang Road, Kaxgar, Kashgar
• Suggested tour duration: 2 hour
• Open from 10:30am-7:30pm

Sanxiandong Scenic Area

After a morning of spiritual enrichment, take a short journey to the breathtaking Sanxiandong Scenic Area. Located just 18 kilometers north of Kashgar, this natural wonder is perched on the cliffs overlooking the Boshkangmu River. It's a perfect spot to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes that define the region. The scenic area offers a tranquil escape from the city, where you can spend the afternoon exploring the unique rock formations and enjoying the panoramic views of the river below.

• 18 km north of the cliff on the south bank of the Boshkangmu River, Kashgar City

Kashgar Fuju Smart Hotel

Starway hotel (kashgar airport).

• Day 4: Majestic Highs at the Roof of the World

Pamirs Plateau

As the sun climbs on the fourth day of our adventure, we ascend to the breathtaking heights of the Pamirs Plateau, a natural wonder that promises an entire day of exploration. Nestled within China's vast Pamir Mountains, this plateau is often referred to as the 'Roof of the World,' a title it holds with pride. The Pamirs Plateau is not just a destination; it's an experience that encompasses the raw beauty of towering peaks, the serenity of sprawling landscapes, and the unique culture of its inhabitants. Prepare to be immersed in an environment where the earth meets the sky, and where every view is a masterpiece painted by the hands of nature. This day-long stay will be a highlight of your journey, offering a blend of awe-inspiring scenery and the profound silence that only such altitudes can provide.

• Pamir Mountains, China
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 days
• Open from 8:30am-8:30pm

Axis Laktagek Homestay

Flat roof house style homestay.

• Day 5: Traversing the Silk Road's Hidden Gems

Panlong Ancient Path

Begin your day with a journey through time on the Panlong Ancient Path, a historical highway that once connected trade routes. As the first stop of the day, this half-hour exploration offers a glimpse into the pathways that ancient travelers tread. Nestled in Wache Township of Tashkurgan, the Panlong Ancient Path is more than just a road; it's a silent storyteller of the region's storied past. The rugged beauty of this area provides a perfect backdrop for understanding the significance of the Silk Road and the cultural exchanges it facilitated.

• Wache Township, Tashkurgan, Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Region
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour

Khunjerab Pass

After delving into the history of ancient trade routes, your next destination is the breathtaking Khunjerab Pass. Allot three hours to immerse yourself in the majesty of this border pass, which stands as a sentinel between China and Pakistan. Located in Kunjirap Daban, the Khunjerab Pass is not only a marvel of nature but also an engineering feat. As you stand at one of the highest paved international borders in the world, let the crisp mountain air and the panoramic views of towering peaks invigorate your senses. This is a place where the grandeur of the natural world meets human resilience and ingenuity.

• Kunjirap Daban, Tashkurgan, Kashgar, China
• Day 6: Scenic Journeys and Majestic Peaks

Karakoram Highway

Embark on the final day of your adventure with a journey along the Karakoram Highway, a marvel of engineering that carves through the breathtaking landscape of China. This highway isn't just a means to an end but a destination in itself, offering a full day's exploration amidst some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet. As you traverse this iconic road, you'll be surrounded by towering mountains and pristine wilderness, making for an unforgettable conclusion to your Tashikuergan Kashgar itinerary.

• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day

Conclude your day with the awe-inspiring presence of Qogir, also known as K2, standing tall within the Kashgar region's Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County. Dedicate your day to the second-highest peak on Earth, where the sheer scale and beauty of Qogir command respect and admiration. As you spend your day in the vicinity of this majestic mountain, let the grandeur of nature's creation be a fitting and memorable end to your six-day journey.

• Kashgar region Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County
• Suggested tour duration: 1 day

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Things to Do in Kashgar, China - Kashgar Attractions

Things to do in kashgar, explore popular experiences, ways to tour kashgar.

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Kashgar - 喀什

Review of paul , our china travel expert on kashgar - 喀什, pictures of kashgar.

At the gateway to the Taklamaklan Desert and at the foot of the Tian Shan highlands, the oasis town of Kashgar is located in the south of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. Kashgar shares borders with 4 different countries: Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan. The city also serves as gateway to Tibet. At the end of 2010, the population of the city was estimated at just under 4 million. The majority of them are Uyghurs but we find the presence of very different peoples such as Huns, Russians, Mongols or Uzbeks.Kashgar once played a very important role along the Silk Road. Today, tourists are often offered to take a camel or car ride along the road to make them aware of the difficulty of the route. After visiting the Taklamaklan Desert, you will have to head towards Lake Karakul. It is located near Mount Muztagata, at an altitude of 3,600 meters. The dazzling beauty of a poetic landscape still in the wild will delight lovers of nature. The colors of the water vary according to the time of day and bind with the reflections of snow-capped mountains and green grass.If you are lucky, you will meet Kyrgyz and Tajiks. They are very hospitable in the area and may invite you to their home. This will give you an unforgettable insight into a unique way of life. In Kashgar itself, it is essential to spend some time in the big Sunday market. Merchants from neighboring countries come to sell items that you will not find anywhere else. The old town is worth the detour. The Id Kah mosque was built in 1442 and is now the largest mosque in Asia. Along the narrow streets, you will discover some mausoleums and some pagodas.

Visits to Kashgar

The tomb Abakh Hoja Abakh Hoja Tomb is located 5 kilometers north east of the city. It is, however, better known as the “Xiangfei Tomb”, a Uighur woman of the Qing dynasty who was imprisoned and forced to marry Emperor Qianlong. In fact, the grave is her grandfather’s. Xiangfei is a very strong symbol, as much for the Uighurs as for the Han. She is considered a heroine by the Uighurs and as a heroine representing anti-Qing and anti-feudal. Legend has it that Xiangfei committed suicide under the pressure of the shenanigans orchestrated by Empress Dowager.The buildings of the tomb are high and resemble those of a mosque with blue and white colors and a green dome decorated with small minarets. On the dome, a crescent-shaped minaret is drawn. The real Xiangfei Tomb is inside, it is embellished with blue pottery with a beautiful pattern of blue flowers on a white background. The Idkah Mosque The Idkah Mosque is the largest in China and the religious center of Kashgar. The call to prayer echoes throughout the city. The current structure was renovated and extended based on the original mosque built in 1442 for Shakesirmirzha, the leader of Kashgar. The mosque is built in yellow bricks, making it very visible from Id Kah Square.When this is not the time for prayer, tourists are allowed to enter the mosque. However, there must be covered arms and legs, for both women and men. The best time is early in the morning, when there are few faithful. The place is always full of pilgrims who come to pray. Outside the mosque, we can see some pilgrims flogging while dancing energetically, accompanied by musicians. The Sunday market of Kashgar The famous Sunday market has been here for more than 1500 years. The east of the city is transformed into a huge bazaar where peasants, merchants and traders from the regions and neighboring countries meet. There are more than 5,000 stalls and about 100,000 people a day. People come from all over central Asia to do business.The market offers a wide variety of products: crafts, livestock, vegetables, jackets, fabrics, carpets, embroidered blankets etc. You can find handicrafts from Pakistan, scarves from Turkey or dry fruits from Saudi Arabia. Thanks to its mix of cultures, the Kashgar market is a unique experience full of colors and flavors.

Access to Kashgar

There are several possibilities to travel to Kashgar. The train is the least expensive option but also the least fast. Allow more than 10 hours from Korla and Kuqa and at least 20 hours from Turpan. Kashgar airport is connected to Urumqi but also to Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. On site, it is better to go to town by car. You can then walk around on foot. For your excursions outside the city, the public bus and the taxi are the practical options.

When to travel to Kashgar?

The climate of the region is a continental climate. Summers are long while winters are much shorter. The hottest month is July with an average temperature around 27 ° C. The period from April to October is the most pleasant with a special mention in August and September. The temperatures are on the one hand very pleasant and the landscapes are on the other hand much more flowery and colored since the season of reason is in full swing. You will find more detailed information on the climate of Xinjiang on the page: Weather Silk Road .

Where to sleep in Kashgar?

Staying in a good hotel is one of the first step to a successful vacation. Indeed, a good accommodation can make your vacation even more exceptional … like a bad one can spoil a stay.The ancient mythical city of the Silk Road, Kashgar is full of places to stay. You’ll get something for every budget, from small B & Bs of incomparable charm to large hotels in the city center, near the main sites to visit, or in the surrounding countryside. That’s why we have selected for you the bests Kashgar’s Hotels , mixing comfort and quality of services.

Kashgar - 喀什 : visits around

Urumqi - 烏魯木齊

Karakul Lake - 喀拉库勒湖

Yarkand - 莎车

Yengisar - 英吉沙

Turpan / Tourfan - 吐魯番

Korla and the Taklamakan desert - 庫爾勒 - 塔克拉玛干沙漠

Shipton's Arch - 阿图什天门

Oytagh - 奥依塔格

Kuqa / Kucha - 庫車

Kanas Lake - 喀纳斯 湖

Tianchi Lake - 天池

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A Stop Along the Silk Road in Kashgar, China

September 5, 2014 by Silvia 30 Comments

With its lucrative production of silk, China always functioned as the beating heart of the ancient Silk Road, sending goods to places as far away as Europe and Africa. The silk trade was so important to China that the Han dynasty even extended the Great Wall to the western edge of their territory to protect the caravans arriving from Central Asia.

Beijing was a focal point in the trade, with merchants coming from far off lands to visit the city’s markets. However, another Chinese city, while often overlooked in the present day, also functioned as one of the Silk Road’s most important stops: Kashgar .

Getting a visa to China: Kashgar is in China, where most travelers need a visa to visit. I had some massive problems the first time I went to China and tried to get a visa independently, so I highly recommend using iVisa if you want to take the hassle out of it (or if doing it yourself, pay very close attention to all the details of the application and factor in a lot of extra time in case you’re denied at first). Check iVisa rates here

If you’re a Chinese history buff or know a lot about minority conflicts in China, then you’ve probably heard of Kashgar. As for everyone else… it might sound familiar?

Before I started planning my trip through China and Central Asia, I think I had some vague idea that Kashgar was an old trading city somewhere in the Middle East. Clearly I’m no expert in Chinese history or current events. Though actually, in a way I was not actually too far off.

When my friends and I first arrived there last summer , Kashgar looked much like the other Chinese cities we had visited: we walked past elderly Chinese women selling vegetables from small street stalls, tall buildings covered in brightly colored signs, and an impressive bridge covered in neon lights.

However, while we had often found ourselves to be some of the only foreigners in most of the cities we had visited in China, here we were surrounded by plenty of other tourists.

Or… were they tourists? Most of them didn’t speak Chinese and they looked more European than Asian, but they also seemed to know their way around the city quite well.

Eventually, somewhere in my sleep-deprived state (thank you, 72-hour train ride from Beijing ) it hit me: I was in Kashgar, home to a diverse population including Uyghur, Kyrygz, Tajik, Uzbek, and Han Chinese people!

Indeed, while many of Kashgar’s streets seem only to be filled with Chinese staples, a trip downtown to Kashgar’s Old Town feels like entering a new country.

Arabic script replaces Chinese characters on signs, food stalls offer piles of naan bread instead of rice dishes, locals bustle through sporting doppa hats and headscarves, and instead of Buddhist gongs the Islamic call to prayer rings out over the city. The only Chinese you will hear spoken here will be by the handful of Chinese backpackers passing through the city.

Really, Kashgar’s Old Town feels much more like a city in the Middle East than one in China. This may have something to do with the fact that Uyghurs, who make up 90 percent of Kashgar’s population, are a Turkic ethnic group.

Kashgar’s diverse population makes it a fascinating city to visit, however housing such a diversity does not come without problems. As a minority group within China, Uyghurs are constantly struggling to establish and maintain their rights, and conflicts continue to arise between the Uyghurs and dominant Han Chinese in the city, often ending in violent bloodshed .

This does not mean that Kashgar isn’t safe for foreigners to visit, as simply avoiding any demonstrations or riots will keep visitors out of harm’s way, but it has meant that there is a degree of tension between Uyghurs and Chinese in the city.

You can see this tension in the stark divide between Uyghur and Chinese areas of the city. Cross one of the wide streets running along the Old Town’s perimeter and you’ll leave an alleyway filled with piles of rugs and Uyghur antiques for sale and enter a wide square in front of towering Chinese shopping center. It really does feel like a different city. The contrast is bizarre, and raises countless questions regarding Kashgar’s future in China.

While a visit to Kashgar offers an interesting insight into the situation for ethnic minorities within China, the city’s distinct history and culture alone should secure its place on your bucket list of travel destinations. You will find plenty to keep you busy in the city, but be sure not to miss out on the Mal Bazaar, a trip through the Old Town, and a visit to the Gaotai Residences.

Visit the Mal Bazaar in Kashgar

If you’re lucky enough to be in Kashgar on a weekend, you should absolutely check out the animal market held every Sunday a short bus or taxi ride out of the city. The animal market is not only a great place to see tons of animals, ranging from goats and sheep to giant buffalo and bulls, but it is also an ideal place to sample some authentic Uyghur food and take sly photos of leathery-skinned Uyghur cowboys.

Visiting Kashgar’s Old Town

Visit Kashgar’s Old Town to see the bustling center of Uyghur life. The old Uyghur-style architecture is beautiful, and you can also stop by the mosque for a bit of culture. The markets in the old town are overflowing with delicious nuts, fresh figs, freshly baked bread, and surprisingly tasty dishes like lung soup and grilled goat hooves! This is also the perfect place to sit and chat with locals or other tourists, taking in the foreign aromas and high energy of Kashgar’s Old Town.

Bizarrely delicious lung soup

Visiting the Gaotai Residences in Kashgar

Kashgar’s old “mud house slums” are crumbling, but they remain an integral part of Uyghur history and culture in Kashgar. Built over six hundred years ago, these homes continue to function as a center for Uyghur customs, and the residents are always happy to greet some foreign visitors!

The Best Kashgar Hostel and Hotel

If you’re visiting Kashgar as a backpacker you should definitely stay at the Kashgar Old Town Hostel  – it’s right in the Old Town, and the hostel itself is beautiful. It’s also a bit of a gathering place for travelers heading into Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, or back through China. Check current rates and availability here

If you want to stay at a hotel instead, then you’re best choice is the Radisson Blu Hotel, which is the nicest hotel in town but also very affordable. Check current rates and availability here

p.s. Please, please do not forget to get travel insurance for this trip!

After being hospitalized in Beijing  I swear by travel insurance. I use World Nomads , which has by far the best reviews and is really affordable. They helped me find a hospital when I needed, and then when I filed a claim with them all I had to do was send my receipts and I had a check in the mail from them within a couple of weeks. So easy!

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Joella in Beijing says

September 5, 2014 at 6:58 pm

Ooh Silivia did you write this for me? Kashgar has been high on my list of places to go since we moved to Beijing a year ago. Haven’t made it yet but we definitely will. Several of my friends have been there recently and they said it felt perfectly safe as a foreigner too. I feel so sad for the Uygur’s who are extremely marginalised here and blamed for a lot. As you said, it’s more like a Turkish population than a Chinese one. I hope they can come to some kind of agreement some day. I can’t wait to go there someday. Oh and fab photos!

Silvia says

September 8, 2014 at 1:01 pm

I really wonder what’s going to happen to the Uyghurs in China. With new policies paying Han Chinese to marry minorities and to move out west it sort of seems like the government just wants them to eventually become Chinese, which is so crazy considering how distinct they are. It’s incredibly interesting though, and you should absolutely plan a trip out to Kashgar! In fact, I loved it so much I think I’m going to visit again in the spring.

Franca says

September 6, 2014 at 1:37 pm

I love markets a lot, in fact is on of the site I always try to visit when in a new location, but the animal market is breathtaking. I love animals too much to see them sold and not well treated 🙁 I’d skip that!

September 8, 2014 at 1:04 pm

Yeah, it’s definitely a tough place for animal lovers (and vegetarians), but such an interesting insight into the culture. But of course there’s plenty of more animal-friendly things to do in Kashgar too 🙂

Catherine says

September 6, 2014 at 5:28 pm

Wow, this place sounds fascinating, and it certainly looks more like somewhere in the Middle East than somewhere in China! Would love to see the animal market, I bet you’d see some interesting sights there!

September 8, 2014 at 1:05 pm

It really was so interesting! I ended up spending hours and hours just wandering around and sampling all the bizarre foods they were cooking there.

Miriam of Adventurous Miriam says

September 6, 2014 at 7:17 pm

Kasgar truly looks amazing and I love your portrait of the locals! I’ve never heard of it before, but it’s absolutely a place I would visit when I find my way back to China.

September 8, 2014 at 1:06 pm

It’s definitely worth the visit! I still can’t really believe that it’s in China, but that in itself is a really interesting insight into the diversity of minority cultures within China.

Corinne says

September 6, 2014 at 9:17 pm

Silvia, I so want to go to Kashgar…It’s been on my list for a long time. It’s just so difficult to get to. I love your photos…how about that food?

September 8, 2014 at 1:08 pm

Haha you’re right, it’s definitely not the easiest place to get to! But if you were smart and booked a sleeper train in advance (they were sold out when I booked just a few days before so I ended up on a hard seat) it would be a wonderful journey across China from Beijing! Or you could fly to Urumqi and only have a 30-hour train ride (only!). And yes, that food!

Rebekah says

September 6, 2014 at 9:29 pm

I’d love to go there! I’m so interested in the minority cultures of China. Hopefully I can get there from Sichuan in less then 72 hours! Such an interesting post

September 8, 2014 at 1:10 pm

You should definitely make a trip out there if you’re interested in China’s minority cultures! I felt like I learned so much about China just by talking to locals in Kashgar. The journey from Kashgar to Sichuan also covers some really interesting areas!

Theresa says

September 8, 2014 at 10:24 am

Wow, Kashgar certainly doesn’t look like China! I clicked on the article link about violence in the area. I had no idea this was going on, but it is so sad! I would love to see the place for myself. And thanks for the tour recommendation, I love the idea of starting in Beijing and traveling across China.

September 8, 2014 at 1:14 pm

It is crazy what is happening with minority populations in China. And Kashgar offers such an interesting look at that side of China, which we often don’t think about. Honestly, I would love to do the trip from Beijing to Kashgar again, especially if I were part of a tour, which would probably be a lot more comfortable than the long train journey in hard seats, haha. You should go!

Samuel Jeffery says

September 9, 2014 at 2:23 am

This was a fascinating read because I’ve done quite a bit of travel in China but never to this region.

September 10, 2014 at 7:02 pm

I had traveled to China before as well, but Kashgar was a whole new experience of the country! Highly recommended.

September 9, 2014 at 7:24 pm

I didn’t enjoy my time in China all that much but now I can see I should have gone to places like Kashgar. It sounds like my kind of destination! Oh well, at least I have a reason to come back!

Yes, you definitely need to see Kashgar! I’m already planning my next trip there.

Vanessa @ The Travelling Colognian says

September 15, 2014 at 5:44 pm

This is such a great post, Silvia, and intensifies my desire to go there. Fortunately I won’t have to wait too long. If everything works as planned I will be in Kashgar in late October which will be the last destination of my trip along the Silk Road of China. I can’t wait to explore that part of the Middle Kingdom as well, I am so much looking forward to it.

September 16, 2014 at 5:14 pm

Oh that’s so wonderful, Vanessa! I know you will just love Kashgar – it’s such a unique and interesting place.

October 26, 2014 at 1:13 am

Silvia, I am in Kashgar right now. I liked your post about the city so much that I shared it on my Blog’s Facebook page. Tomorrow I will check out the Sunday and the Mal Bazaar and I also hope that I have enough time to visit the Id Kah Mosque and the Gaotai Residences during my stay here.

October 27, 2014 at 1:46 pm

Ahh that’s so exciting, Vanessa! And I’m quite a bit jealous! I hope you’re eating tons of delicious food and taking lots and lots of photos!

October 28, 2014 at 1:22 pm

Oh yes, I haven taken countless photos. I think, I have never photographed as much on a trip as on this journey. Unfortunately I had to leave Kashgar yesterday, one day prior than intended, due to a reschedule of my flight, but however, I managed to visit the Mal and the Sunday Bazaar, the Old town, the Id Kah Mosque and the Gaotai Residences. I really liked the atmosphere of the city, maybe I’ll return someday in the future and start a trip across Kyrgyzstan and/or Tajikistan from there.

October 29, 2014 at 4:12 pm

Haha I felt the same way in Kashgar! It sounds like you saw a lot there. I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And I’m sure you would loooove Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – two of my favorite countries I’ve visited.

Daniel McBane says

October 20, 2014 at 12:35 pm

I love Kashgar! It was probably my favorite part of China, in large part due to the food. I’m glad to read that at least some of the traditional Uyghur neighborhoods remain. When I was there in 2008, the government was tearing most of them down and people told me the plan was to remove them all except for one. And that one would only be kept intact for tourists.

October 21, 2014 at 12:59 pm

Yeah there was only one of the traditional neighborhoods in Kashgar when I visited. It’s so sad what the government is doing to the Uyghurs, and amazing that so few people seem to know about it! But that’s just another reason why everyone has to go to Kashgar, ha.

August 16, 2017 at 5:32 pm

You’ve provided such wonderful information for traveling along the silk road. I’d like to travel from Kashgar to Turpan by road. I’d like to combine this with a trip to India, if possible. Do you have recommendations on how to best do that? I’d be flying from Washington DC.

Ankurman Handique says

March 9, 2018 at 8:36 pm

Nice Post Silvia,

I saw China through your words. But, I would love to visit China one day.

Robert says

January 17, 2019 at 5:27 pm

Hi, I’m planning a visit to Kashgar this summer with my wife and daughter, and your blog post has been terrificly helpful. We want to do a couple of day trips, to Shipton’s Arch and Karakul Lake, but we’re balking at the prices we’re seeing online. Is it easy enough to find a guide to take us once we get to Kashgar? Or should we suck it up and pay a tour guide in advance? Thanks again!

January 24, 2019 at 12:00 pm

I would wait until you get to Kashgar.

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Kashgar- an ancient pearl between the West and the East

The Silk Road- this famous ancient route system has been connecting two main civilization areas for thousands of years. It has been like a bridge between the West and the East. The West has been known for its highly developed classical empires- Greek, Roman, and the European kingdoms. And the East has been known for its “Subcelestial Empire”, now known as China, and its surrounding smaller kingdoms. But the vast spaces in the middle, between these civilizations, has been always veiled in mystery and legends about giant mountains, deserts, and unknown nomadic tribes. And there, in the middle of this remoteness is Kashgar, an ancient trade center, full of things to reveal. Let’s make a journey to Kashgar and dive into its history and reality.

Table of Contents

Where is Kashgar

Kashgar (Kashi- 喀什) is known as the westernmost city in China. And China is so big so that its westernmost point is almost in the middle of Eurasia- the largest piece of land on the Earth. So, geographically, Kashgar is in Central Asia, somewhere in the middle of the Silk Road routes. It is also the largest city of the southern part of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, built on the western edge of the large Tarim Basin.

I knew about Kashgar for many years, since I have always wanted to cross Eurasia from west to east. I have looked a lot of maps, and this city was an important point on such a route, just like it has been for the ancient people. Crossing from the plains of Europe, then through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, crossing Pamir and Tianshan, and finally arrive on their eastern side, where Tarim Basin begins, has been always an exciting challenge.

So, let us now start exploring Kashgar. What kind of city is it? What secrets it has to reveal? And since it is an ancient city, where a lot of civilizations have left their traces, let us as usual make a short trip through its history.

History of Kashgar

First, let’s take a look at the physical map of Asia, particularly to its central part. You can see the highest mountains on the Earth, known as “The Top of the World”- Himalaya, Tibet, Kunlun, Karakoram, Hindukush, Pamir, and Tianshan. And Tianshan is more separated from the other mountains of this group, stretching like a horn on the northwest.

Then you can see a large oval between Tianshan and the other high mountains, like a giant yellow eye. This is the Tarim Basin, locked far from any oceans on the Earth, with its vast sandy Taklamanak Desert on its bottom.

But exactly there, on the northern and the southern edges of Taklamakan, there are two fertile oasis chains. The northern one stretches between the desert and Tianshan, and the southern one- between the desert and the Kunlun Mountains. They join together on their western ends into a large oasis land. This is Kashgaria- the land around Kashgar, which is not only located on a very strategic position on the Silk Road (in the middle of Asia) but also on a place with good agricultural conditions.

So, it is not strange that there have been a lot of wars for this piece of land. Many civilizations, kingdoms, and empires fought for Kashgar and left their traces there. As a result, Kashgar has a long history, and it is worth to make a short trip through it.

Ancient period and Shule Kingdom (until 177 BC)

Since thousands of years, known and unknown cultures have set foot on the oasis of Kashgaria. They were mainly from the Persian language family- Saka, Tokharians, Wusun, Yuezhi and some others. And the first known state on this place is known as Shule Kingdom, which was independent until the arriving of Xiongnu and the Han Chinese.

Han and Xiongnu (177 BC to 150 AD)

During that period, there were constant wars between these two competitors- Han Empire of China and the nomadic Xiongnu Empire. But since Kashgaria is located too far west, its Shule Kingdom remained, sometimes as a vassal of Han or Xiongnu, sometimes fully independent, until the arriving of the Kushans.

Kushan Empire and the White Huns (150 to 552)

The Kushan Empire was a strong formation, stretching from the north of today’s India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan into parts of Central Asia. It gained control over Kashgaria for around 173 years, but then its time has passed. Temporary, during the 4th century, the area was divided between a few local independent kingdoms. And then- the next candidates for Kashgaria arrived- the White Huns (Hephthalites). With some interruptions, they ruled over this place until 552, when most of Central Asia was conquered by the Turks.

Turk Khaganates (552 to 648)

The Turks established their large khaganate from the Caspian Sea to the middle of today’s China. But such a vast nomadic empire couldn’t remain united for a long time and it soon divided into two main parts, as Kashgaria remained under the Western Turk Khaganate.

Tang Empire and the Tibetans (648 to 791)

Two strong empires competed for Kashgaria during that period- the Chinese Tang Empire and the epic Tibetan Empire. And Kashgar often changed its masters. But during that time a third invader wanted to swallow it- the Arabs. They conquered Kashgar in 711, but couldn’t remain in their hands and the Chinese took it back. Anyway, finally, both Tang and the Tibetan empires weakened and lost the city, which got new masters- the Uyghurs.

Uyghur Khanate (791 to 840)

The Uyghurs created a strong empire, covering most of today’s Xinjiang. They ruled over Kashgar for half a century, until their empire collapsed, and the city was conquered by the Karakhanids. However, the Uyghurs remain from that time as the main ethnic group in the area until now.

The Karakhanids (840 to 1134)

They were another Turkic group of people, ruling over Kashgar and much of today’s Xinjiang. This time they introduced Islam to this region. Most of this period was peaceful. There is a famous poet, lived in the Karakhanid’s capital in today’s Kyrgyzstan, but died in Kashgar- Yusuf Khas Hajib, and now you can see his tomb in the city.

Karakhitai (1134 to 1218)

It is another dynasty, another ethnic group, this time of Chinese and Manchurian origin. They created the Western Liao Empire, ruling over a large portion of today’s China, including Kashgar, until the Mongol conquest. And during this whole period, the Karakhanids remained as vassal rulers under the Karakhitai’s control.

The Great Mongol Empire (1218 to 1348)

Nothing in Central Asia has escaped the invasion of Genghis Khan and his Mongols. He created the largest in-land-area empire ever existed, and Kashgar was a part of it. But since this empire was highly unstable, it soon was divided between the sons of Genghis Khan, and Kashgar remained under the rule of Chagatay’s dynasty.

Moghulistan and the Timurids (1348 to 1466)

Then other branches of the first Mongol Empire arose. One of them was Moghulistan (or Eastern Chagatai Khanate). So they were descendants of Genghis Khan’s son Chagatai. Kashgar remained under their control and they later turned into Islam. But then another Mongol empire emerged from the west- the Timurid Empire of Tamerlan. He conquered Kashgar and it was devastating. The Timurids ruled over the area for 40 years, before it back again in the hands of Moghulistan’s Chagataids.

The local kingdoms- Dughlats, Yarkent, and the Dzungars (1466 to 1759)

Eventually, the era of the Mongols and their descendants came to an end, and a new period of often changing powers and control over Kashgar began. This period was a period of instability and wars, so Kashgar had to pass through times of destruction and times of rebuilding. The main two powers who controlled Kashgar at that time were Dughlats and the Yarkent Kingdom.

Other pretenders for the power over Kashgaria were the White and Black Khojas, somewhere during the time of Yarkent. During the 17th century, some religious leaders also played a significant role in the political life of Kashgar. The most famous of them was Afaq Khoja, who is today associated with the story (or legend) of the „Fragrant Concubine”. Now his Mausoleum is one of the symbols of Kashgar. Later the next invader came- the Dzungars (which were the last nomadic empire of Central Asia), but Kashgar still preserved its autonomy.

Qing Empire (1759 to 1913)

The Chinese army of Qing conquered the whole Xinjiang, including Kashgar, but there was some local autonomy existed in the area, and the power of the Khojas, descendants of Afaq remained, although under the control of Qing. However, they also often revolted against Qing and there were short periods of independence. But the biggest revolt was the so-called Dungan Revolt in 1862 when many Muslim groups united against the Chinese. As a result, Kashgaria gained independence for almost 15 years, before reconquering again by Qing.

Modern China (1913 until now)

After the fall of Qing, the whole Xinjiang enters a messy and unstable period, during which wars and human disasters were not rare. One of these is the civil war in 1933-1934 between the Chinese Muslim army and the local Uyghurs and Kyrgyz. There are two battles in Kashgar, which devastate the city. After the Communist Revolution in 1949 Kashgar and the whole Xinjiang remained firmly incorporated in China, and it was (and still is) a period of much stability. Although the tension remains (and sometimes broke into occasional violence), in general, everything is in peace now. Yes, this peace is gained by the strong police presence, which can be seen everywhere in the city, but that’s no problem since it doesn’t disturb the normal daily life. On the contrary, as a result, the crime level is lower than in the rest of China.

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Our journey to Kashgar

All of this made Kashgar an attracting place to visit and explore. And we were quite excited to plan a trip to the middle of the Silk Road, in the heart of Asia.

Our journey to Kashgar was a part of a longer Xinjiang itinerary, and we reached Kashgar from Turpan , by train. We arrived at late evening, the railway station was in partial repair and we were really surprised when we got down from the train, that nobody checked us, nobody even checked out tickets (as in every railway stations in China).

We got a taxi and arrived at our hostel, called Maitian, and located near the East Lake (东湖公园) park of Kashgar. It was late for us (around 11:30 pm), but not for the locals, who live at least „two hours later” as in the whole Xinjiang. We planned to stay in Kashgar at least 4-5 days, during which we have included a 2-3 days trip to Tashkurgan, on the Chinese side of the famous Karakoram Highway. But on the next day, our first full day in Kashgar, we had to explore the interesting places within the city.

Places to visit in Kashgar

So, as you can assume, Kashgar should have a lot to see, within the city and around it. You can expect a strong presence of history and culture, and there is indeed such a presence. We visited its main landmarks, and there are more that we couldn’t visit. Anyway, let’s explore Kashgar and see what does it have to present.

Kashgar Old City (喀什噶尔老城)

It is the main and most important place to see in Kashgar. The Old City is large, spreading into two parts, separated by a wide boulevard. But first, have in mind that it is not the original “Old Kashgar”. The original one used to be located north of East Lake Park, but it was gradually demolished, since it has been found unsafe, and its mud houses (probably) easily to collapse.

Yes, that may sounds disappointing, but let’s think this way: there are many cases of this kind in the history, from ancient times until now- for various reasons capitals, other cities, palaces, and other clusters of buildings or constructions has been moved from one place to another, and their second versions were often better and more beautiful than the first.

The same is true about the Kashgar Old City, just its moving didn’t happen hundreds of years ago, but only during the last 10-15 years. And I have to confess that its new version now is really beautiful, clean and attractive, built on a hill, with surrounding fortress wall.

One of the best starting points for exploring the Kashgar Old City is its East Gate (东门). From there you enter another world like it has been hundreds of years ago. Beautiful 2 or 3-storeys houses in old traditional Uyghur style, souvenir, and daily life stock shops, cute cafes, small gardens and decorations- it can be seen everywhere on the streets. You can leave the main streets and enter some narrow alley between the house, and there you can see the life of the locals as it is. And eventually, you will arrive at the old center of Kashgar- Id Kah Square and its Id Kah Mosque.

Id Kah Square and Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔广场清真寺)

Id Kah Mosque is one of the Kashgar’s symbols and it is really old (not newly constructed or moved). It is built by Saqsiz Mirza during the Moghulistan era, around 1422. Now it is known as the largest (in area) mosque in China since a large part of it is a park. It has a few buildings, and it is religiously active currently- every Friday thousands of local Muslims go there for worship.

During its recent history, a few assassinations have happened there, two of them during the Kashgar wars in 1933-1934, and the last- in 2014. But now it is a safe place to visit since the mosque is serving also as a cultural and historical museum. Entrance fee: 30 CNY

And the square in front of it is one of the favorite places for the locals. There are a lot of other beautiful buildings in old traditional architectural style, including a tower and many bazaars (shops). There is an Uyghur Museum in the area, although currently closed for renovation.

All this- the Old City and Id Kah area can be explored together, in one tour, since they are in the same city area. But to proceed further your exploration of Kashgar, you have to leave this area. The next very important landmark of Kashgar is Afaq Khoja Mausoleum.

Afaq (Abak) Khoja Mausoleum (香妃墓)

It is something like the „Taj Mahal” of Xinjiang. Built around 1640, it is a tomb of several Afaq Clan’s generations. The tomb is initially built by a Sufi master, who came in the area to spread Sufism, and his son Afaq Khoja was not only a religious leader, but also entered in the political life of Kashgar.

Later many Afaqi members were buried in the Mausoleum, but one of them is of special attention. Whether it is true or not, it is believed that she was the so-called „Fragrant Concubine” (Xiang Fei- 香妃), an Uyghur girl, a descendant of Afaq Khoja family, serving as a concubine of Emperor Qianlong, and carried in the Mausoleum after her death.

Although the Uyghur version of the story is different, and in general, it is not clear what is a reality and what is just a legend, now this Mausoleum (whether there is a real „Fragrant Concubine” inside or not) is considered as a symbol of peace and friendship between Uyghurs and Han Chinese. On the other hand, the Muslim Uyghurs consider it as a Muslim holy place.

Today it consists not only of the Tomb, but a large garden with a pond, and several more Islamic buildings, including a mosque. Thus the whole complex is a beautiful masterpiece of architecture, culture, history and park design. Entrance fee: 30 CNY

Yusuf Khas Khajib Tomb (玉素甫·哈斯·哈吉甫墓)

Now lets back in time and from the era of Afaq Khoja (17-18th centuries) to jump to 11th century. It was the period of the Karakhanids, ruling over Kashgar and a large part of Central Asia. At that time, there was a man from Balasagun, the capital of the Karakhanid Empire near today’s Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan. His name was Yusuf, called also Balasaguni.

Yusuf was a notorious poet and he wrote his famous masterpiece Kutadgu Bilig- „The Wisdom Bringing Good Fortune”. Later in his life, he moved to Kashgar, where he presented his work and in return, he gained the title Khas Hajib (which means something like „Chancellor”). He died in Kashgar, and today we can see his tomb- a beautiful structure, surrounded by a yard, built in traditional Uyghur Islamic style. Entrance fee: 30 CNY.

Now, let’s back to our modern time and taste more of the real Kashgar life. Some of the most colorful places in this part of the world are the bazaars- the open-air markets, where you can see and feel the most authentic of the local life and culture.

East Bazaar (东巴扎)

This is the main bazaar of Kashgar, located just east of East Lake Park. We visited it on our way back from Afaq Khoja Mausoleum since it is on the same boulevard. From its north entrance, you can see some beautiful traditional buildings, one of them serving as a gate of the bazaar.

At first sight, it looks just like a normal market, where you can find everything- products for daily use, souvenirs, fruits, spices, decorations…just everything. But what makes it more interesting is the people inside- most of them local Uyghurs, wearing their traditional caps, called „doppa”, women with their specific clothing, and their market behavior of selling and buying. So even you don’t like shopping, it is still really worth to walk inside the bazaar, diving in its unique atmosphere.

Livestock Bazaar 

It is another very attractive bazaar. It is for domestic animals- cows, sheep, goats, horses, hens, etc. (no pigs). There you can see a lively trade, sell and buy, and many local people from the city and the nearby villages.

This market is located northwest of Kashgar, near the intersections of roads G314 and X435 (it is its new location). But it is working only on Sundays. So if you visit Kashgar during the other days of the week, you can’t see this bazaar. However, if it is Sunday, don’t miss this opportunity!

Local people, culture, food

Yes, finally, the city and its people are a “must-visit site” themselves. Here you can feel a strange mix of Central Asia with Chinese and Arabic signs on the streets everywhere. You can see the locals, most of which look different than the Chinese. And although there is some hidden tension in the air, all the people live a normal peaceful life.

One of the things that can make you feel the local atmosphere is the food. Since it is influenced by Islam, there is no pork. But you can enjoy beef, lamb, and chicken. There are various dishes, made by these kinds of meat, including a lot of vegetables, spices and other products. Mostly you can enjoy Leghman (Lamian)- a noddle dish, Polu- which is rice mixed with meat and vegetables, Kawaplar (Kebab)- beef or lamb on a skewer with spices, and Dapanji- a big plate with chicken and many vegetables, usually spicy. See more about the Uyghur cuisine here . 

There are a lot of restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Uyghur cuisine, but now I would focus on the places where you can eat outside, in an open-air style, which gives you a special unique local feeling. There are two places where you can enjoy that- both in the Old City. The first one is in front of Id Kah Mosque, and the second one- right behind the southern gate of the Old City.

But maybe the most essential for Kashgar and the whole Xinjiang is the fruits. Yes, the best fruits in China come from Xinjiang, and they are some of the best in the world! Watermelons, Hami melons, grapes, peaches, apples, you have to try them in Kashgar. Xinjiang fruits are so delicious, that they became symbols of many Xinjiang cities. The Hami melon is a symbol of Hami, the grapes are a symbol of Turpan. And the symbol of Kashgar is the pomegranate.

How to reach Kashgar

There are several ways to reach Kashgar- by plane, by train, by bus, or by other transport like a car or even bicycle.

If you want to reach Kashgar by plane from the interior of China- there are direct planes from Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. And since Kashgar is quite isolated from the rest of the country, it takes a few hours to reach it- around two hours from Urumqi and 5-6 hours or even more from the cities of the east.

You can reach Kashgar by plane also from Pakistan. First, you fly to Islamabad, and then- by direct flight to Kashgar.

This is how we reached Kashgar. Currently, there is only a normal (slow) train from the east of China and Urumqi. The railway comes from there and proceeds to Hotan. The trains to Kashgar are not the best and newest slow trains, but at least it is a cheap way to travel to this city.

There is a bus from Urumqi, which arrives in Kashgar for 24 hours, so it can be an option too. There were buses from Osh and Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, but as far as I know, the bus from Bishkek is not stopped, and I am not sure about the bus from Osh. Maybe the reason is the strengthening of the border area control.

Until recently, it was possible to travel from Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass (the border with China), then by bus through Tashkurgan to reach Kashgar. But now Khunjerab Pass is much restricted and crossing from Pakistan to China on the Karakoram Highway is much more difficult, nearly impossible (the regulations often change, and even the local officials sometimes don’t know about the changes).

By other transport

Yes, there are other ways to reach Kashgar, most of them usually difficult or even weird. You can reach Kashgar from Urumqi, from Hotan (and the whole southern way from Xining, Qinghai) by car, hiring a driver or even hitchhiking. Yes, you will pass several police check-points, but they will not stop you to proceed, just have to register there.

You can still reach Kashgar from Kyrgyzstan (through Irkeshtam and Torugart Passes), from Tajikistan (through Qulma Pass) and (probably) from Pakistan (through Khunjerab Pass), but only by a travel company arranged car (with all necessary permits) and a lot of money. Maybe you can also reach Kashgar from Lhasa (Tibetan Autonomous Region), but again- only by a travel company (at least within Tibet).

Another adventurous way to reach Kashgar is by bicycle, but again- only from Urumqi or another place inside China. But if you try it from a neighboring country- Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Pakistan, or the Tibetan Autonomous Region, currently it would be really difficult (if not impossible).

Accommodation in Kashgar

As in many other cities in China, especially in Xinjiang, many hotels don’t accept foreigners. So you have two options. First- choose an expensive, splurge hotel. Usually all they can accept foreigners and if you are ready to spend more money for such a hotel, you would not have any problem. Second- choose a hostel. There are two good hostels in the Old City: Kashgar Old City Hostel and Pamir Youth Hostel.

Another good hostel (where we spend several nights) is Maitian Youth Hostel, which is more like a cheap hotel, and some of its rooms are more like normal hotel rooms. And since it doesn’t like so attractive, foreigners usually don’t prefer it, but it is still a good option- at least you can reach it by taxi, while you have to walk to those inside the Old City.

Besides these, there are still a few more options which you can check, such as Qiniwak Hotel, Kashgar Guesthouse, Seman Hotel, and Hotel Eden. They are mid-range in price. Anyway, you better still check their availability to accept foreigners. See more about the accommodation in China here . 

Where the next?

After you explore the city itself, you can “attack” some nearby places. But have in mind that you would be not allowed to reach everything located within the border area, which is very close to Kashgar.

Tashkurgan and Karakoram Highway

It is the most beautiful and attractive place to see near Kashgar. This is the Chinese section of the famous Karakoram Highway and it passes through really stunning places and landscapes. You can enjoy two fantastic lakes- White Sand Lake (白沙湖) and Karakul Lake (卡拉库勒湖). There you can see two breathtaking snowy peaks. These are the highest peaks of Pamir- Kongur Tagh and Muztagh Ata. And finally, you can explore the local Tajik culture and history of Tashkurgan.

But now, from this year (2019) you can do it ONLY by a travel company, which can be arranged from the Kashgar Travel Center since Karakoram Highway is located within the border area.

Shipton’s Arch

It is a natural wonder, located in the mountains northwest of Kashgar, known as the tallest natural arc on the Earth. Now it is turned into a National park and is easy reachable by paved road. But, as far as I know, since it is still within the border area, now you can’t just go by yourself, but only by a travel company, arranging the necessary permits.

Mahmud Kashgari Tomb

This is much nearer to Kashgar and is a historic site. It is located in a small town, called Upal, southwest of Kashgar, but still not in the border area, so you can reach it by yourself. The place is related to a notorious scholar and translator, lived in the 11th century and died here.

Mor Buddhist Pagoda

A historic site, located northeast of Kashgar. This is the largest presence of Buddhism in the area. It was built in the 7th century and destroyed in the 12th century during the Karakhitay era. Now only its ruins have left.

Dawakum Desert

This desert is considered a part of the Great Taklamakan Desert. But in fact, it is separated from it, it is only a small “sand island” within agricultural land. That’s why in my opinion it is more proper for tourists, rather than travelers since it is made a tourist attraction, with camels, ATVs and other tourist gluttonies. They get money from the tourists and let them think that they are in Taklamakan Desert. That’s why we skipped this place and chose another desert site, which IS Taklamakan Desert- Maigaiti N39.

Taklamakan Desert- Maigaiti N39 area

This place is further east from Kashgar, some 3 hours by car. And it is really at the edge of Taklamakan Desert. It is called N39 because it is located exactly at the 39th north parallel line of the Earth. Yes, there is now another tourist site, again with camels, ATVs and desert jeeps (which are expensive, and too short in the same time). But this time the desert is more than 1000 km long and 400 km wide, so you can easily just go away from the tourist place and walk alone in the sands (being careful and not penetrating too far inside the desert without preparation, especially in summer, it can be dangerous!).

K2 trekking

Yes, finally, this experience is “the cherry on the cake”. Needless to say, reaching the K2 Base Camp on the Chinese side is a serious challenge. Of course, it requires at least a 2-3 weeks trip, a travel company and a lot of money, since K2 is on the border with Pakistan.

From the trips around Kashgar, we chose Tashkurgan and Karakoram Highway, then the trip to Taklamakan Maigaiti N39.

Then we left Kashgar, proceeding our Xinjiang trip. We back to the northeast, to Urumqi, from where we planned to explore Tianshan mountains and to reach Taklamakan Desert again from the north. And our journey to Kashgar remained as a very important and unforgettable part of our trip on the Silk Road to the Chinese Far West.

See more about Kashgar here in this video:

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Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.

So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.

And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.

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Far West China

Kashgar’s Old City | Traveler’s Guide to an Evolving City

Kashgar’s Old City has been known for centuries as a unique ancient city in Central Asia. Most know the place for its Silk Road charm, mud-brick houses and friendly Uyghur neighborhoods. Kashgar’s Old City history has been resilient in the face of passing time, but there are few places in the world that are immune from modern development.

Much has changed in Kashgar over the past decade including the tearing down of the Old City and the rebuilding of a newer, safer Kashgar. It’s hard to tell what’s really been happening in Kashgar over the past decade though, due to conflicting reports between Chinese and international media.

Has the “new” Kashgar Old City been rebuilt now? Is there anything left of the “old” Old City? And if so, how do they compare?

Whether you’re doing research on the history of Kashgar’s Old City or if you’re planning a trip there as a traveler, I’d like to take a chapter out of the FarWestChina Xinjiang Travel Guide and share with you everything you need to know about the famous Silk Road destination.

Kashgar Old City Tour [Video]

As we begin, I invite you to join me on a tour of the Old City of Kashgar. Walk through a short history of the city as well as the changes that have been made with the modernization.

Check out more amazing Xinjiang videos on the FarWestChina YouTube channel !

Now that you’ve watched the video above, we’re going to take some time to walk through a timeline of the changes that have happened to Kashgar’s Old City which, when combined with pictures, should give you a good idea of what has happened..

History of Kashgar’s Old City | Pre-2009 Development

Prior to 2009, Kashgar city center was a beautiful mess of narrow alleyways that snaked in a seemingly chaotic pattern of directions. It was easy for travelers to get lost in the maze and that was part of what made a visit to Kashgar’s Old City fun.

The mud-brick alleyways were quaint and, as I remember them, quite enjoyable to walk through. Yes, they looked old, but there was never the impression that they were falling down.

There used to be a city wall that surrounded this central part of the city, but since the early 1920s that wall was torn down. Only a small portion of what is known as the “Liaoning” old city on the west side of Kashgar has a wall that remains to be viewed.

Up until 2009, most of Kashgar’s development had taken place south of town, where large high rises and modern communities had been built up. Even the new train station that connected Kashgar and Urumqi was built out east of town instead of near the center.

2009 | Demolishing Kashgar’s Old City

In early 2009, it was reported by government officials that Kashgar would be demolishing the old city and replacing it with a more modern, tourist-friendly city-center. At the time, I don’t think the government had any clue that this idea would cause such a backlash from the foreign community.

Newspaper all across the globe published stories with excellent photos covering the demolition during the first half of 2009.

It seemed that China was going to follow through with their plan to demolish Kashgar’s Old City. Initially, China claimed that the demolition was for the safety of the city residents whose mud-brick homes were considered dangerous in the earthquake-prone Kashgar area.

While it’s true that Kashgar is prone to earthquakes, the idea that buildings which had stood for centuries had all-the-sudden become “unsafe” didn’t seem right.

There were other factors at play, and although I don’t believe that China was purposefully trying to squelch the Uyghur culture (the true heart of Kashgar’s Old City), there was still plenty of outcry from the Uyghur diaspora.

Strangely, following the first half of 2009, there was almost complete silence from Kashgar. With the exception of artists renderings of what Kashgar was supposed to become, nobody knew what actually happened.

As it turns out, these artist renderings were a bit ambitious.

2009 – 2018 | Kashgar’s “New” Old City Takes Shape

It’s funny how some construction projects in China seem to go at lightning speeds, while others roll along at a snails pace. For Kashgar’s Old City, it was more of the latter.

Small sections at a time of the old city would be demolished and replaced with wider streets, concrete buildings and some semblance of a tourism strategy. It was never clear exactly how much of the city would be torn down and what the new city would look like.

Throughout this time, the local Uyghur people were given a choice of moving out to new community developments on the outskirts of town or waiting to purchase a place in the “new” old city. Keep in mind that most of these people were born and raised in the Kashgar Old City and the thought of moving out, even to a place with more modern conveniences (reliable electricity, central heating & plumbing).

At one point in late 2010, one traveler named Stefan Geens took stock of what was left and created a map to show the slow process of demolishing and rebuilding that was taking place.

As you can see, the demolition was done in phases and there didn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to it.

2019 | The Unfinished Kashgar Old City

Fast forward to 2019. A small number of bulldozers can still be found chipping away at parts of Kashgar’s Old City but, by and large, the demolition is mostly over.

Most of the Old City has been rebuilt with wider streets, more modern architecture and plenty of concrete. There’s little resemblance to the pre-demolished Kashgar, but it’s surprisingly charming.

Local Uyghur people have moved back in and there are children playing in the streets. Shops are open and the night market still comes alive in the evenings.

And then, of course, there’s the small bit of “old” Old City on the eastern edge of town, just north of the lake. The government at one point had kept this area as “protected”, which means they weren’t going to tear it down.

Alas, that was too good to be true. As of early 2019, even this portion of the Old City is now off-limits and is slowly being torn down. These photos were taken prior to everything being torn down.

There’s plenty to see when you come to Kashgar, that’s for sure, but much of it feels unfinished.

Conclusion | Should You Visit the Kashgar Old City?

So this naturally begs the question: “Is it worth going to visit Kashgar and its Old City”?

That’s an excellent question. First, let me answer by repeating what I’ve said all along: the heart of a city is not in the make up of its buildings but in the makeup of its people . Kashgar is still a Uyghur town full of friendly Uyghur people and for that reason, it’s still worth visiting.

Like I said, the new Old City, despite its lack of history, is still charming. I still enjoy meeting people in the streets and visiting the various stores along the way. You can even take time to see Uyghur tightrope walking, known as “dawaz”.

But if you’re looking for an authentic view of Silk Road history, you might come away a bit disappointed. It exists, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not what it used to be.

Yes, visit Kashgar – heck, there’s much more to see beyond just the Old City! – but be aware that changes are being made. Development is happening.

And keep in mind that Kashgar’s “new” Old City is still a work in progress.

Leave a Comment

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Where would you go now then, for the authentic Silk Road?

Josh Summers on October 16th, 2017 at 10:36 pm

Kashgar is still a fun experience, but if you’re looking for older-looking places, you just go south toward Khotan and further along the southern Taklamakan Desert. Just be aware that the security is much tighter down there.

Josh, when you say security is a lot tighter in Khotan, what do you mean? Can i travel there? I want to visit fabric weavers

Josh Summers on May 17th, 2018 at 6:52 pm

You can definitely travel there, just be warned that you’ll run into a lot of police and a lot of checkpoints.

I am happy to see this website.

I have visited Kashgar from Karakoram Highway in July, 2018. I was impressed the development of Kashgar, although I could not walk around very much due to heat exhaustion.

I particularly appreciate your info because I am worried about too much misconception of the press. Recently, there were harsh China-bashing on abusing human rights of the Chinese-Muslims. While I admit that there were too many Police officers at Idkar Bazaar, I do not believe that Chinese government is not at bad.

I hope that positive information of Kashgar like yours may help foreigners better understand the small city on the New Silk Road.

Josh Summers on October 1st, 2018 at 4:27 pm

I’m glad you found it useful. I want to be clear about something, though: I do want to present Xinjiang in a positive way. However, having lived in Xinjiang for over a decade, I can tell you that everything you’re reading in the news about what China is doing is TRUE. China is doing terrible things to both me and my friends. I still love Xinjiang, but I am very opposed to what China is doing here.

I was amazed when I came across your site. What a wonderful thing to do to write a blog on Far West China. I think you’ve done an amazing job.

I really liked this article on Kashgar’s timeline particularly pre-2009 and your commentary on the demolition, which is why I linked to you in my article on Kashgar’s Sunday Market in 1995! ( https://breadtagsagas.com/kashgar-sunday-market/ ). I also enjoyed your video which brought back good memories.

As you’ve lived there since 2006, it must be hard both to travel and live in Xinjiang today but even harder on the locals. I wish you well!

Kind regards Tony

Josh Summers on November 4th, 2018 at 7:13 am

Thanks, Tony! Great article on the Sunday market :)

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Kashgar travel guide

Kashgar in brief Kashgar or rather Kashi in Uyghur, is a city located at the west border of China and southwest part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Considered as the end of China's west frontier, the city is bordering the countries of Kyrgyzstan to the north and Uzbekistan to the west. Situated in a mountainous region, Kashgar is surrounded by many mountains of high renown all over the world especially for its hike features: Tianshan Mountains in the north, Kala Kunlun Mountain and Kunlun Mountain in the south, Pamir Plateau to the west and finally Taklimakan Desert to the east. Kashgar is definitely a place where the humid Yunnan climate will feel like a dream! This city of far west China enjoys a hard desert climate punctuated by hot summers and cold winters starting at -10C (14F) to 32C (89.6F), and is also home to a large Muslim community where Chinese Han represent just a few people. Still, lush vegetations and cultures can be found in the surrounding valleys, astonishing scenery for this part of the country surrounded at the same time by desert. The city of Kashgar is from another world: looking dramatically different from the rest of Xinjiang, Kashgar is just a plac... More information about Kashgar »

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Top Attractions in Kashgar

Idgar Mosque, Kashgar

Sunday Bazzar

Abakh Khoja Tomb

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Karakuri Lake

Kashgar Old Town

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Kashgar Old City - the Seoul of Kashgar

Xinjiang Travel Restrictions : Xinjiang is open to tourism including Urumqi, Kashgar, Kanas, Yining, Korla, and Aksu. Contact us for more details or scan the QR code to check the up-to-date travel restrictions in English of different cities in China.

In downtown Kashi, there is an old city made of yellow mud bricks standing on a small hill – Kashgar Old City. The Old City has been rebuilt, so it's more like a new town on the old city location. But the architecture there retains its traditional style.

You can still observe local life there: children playing on the streets, small shops selling food and souvenirs, and craftsmen making bronze ware.

• Highlights: local life, beautiful mud carved walls, visit to a local family
• Location: downtown Kashgar, about 15 minutes' walk from the famous Id Kah Mosque
• Time needed: 2 hours

A Mazy Adventure through Small Alleys

Kashgar Old City contains many Uyghur houses; 630 homes with more than 2,450 people, all of whom are Muslim.

Situated in a precipitous location, the mud-thatched buildings are densely packed together. Numerous small lanes crisscross the old city, stretching into every corner. It's like walking in a maze, exploring the small alleys in the old city.

Beautiful Islamic and Uyghur Architecture

Inside the old city are many buildings hundreds of years old. Most are two or three stories tall. Each house is typically equipped with a staircase leading to the top of the building. The mud bricks feature Islamic and Uyghur styles, with flower-carved decorations.

Each house has a courtyard, the size of which varies according to the terrain. All the yards grow popular Muslim trees and flowers, such as mulberry, fig, pomegranate, almond, grape, rose, or China rose. The yards are heavily shaded, providing a tranquil environment for relaxation. Inside the bigger yards, owners have even built pergolas for growing grape vines.

Trading Center City of the China Silk Road

The old city has a history of over 2,000 years. It is said that Banchao, the Eastern Han dynasty's envoy to the Western Region, once stayed here on a journey. During the Kalahan dynasty, there was a summer palace here.

The word Kashgar means "place where jade gathers". After the foundation of the China Silk Road, Kashgar become an important stop on the route, and developed as a major trading center. Nowadays you can still see some small shops selling hats, blankets, and local food; and craftsmen making bronze ware, pottery, and musical instruments.

Kashgar is still a big city in western China, with many direct flights from Urumqi.

Travel Kashgar Old City with Us

If you are interested in visiting the most westerly city of China and having a mazy adventure, why not let us help you plan a tour of Kashgar? You can visit Kashgar on our Silk Road tours as follows:

• 7-Day Xinjiang Highlights Tour - explore the most westerly city on the Silk Road
• 12-Day South Xinjiang Adventure Tour
• More Silk Road tours
• Tailor-make a Kashgar tour
• 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Private Tour
• 11-Day China Classic Tour
• 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
• 3-Week Must-See Places China Tour Including Holy Tibet
• How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps
• 15 Best Places to Visit in China (2024)
• How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
• 2-Week China Itineraries: Where to Go & Routes (2024)
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
• China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in September 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in October 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in November 2024: Places to Go & Crowds
• China Weather in December 2024: Places to Go and Crowds

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Kashgar to Tashkurgan: China’s Most Scenic Road Trip

A road trip to rule them all: The Karakoram Highway from Kashgar to Tashkurgan is the most scenic road in China

Looking for the most epic road trip in China (or the entire world, for that matter)? The drive between Kashgar and Tashkurgan along the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway is OUT OF THIS WORLD and will literally take your breath away!

The Karakoram Highway is often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, and this road that runs between Kashgar in China and Islamabad in Pakistan is what road trip dreams are made of.

It is one of the highest paved roads in the world, which cuts through the Karakoram mountain range and reaches a maximum elevation of 4,714 m.

We recently travelled along the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway as part of our Xinjiang trip . If you, too, are planning on taking the high road, here is our guide of the best things to see between Kashgar and Tashkurgan.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

The Karakoram Highway in China

The total length of the highway is 1 300 km, known as the Karakoram Highway on the Pakistan side and the  China-Pakistan Friendship Highway  on the Chinese side. 

The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway runs for 414 km between Kashgar and Khunjerab Pass on the border with Pakistan. Due to Covid 19, it was only possible to travel up to Tashkurgan when we visited. 

From Kashgar to Tashkurgan, the road goes through some of the most dramatic scenery in China for 290 km and reaches an elevation of just over 4 000m. 

How to Travel from Kashgar to Tashkurgan

Self-drive:  If you want to drive anywhere in China, you must first procure a valid Chinese driving licence. China does not recognize international driving permits, which means you must pass a written exam in China. 

Xinjiang province is infamous for ever-changing policies, countless police checks and other shenanigans, making a self-drive road trip even more challenging than elsewhere in China. 

Taking this into account, it’s most practical to join an organized tour or find a guide in Kashgar to drive you. 

Karakoram Highway Guide in Kashgar : We joined a tour and had a local Uyghur guide in Kashgar who took us to Tashkurgan. Our guide, Sadik, took care of everything, helped us get the necessary paperwork done and arranged a minibus for our group. 

Sadik comes highly recommended, and he can also take you all the way to the Khunjerab Pass or even across the border into Pakistan once borders eventually reopen. 

You can contact Sadik by email at [email protected] or on WeChat: (WeChat ID: wxid_zti16ud7s4i122)

Best Scenery Between Kashgar and Tashkurgan

Red mountain / oytagh canyon.

About 90 km after leaving Kashgar is when the surreal landscapes really start. The aptly named Red Mountain, or Oytagh Canyon, sits right next to the road. 

By the looks of it, this place is quite popular with Chinese campervans, but we’re sure that foreigners won’t be allowed to stay over.

Stop here for a short while to stretch your legs, snap some photos and use the bathroom before hitting the road again. 

After leaving Red Mountain, the drive continues getting more and more spectacular. We went through a police checkpoint where we all had to leave the bus, but Sadik prepared us for it and guided us through the whole process.

Bulongkol Lake / White Sand Lake (白沙湖)

Bulongkol Lake (or White Sand Lake) is the next spectacular stop, and it’s a stunner! Surreal is the only way to describe this gorgeous lake sitting at an elevation of 3300 meters.

The white sand dunes reflecting in the teal-coloured lake and piercing blue skies behind it is unbelievable. Plan to spend a decent amount of time here to enjoy the fantastic scenery and take photos.

Kyrgyz men with their distinguished tall hats have their yaks and Bactrian camels by the shore to pose for photos. You can probably sneak a photo for free, but they ask RMB20 if you want to pose on the animals.

Tip: Remember your sunglasses. There is no shade and the reflecting sun bouncing off the white dunes and water is pretty damn harsh!

Lake Karakul (卡拉库里湖)

The road continues to gain elevation until it reaches Lake Karakul at 3 600m above sea level. Lake Karakul (Black Lake) is the highest lake on the Pamir Plateau, and it’s spectacular.

Snow-covered mountains surround this dazzling Alpine lake, with Muztagh Ata (7 546m) and Gonger Tagh (7 719m) mountains being the most prominent. The snow-capped peaks are genuinely majestic. Yet again, plan to spend quite some time here to appreciate the beauty of the Karakoram highway.

All visitors (including Chinese) needed a special permit to travel beyond Bulongkol Lake during our visit. Due to this, we had the entire shore of Lake Karakol to ourselves.

You can rent a horse from one of the Kyrgyz men on the lakeshore if you feel like a gallop in this incredible scenery. There is also one no-frill restaurant where you can get something to eat.

At Lake Karakul, I started feeling the effect of the altitude and came down with a headache and felt nauseated.

Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County

After Lake Karakul, the road goes over the Shubash Pass at 4081 metres, the highest point on the Chinese side of the Karakoram Highway. The view from the top of the pass down towards Tajikistan (just 20 km away) is unreal!

 After the pass, we reached a colossal sign welcoming us to the Tashkorgan Tajik Autonomous Region. Behind the sign was an equally big police checkpoint we had to go through and do Covid tests. 

In the eastern Pamir Plateau, the Kunlun, Karakoram, Hindukush and Tian Shan Mountains meet, and Tajikistan, Pakistan, Afghanistan and India are all just behind the mountains. It is a sensitive border area with ever-changing regulations. 

• Just after we visited Xinjiang, the Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous Region was entirely off-limits for all travellers due to the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

Taheman Grasslands (塔合曼)

Before reaching the town of Tashkurgan, it’s worthwhile to make a quick stop at the viewpoint overlooking the Taheman Grasslands. After enjoying the peaceful view of the grasslands, winding river and snow-capped mountains, it is just a short drive until reaching Tashkurgan.

We arrived in Tashkurgan just before sunset and booked into our hotel . Tashkurgan dates back almost 2 000 years and is located along the main branch of the Old Silk Road leading from China into Western Asia.

By the time we reached Tashkurgan, most of our group were suffering from the altitude, so we had an early dinner, took some paracetamol and hit the pillows.

The Stone Fort, or Stone City, overlooking Tashkurgan was the seat of the Tajik Kingdom and guarded camel caravans along the Silk Road for aeons.

Some historians believe the Stone Fort to be the  Stone Tower  that Ptolemy mentioned almost 2 000 years ago. Ptolemy’s  Stone Tower  was believed to mark the midway point between Europe and China.

Not much of the Stone Fort remains today, but the top of the walls grants a fantastic view over the grasslands and mountains. 

Entrance to the fort costs RMB 30 and includes the Golden Grasslands at its base.

Golden Grassland

At the foot of the Stone Fort lies the scenic Tashkurgan Grassland (also called the Golden Grasslands). The clear streams, and warm shifting colours of the grass against the cool and dark mountains beyond make for excellent photos.

A series of wooden walkways makes walking in the grassland easy to explore without getting dirty with mud or grass.

Tashkurgan to Pakistan

From Tashkurgan, you will only be allowed onward travel to Khenjerab on the Pakistan border with a valid Pakistan visa. Until borders reopen after Covid, the only way to leave Tashkurgan is to backtrack the same way you came back to Kashgar.

Travelling The Karakoram Highway in China: Q&A

How long to spend between kashgar and tashkurgan.

You will need at least two full days to make the return trip from Kashgar to Tashkurgan. Foreigners are not allowed to spend the night anywhere between the two cities. 

Is it safe to travel the Karakoram Highway in China?

Yes. The China-Pakistan Friendship Highway is in excellent condition. If there is any turmoil in the region, the area will be off-limits to tourists, even if there is no real threat.

The only danger you might face is altitude sickness or camels in the middle of the road. Pack paracetamol, drink enough water and help your driver spot camels on the road. 

Do I need a special permit to travel from Kashgar to Tashkurgan?

Travelling in Xinjiang is tricky, and things are constantly changing. It was possible to go up to Bulongkol Lake without a special permit when we visited. To visit Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan, we needed a special permit. Our guide took care of it all for us in Kashgar before our trip. 

The best advice we can give you is to contact a local tour guide to get the most up-to-date information. Even then, regulations can change at a drop of a hat. 

Recommended Karakoram Higway Tour

We wholeheartedly recommend our Kashgar guide, Sadik, to anyone wishing to travel the Karakoram Highway or anywhere else in Xinjiang. Contact him on [email protected] or on WeChat : (ID: wxid_zti16ud7s4i122)

We put together a customized tour with a local outfit in Shanghai, who arranged everything for us. This tour operator is mainly geared towards ex-pat groups living in China, so individual travellers might like Sadik better. 

Karakoram Highway between Kashgar and Tashkurgan: Final Thoughts

If you’re undecided about whether to embark on this journey: JUST GO! It is an incredible road trip through the most spectacular scenery in China. Travelling the KKH across the Roof of the World is a journey you’ll never forget.

I, for one, can’t wait to return and complete the entire journey all the way to Islamabad!

#openthedamnborders

Hi! The wechat ID you left for Sadik does not exist.. I am wondering if you are still in contact with him? Thanks!

Hi Kas, I still have Sadik on my Wechat and he updates his moments now and then, so he is still around. This is the ID that I see: WeChat ID: wxid_zti16ud7s4i122. Or try his email: [email protected] Hope you can track him down, he is a great man to show you around Xinjiang.

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Best time to visit Kashgar , China

Our verdict

The best time to visit Kashgar is September-October

In summer, the average maximum temperature is around 33℃ (90℉), but temperatures can sometimes reach as high as 35℃ (95℉) on the hottest days of the year. In the colder months such as January, temperatures usually get down to an average minimum of -10℃ (15℉).

If you’re keen to see the sights of Kashgar during the day, the sun stays up the longest around July. May sees the most amount of rain in a month if you’re ok with chancing getting drenched, so if you’re looking to stay dry, visit in October instead.

If you want to learn everything you need to know about the best times to travel to Kashgar, the weather and stats by month and so much more, make sure you keep reading. Once you’re ready, we’ve included a bunch of our favourite online booking tools to help you find the best deals on flights, accommodation and anything else you’ll need for your trip. Happy reading!

Quick links: Fast facts / Seasons / Average temperatures / Monthly climate / FAQs / Map

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Kashgar seasons

Before you continue, it’s important to know when the seasons are in Kashgar as they might be different to yours depending on where in the world you’re travelling from. Kashgar is in the Northern Hemisphere, so the seasons fall during these months:

Average temperatures in Kashgar

If the temperature is a big factor for you to help you decide when to visit, the chart below shows the average minimum and maximum temperatures in Kashgar for each month side-by-side so you can easily see the difference in weather throughout the year. To see the temperatures in both Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F), hover or tap the shaded boxes on the graph.

Kashgar climate by month

If you already have a rough idea about which months you might want to travel, the section below shows a detailed breakdown of the climate in Kashgar for each month so you can see if it all suits your wants and needs. Scroll down, or use the quick menu below to jump to your preferred month.

Kashgar in January

• Average temperature: -7℃ (20℉)
• Average high temperature: -2℃ (28℉)
• Average low temperature: -10℃ (15℉)
• Average humidity: 63%
• Average sunny days: 26 days
• Average rainfall: 3mm (0") over 2 days
• Average snow days: 5 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in January, make sure you pack a thick snow/winter jacket, thermals and some extra layers as it's always very cold.

Add visitor or local insider tips >

Kashgar in February

• Average temperature: -1℃ (30℉)
• Average high temperature: 3℃ (37℉)
• Average low temperature: -5℃ (24℉)
• Average humidity: 58%
• Average sunny days: 22 days
• Average rainfall: 6mm (0") over 2 days
• Average snow days: 6 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in February, make sure you pack a thick snow/winter jacket, thermals and some extra layers as it's always very cold.

Kashgar in March

• Average temperature: 9℃ (48℉)
• Average high temperature: 13℃ (56℉)
• Average low temperature: 5℃ (41℉)
• Average humidity: 35%
• Average sunny days: 25 days
• Average rainfall: 6mm (0") over 5 days
• Average snow days: 2 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in March, make sure you pack a thick snow/winter jacket, thermals and some extra layers as it's always very cold.

Kashgar in April

• Average temperature: 17℃ (63℉)
• Average high temperature: 21℃ (71℉)
• Average low temperature: 12℃ (54℉)
• Average humidity: 25%
• Average sunny days: 23 days
• Average rainfall: 9mm (0") over 6 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in April, make sure you pack a light jumper or hoodie for the evenings and some light clothes for the daytime.

Kashgar in May

• Average temperature: 22℃ (71℉)
• Average high temperature: 26℃ (79℉)
• Average low temperature: 17℃ (62℉)
• Average sunny days: 21 days
• Average rainfall: 19mm (1") over 8 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in May, make sure you pack t-shirts for the daytime and maybe a light jumper for the evenings as it cools down a bit.

Kashgar in June

• Average temperature: 26℃ (78℉)
• Average high temperature: 30℃ (86℉)
• Average low temperature: 21℃ (70℉)
• Average humidity: 22%
• Average sunny days: 19 days
• Average rainfall: 14mm (1") over 8 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in June, make sure you pack t-shirts and shorts.. It stays pretty warm most of the time.

Kashgar in July

• Average temperature: 28℃ (83℉)
• Average high temperature: 33℃ (90℉)
• Average low temperature: 23℃ (74℉)

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in July, make sure you pack t-shirts and shorts.. It stays warm all day and night.

Kashgar in August

• Average temperature: 27℃ (80℉)
• Average high temperature: 31℃ (87℉)
• Average low temperature: 22℃ (72℉)
• Average humidity: 26%
• Average rainfall: 13mm (1") over 7 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in August, make sure you pack t-shirts and shorts.. It stays pretty warm most of the time.

Kashgar in September

• Average temperature: 21℃ (70℉)
• Average high temperature: 25℃ (78℉)
• Average low temperature: 17℃ (63℉)
• Average humidity: 30%
• Average rainfall: 13mm (1") over 6 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in September, make sure you pack t-shirts for the daytime and maybe a light jumper for the evenings as it cools down a bit.

Kashgar in October

• Average temperature: 14℃ (57℉)
• Average high temperature: 18℃ (65℉)
• Average low temperature: 10℃ (50℉)
• Average sunny days: 28 days
• Average rainfall: 2mm (0") over 2 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in October, make sure you pack a warm jacket or coat.

Kashgar in November

• Average temperature: 4℃ (39℉)
• Average high temperature: 8℃ (46℉)
• Average low temperature: 1℃ (33℉)
• Average humidity: 48%
• Average sunny days: 27 days
• Average snow days: 1 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in November, make sure you pack a thick snow/winter jacket, thermals and some extra layers as it's always very cold.

Kashgar in December

• Average temperature: -4℃ (24℉)
• Average high temperature: -1℃ (31℉)
• Average low temperature: -7℃ (19℉)
• Average humidity: 60%
• Average rainfall: 4mm (0") over 1 days
• Average snow days: 3 days

What to pack: If you’re heading to Kashgar in December, make sure you pack a thick snow/winter jacket, thermals and some extra layers as it's always very cold.

😎 When should I go to Kashgar for the hottest weather?

☀ when does it rain the least in kashgar, ☔ when does it rain the most in kashgar, 🌤 when should i go to kashgar if i want the most daylight, kashgar map.

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5 Muslim-friendly holiday destinations to check out

Wednesday, 17 Apr 2024

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The Grand Friday Mosque is the largest mosque in the Maldives. — Visit Maldives

Based on a report by the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) in 2023, Muslim travellers’ estimated expenditure is projected to reach US$225bil (RM1.069 trillion) globally by 2028, with visitor arrivals reaching 230 million.

This is unsurprising considering the traction that halal tourism or Muslim-friendly travels have been gaining in the past decade or so. Momentarily halted by the pandemic, now the tourism industry is picking up again and travellers are eager to resume exploring the world.

It was reported that Muslim international arrivals reached 110 million in 2022, and are expected to match the pre-pandemic or 2019 figures of 160 million by this year.

As the market grew, offerings have also started to diversify in the Muslim travel sphere. Some travellers may seek only halal food, praying amenities and halal accommodations while they enjoy the standard attractions (think water parks, theme parks and the likes). But there are also those who seek, on top of the basic requirements, specific attractions that will broaden their knowledge and appreciation of their Muslim heritage.

If you’re one such traveller who appreciates the value of visiting mosques, shrines and historical sites with Islamic roots, then you may just want to visit these destinations that will offer you plenty to do and see, topped with an unexpected wealth of Muslim-oriented places of interest.

In 2022, Spain was the proud recipient of the Halal In Travel Awards’ “Top Muslim-Friendly Emerging Destination” accolade.

Andalusia, one of Spain’s autonomous communities with the highest Muslim population, is understandably popular among Muslim tourists. It’s a place rich with Islamic heritage, from the Alhambra Palace (cover pic) in Granada and the Medina Azahara in Cordoba, to the Royal Alcazar in Seville.

However, in recent years, there have been ramped up efforts to promote Islamic heritage in other parts of Spain as well. The landlocked Extremadura, which borders Portugal, is one such example.

The eponymous capital city of Badajoz is home to one of the country’s most important historical monuments: Alcazaba of Badajoz. The citadel was founded by Ibn Marwan in 875, but it was only in the 12th century that it took on the appearance that it has now, following construction done by the Almohads.

Located within the citadel is the Archaeological Museum, where you can learn more about the province’s history through archaeology.

Another province in Extremadura is Caceres, which is also a significant historical area. Its capital city of the same name, a World Heritage City, also saw fortifications made by the Almohads that remain standing to this day.

For instance, the 1,174m-long wall that surrounds the historic Old Town of Caceres. Take a stroll along the Adarve or wall-walk to take in the sights of the city without fear of getting lost. As you wander, you will see the three towers that once served as watchtowers: Torre del Horno, Torre de Bujaco and Torre de la Hierba (also spelled Yerba).

With just 298sq km of land area, the Republic Of Maldives in the Indian Ocean is the smallest country in Asia. Its territory expands to 90,000sq km when factoring in the sea, which forms 99.6% of the island nation.

Turquoise waters, white beaches and overwater bungalows are synonymous with the Maldives. But venture to its vibrant capital Male, on the North Male Atoll, and you will see another interesting side to this tropical paradise.

One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Male features narrow streets lined with high-rise buildings. Amid these, you will find more than 30 mosques. These places of worship were traditionally made from coral stone.

Placed on the Unesco World Heritage Tentative List are six mosques collectively known as the Coral Stone Mosques of Maldives: Ihavandhoo Friday Mosque, Meedhoo Friday Mosque, Male Friday Mosque, Male Eid Mosque, Fenfushi Friday Mosque and Isdhoo Old Mosque.

Meanwhile, the Grand Friday Mosque is a more modern iteration with a stark white marble façade that belies the intricate wood carvings, lacquer work and Arabic scriptures within.

It is the biggest mosque in Maldives that’s able to accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers.

Malaysia, along with other nations such as Brunei and Pakistan, lent a hand in building the mosque that is easily identified – even from afar – by its towering golden dome.

Since Maldives is a 100% Muslim country (it requires citizens to be Muslim), rest assured that you will not encounter in its capital any alcohol offerings (these are only allowed within licensed areas such as resorts and cruise boats).

Visitors here are also advised to dress modestly, though activewear and swimwear are fine.

Other than mosque visits, other activities you can do on North Male Atoll include submarine tours, dolphin cruise, visiting the Male markets (one sells only fruit and vegetables, no meat products, while the other sells fresh seafood) and, of course, island hopping.

The Basilan Provincial Capitol was built to commemorate religious influences that shaped Basilan in the Philippines today. — RON RAMOS/Wikimedia Commons

A year after Spain’s win, the Philippines was next to be named Halal In Travel Awards’ Top Muslim-Friendly Emerging Destination.

The city of Zamboanga in the Zamboanga Peninsula, which has a large Muslim population, is among the Philippines’ destinations that is rapidly gaining popularity with Muslim travellers, as it offers a fascinating mix of sights and activities.

In the city’s Taluksangay Barangay, you will find the Taluksangay Mosque. Constructed in 1885 by Hadji Abdullah Maas Nuno, this is said to be the oldest mosque in the region. The religious site can be easily distinguished by its red roof and the minarets surrounding it.

About an hour’s drive from the historical mosque is the Yakan Weaving Village, where you can purchase colourful fabric that have been handwoven using the traditional weaving techniques of the Yakan people, said to be the original indigenous Muslim settlers of Basilan. Bags, seputangan (a square cloth used as head scarf or sash) and other forms of accessories and souvenirs are also sold here.

Basilan, located off the southern coast of Zamboanga Peninsula, has a series of places worth visiting. Its Basilan Provincial Capitol was built to celebrate the religious influences of Islam and Christianity that played a key role in forming the city today.

Previously standing on the site were Fort Isabela II and the Basilan City Hall. The former was destroyed during World War II, and the latter was devoured by fire back in the early 1990s.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a short nature retreat to include in your itinerary, the Great Santa Cruz Island is a slice of holiday paradise featuring pink sand beaches. This unique feature is caused by red corals (organ pipe corals). However, visitors have to book ahead with the City Tourism Office, as only a limited number of visitors are allowed onto the island each day.

According to the World Population Review, India sits third in the ranking of top 10 countries with the largest number of Muslims, totalling 200 million. That makes up 13.87% of the South Asian nation’s total population, which stands at 1.44 billion as of January 2024.

A mention of India as a Muslim holiday destination might conjure up the image of Taj Mahal in your mind. Understandably so, since the majestic mausoleum is a Unesco World Heritage Site described as “the jewel of Muslim art in India”.

But there is more to the country than that. Take Kashmir for instance. The Muslim majority region is renowned for its mountainous peaks, verdant valleys and tranquil lakes. Don’t let the territorial conflict deter you from visiting this picturesque place, as it has been deemed a safe place for tourists.

Although as always, do practice caution when visiting, same as you would in any other country. Kashmir is also home to the Hazratbal Shrine. Situated on the left bank of Srinagar’s Dal Lake, the white marble mosque is revered because housed within it is the holy relic “Moi-e-Muqaddas”, a strand of Prophet Muhammad’s beard. You may visit Hazratbal Shrine from 9.30am to 5.30pm daily, but do note that photography is not allowed in the main sanctum.

Another destination in India that you can explore is Mysore, or Mysuru, down south in Karnataka. With its second largest population being Muslim, after Hindu, the city has plenty of halal food, Muslim-friendly facilities and several mosques to cater to Muslim travellers.

Nicknamed “City Of Palaces”, Mysore boasts seven stunning former royal residencies that now serve as an iconic landmark (Mysore Palace), hotels (Lalitha Mahal Palace, Rajendra Vilas Palace, Chittaranjan Palace), museums (Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion which houses the General, Folklore and Archaeology Museums), an art gallery (Jaganmohan Palace) and even a research institute (Cheluvamba Mansion).

Xinjiang is a Muslim-dominated region in China with a large population of Uyghur people and other ethnic minorities. Aside from its sweeping desert plains and rolling mountains, what you can also experience here is its colourful Muslim heritage.

One such destination that illustrates this is the old city of Kashgar – located in its heart is the Yusuf Khass Hajib Mausoleum. Interred within are the remains of the eponymous 11th-century Muslim poet and philosopher from Kyrgyzstan. He died in 1077, but the burial structure was only built – to pay tribute to his life – hundreds of years after his passing.

Over in Haohan Village, you can visit the 384-year-old Afaq Khoja Mausoleum, named after a religious and political leader renowned in the Uyghur communities. The tomb was originally constructed for his father, who was also an important figure, but today it is the resting place for five generations of the Afaqi family, including Afaq Khoja.

In Urumqi, Shaanxi Great Mosque and the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar will be among the highlights of your trip. Located on the South Heping Road, the mosque has been around since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Take the opportunity to marvel at its architectural beauty, which incorporates traditional Chinese style featuring wooden structures.

Meanwhile, occupying over 10ha (inclusive of an observation tower and a mosque) is the Grand Bazaar that comes alive with some 3,000 handicraft stores.

You will also come across stalls selling local delicacies and other special commodities, such as clothes and knives.

If it’s traditional handicraft by Uyghur artisans that you seek, head to Gaotay Village where crafting skills are handed down as heirlooms through generations. You will even find traditional musical instruments during your visit to the village, which is surrounded by ancient dwellings and from afar, the khaki-coloured houses appear as if they are built on top of one another.

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Kashgar Transportation: Get to Kashgar and Travel Around

Kashgar , once a prosperous trading center on the ancient Silk Road and a convergence point of widely varying cultures and empires, is a mysterious land with a multi-ethnic atmosphere. Of course, authentic Uyghur traditional culture is well-preserved as well. It is wildly recognized that northern Xinjiang is famous for nature while southern Xinjiang is attractive with culture. Kashgar is the biggest highlight of southern Xinjiang and also the gateway to other parts (such as Korla, Kuqa, Aksu, Hotan, etc.) of southern Xinjiang. Though the transport system in Kashgar is not as developed as some big modern cities in China, it can be reached conveniently from several major cities, and operates a quick access to some of its neighboring cities. Here we provide you with specific transfer information about Kashgar, including how to get to Kashgar from major gateway cities, such as Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Urumqi etc., as well as how to get around Kashgar. Read our ultimate Kashgar transportation to help you better travel Kashgar in 2024.

8 Days Classic Xinjiang Tour including Urumqi Turpan Kashgar Tashkurgan

Where is Kashgar – Kashgar Location

Lying at the western end of the Tarim Basin, Kashgar Region is the westernmost place in Xinjiang, China’s westernmost province. It is also situated at the foot of the Pamirs where Tianshan Mountain and Kunlun Mountains join. Kashgar Region borders with 4 foreign countries (namely Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Pakistan) in southwest and several other cities in Xinjiang (including Aksu in the north, Kizilsu Kirghiz in the northwest, Hotan Region in the east). It is about 1,470 km (driving distance) from Urumqi, the provincial capital and the transfer hub in northern Xinjiang.

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Get to Kashgar by Flight

Since there is no high speed train operating in Kashgar currently, taking a flight is the most efficient way to reach Kashgar. There are 2 airports in Kashgar Region and Kashgar International Airport is the most frequently-used one.

Kashgar International Airport (喀什国际机场, IATA: KHG, ICAO: ZWSH)

Address: Yinbin Avenue, Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 新疆维吾尔自治区喀什地区喀什市迎宾大道

It was open to traffic in 1953 and became the busiest transfer hub in southern Xinjiang. It operates or receives about 24 airlines to/off about 20 cities, including Urumqi (2 h), Lanzhou (4 h), Beijing (4.5 h), Chengdu (4.5 h), Xian (5 h), Nanjing (5 h), Shanghai (8.5 h), Bole (2h), Korla (1.5h), Toumchouq (1), Yining (2h), Aksu (1h), Shache (40 m), etc. etc. Learn more about Kashgar Airport: Location, Flight Schedules, Transportation>

Major Kashgar Flight Schedules:

Shache Yarkand Airport (莎车叶尔羌机场, IATA: QSZ, ICAO: ZWSC)

Address: Zirefuxiati Village of Zirefuxiati Tajik Township, Kashgar Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region 新疆喀什地区莎车县孜热普夏提乡

Shache Yarkand Airport serving Shache County (Yarkant) is connected with Korla (1.5h), Kashgar (40m), Urumqi (2h), Aksu (2h), Xian (4.5h), etc. by direct flight. If you want a quick access to Shache for sightseeing, taking a flight is a good idea.

Besides, there is another airport - Tashkurgan Pamir Airport(塔什库尔干帕米尔机场) under construction. When it is open, it will operate flights to some destinations in Xinjiang, such as Kashgar, Shache, Urumqi, Yining, Aksu, etc., and maybe some other big cities like Beijing, Xian, Shenzhen, etc.

Kashgar International Airport

Kashgar Airport Location

Get to Kashgar by Train

For travelers who are interested in a relaxing train journey or a budget transfer, traveling by train is a nice choice. At present, there are only two railways, Southern Xinjiang Railway and the Kashgar-Hotan Railway. These railways link Kashgar with Korla (9.5~16hours), Kuqa (7~12 hours), Aksu (5~9 hours), Shache (2~2.5 hours)and Hotan (5.5~6.5 hours). It is also available to take trains to Kashgar from Urumqi (14.5~24 hours), Turpan (12.5~22 hours), Xian (38.5 hours), Chengdu (48.5 hours) and some other cities through combined railways.

Kashgar Railway Station 喀什站

Address: North Shijie Avenue, Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (新疆喀什世纪大道北路)

Kashgar Railway Station is the only railway station serving Kashgar City. It is about 12 km, 20 minutes’ drive to downtown Kashgar and Kashgar Old City; around 13 km, 25 minutes’ drive to Id Kah Mosque; about 15 km, 20 minutes’ drive to Kashgar Livestock Bazaar (Sunday Market); about 8 km, 15 minutes’ drive to Abakh Hoja Tomb; about 300 km, 6 hours’ drive to Tashkurgan; about 200 km, 4 hours’ drive to Karakul Lake.

▶ Kashgar Train Station

• Kashgar Railway Station

Popular Kashgar High Speed Bullet Train & Normal Train Schedules

Urumqi to kashgar train.

• Turpan to Kashgar Train

Xian to Kashgar Train

Dunhuang to kashgar train.

• Lanzhou to Kashgar Train
• Zhangye to Kashgar Train
• Jiayuguan to Kashgar Train

Chengdu to Kashgar Train

• Korla to Kashgar Train
• Kuqa to Kashgar Train
• Aksu to Kashgar Train
• Shache to Kashgar Train
• Hotan to Kashgar Train

Get from Urumqi to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 1,100 km (about 684 miles)

Travel Time: about 2 hours by nonstop flight, or 14.5~24 hours by train

Urumqi to Kashgar Flight

Urumqi is the transfer hub in northern Xinjiang and Kashgar is the transfer hub in southern Xinjiang. Since Urumqi can be reached easily by flight from many big cities in China's mainland, many travelers choose to travel Uruqmi first and then transfer to Kashgar. In order to have a quick transfer between Urumqi and Kashgar, flight is the most recommended way. Urumqi Diwopu International Airport operates more than 25 flights to Kashgar Airport. You can easily catch a flight from 07:00 to 22:30. The flight duration is about 2 hours.

There are over 6~8 daily trains running from Urumqi Railway Station to Kashgar Railway Station, and all of them are normal trains (including K-trains, T-trains and Y-trains). The fastest train takes about 14.5 hours and the slowest train takes about 24 hours. Remember to book your ticket in advance and choose a faster train to save your time. If you want an in-depth Xinjiang discovery, you can have a stop in the midway cities, including Turpan, Korla, Kuqa and Aksu.

▶ How to Get to Urumqi | Urumqi to Kashgar Travel

☛ 8 Days Xinjiang Classic Tour(Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar) ☛ 6 Days Urumqi to Kashgar Dream Tour - Best Xinjiang Tour for the First-timers

Urumqi Diwopu International Airport

Get from Dunhuang to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 1,600 km (1,000 miles)

Duration: at least 8 hours by connecting flights, or 19.5~23.5 hours by train

Dunhuang to Kashgar Flight

Currently, there are no direct flights operating from Dunhuang to Kashgar. There are only connecting-flights between Dunhuang and Kashgar, and you need to make a transfer in Lanzhou or Xian. The tickets will be a little expensive and the time won’t be short exactly.

We suggest you take a high speed train to Urumqi first, and then take a flight to Kashgar . Liuyuan South Railway Station (about 2 hours’ drive from Dunhuang City) operates 3 daily high speed trains to Urumqi Railway Station, with a duration of about 4.5 hours. It is worthwhile to spend 2~3 days touring Urumqi and its beautiful surroundings (like Turpan and Heavenly Lake).

▶ How to Get to Dunhuang | Dunhuang to Kashgar Travel

Travelers can take a train from Dunhuang to Kashgar, but only normal trains are available. Every day, two daily trains run from Liuyuan South Railway Station and arrive at Kashgar Railway Station on the next day. One train needs about 19.5 hours and the other train needs 23.5 hours. Liuyuan South Railway Station is about 130 km away from Dunhuang City and you can get there by bus or driving.

☛ 10 Days Classic Silk Road Tour (Xian - Dunhuang - Turpan - Kashgar) ☛ 12 Days Silk Road Tour from Beijing (Beijing - Xian - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar)

Liuyuan South Railway Station

Get from Beijing to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 3,400 km (about 2110 miles)

Travel Time: about 4.5 hours by nonstop flight

Beijing to Kashgar Flight

Flight is the most convenient and most efficient way to transfer between Beijing and Kashgar. There are 2~3 daily flights flying from Beijing to Kashgar. Beijing Daxining International Airport runs one nonstop flight and Beijing Capital International Airport runs one nonstop flight and one stopover flight. All the flights arrive at Kashgar International Airport and the nonstop flight takes about 4.5 hours. If you fail to book a direct flight, you can book a connecting flight and make a transfer in Lanzhou or Urumqi.

Beijing to Kashgar Train

Till now, there is no direct train (neither high speed train nor normal train) operating between Beijing and Kashgar. If you insist on a train trip, you can take a high speed train to Xian or Lanzhou first, and then take a normal train to Kashgar. The whole trip needs about 3 days.

▶ How to Get to Beijing | Beijing to Kashgar Travel

☛ 12 Days Silk Road Tour from Beijing (Beijing - Xian - Dunhuang - Turpan - Urumqi - Kashgar)

Beijing Capital International Airport

Get from Shanghai to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 4,200 km (about 2,610 miles)

Travel Time: about 8.5 hours by stopover flight

Shanghai to Kashgar Flight

Traveling between Shanghai and Kashgar, taking a flight is the most recommended way. There are around 3 stopover flights from Shanghai to Kashgar. 2 flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport will take a stop in Urumqi and the other flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport will take as top at Lanzhou. It is about an 8.5 hours' trip.

Shanghai to Kashgar Train

Shanghai does not operate direct trains to Kashgar and you need to make a transfer. It is quite popular to take a high speed train to Xian first and then take a normal train to Kashgar. Because of the transfer in Xian, we suggest you spend 2 or 3 days exploring beautiful Xian.

▶ How to Get to Shanghai | ▶ Shanghai to Kashgar Travel

Get from Xian to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 2,950 km (about 1830 miles)

Travel Time: about 4.5 hours by nonstop flight, or 38.5 hours by train

Xian to Kashgar Flight

Because of the long distance between Xian and Kashgar, taking a flight is most recommended if you want a quick Xian Kashgar trip. Xian Xianyang Airport operates 5~7 direct flights to Kashgar International Airport and 1~2 of them will take an about 45 minutes’ stop in Korla or Aksu. The nonstop flight trip is about 4.5 hours.

There is one daily train running from Xian Railway Station to Kashgar Railay Station. The whole train trip takes about 38.5 hours, and you will depart from Xian at the first night and arrive at Kashgar in the afternoon of the third day. Because of the long train trip, we suggest you book a Hard Sleeper or a Soft Sleeper (better).

▶ How to Get to Xian | ▶ Xian to Kashgar Travel

Get from Chengdu to Kashgar

Linear Distance: 2,720 km (about 1,690 miles)

Travel Time: about 4.5 hours by nonstop flight, or 48.5 hours by train

Chengdu to Kashgar Flight

Just like traveling from other cities far from Kashgar, taking a flight is the best way to get to Kashgar from Chengdu. There are 2 daily flights from Chengdu Kashgar, including one nonstop flight and one flight with an about 1 hour's stop in Urumqi. Both flights depart from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and arrive at Kashgar International Airport. The nonstop flight trip takes about 4.5 hours, and the stopover flight takes about 7 hours.

There is only one daily normal T-train running from Chengdu Railway Station to Kashgar Railway Station. There are 27 mid-way stations and the whole train trip takes about 48.5 hours. Spending more than 2 days on the train, you are suggested to book a Hard Sleeper or Soft Sleeper to enjoy a relatively quieter environment.

▶ How to Get to Chengdu | ▶ Chengdu to Kashgar Travel

Get from Kashgar to Tashkurgan

Distance: 300 km

Travel Time: about 5.5 hours' drive

Tashikurgan is a significant historical town on the ancient Silk Road, which still keeps its old tradition. A Kashgar tour without Tashkurgan is not complete. Since there is no train or flight available at present, driving is the only choice to get to Tashikurgan. The road connects Kashgar and Tashkurgan is National highway 314 which is well-paved and in good condition. During the driving journey, you will see some amazing landscape on the way, including Baisha Lake, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata, etc.

▶ Kashgar to Tashkurgan

☛ 5 Days Legendary Pamirs Tour from Kashgar to Tashkurgan

Get from Kashgar to Karakul

Distance: 190 km

Travel Time: about 4 hours’ drive

For travelers seeking for the natural landscape of Kashgar, Karakul Lake is a must. With reflection of the nearby snow-capped peaks, it shows a different side of Kashgar. There is no flight or train Kashgar to Karakul directly, and driving is the best choice. It is available to take a Kashgar-to-Tashkurghan bus and get off at the lake, but it’s not recommended because leaving the lake will be a problem. Traveling with a local travel agency like China Discovery, you will enjoy worry-free transfer and freedom to stop on the way for sightseeing if possible.

Some travelers might get to Tashkurgan first, and then travel to Karakul. The distance between Tashkurgan and Karakul is about 100 km (about 2.5 hours’ drive).

▶ Kashgar to Karakul

Inner Transportation in Kashgar

In Kashgar City, you can easily travel around by using public transfer means like public bus and taxi. Metro is not operated in Kashgar at present.

Public Bus: There are many public buses able to take you to different sites in the city area of Kashgar, such as Kashgar Railway Station, Kashgar Bazaar, Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, etc.

Taxi: If you want to visit some places a little far from the downtown area, calling a taxi will be more time-effective.

Warm Tip: The bus and taxi drivers don’t speak English usually, and we suggest you use the private transfer from a local travel agency like China Discovery.

Kashgar Bus

How to Plan A Kashgar Xinjiang Tour

How to Get to Kashgar: From mainland cities - you can take domestic flights from Beijing (about 6~7 hours), Xian (about 4 hours), Chengdu (about 6~7 hours), Shanghai (about 8 hours), Guangzhou (about 8 hours), Jinan (about 7 hours), Zhengzhou (about 7 hours), etc., or provincial flights from Urumqi (about 2 hours), Korla (about 1.5 hours), Yili (about 1.5 hours). From the borders - you can also get to Kashgar from land border ports, such as Kalasu Port, Irkeshtam Port, Torugart Port, Khunjerab Port. If you need transfer, we can send a tour guide and driver to pick up you from the borders.

Best Time to Visit Kashgar: suitable for travelling all year around, but May to October is most comfortable and beautiful.

Top Places to Visit Kashgar: Kashgar Old City, Karakul Lake, Tashkurgan (Stone City, Golden Grassland), Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Bazaar

Plus arrival and departure days, you’d better plan at least 4 days for your Kashgar trip . If you want to extend your trip to Tashkurgan , you need at least 5 days. You can spend 2 days exploring attractions in Kashgar city and its old town, such as Kashgar Bazaar, Kashgar Old City, Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Hoja Tomb, Ancient Tea House , etc., then have a day trip to Karakul Lake from Kashgar. If you want to experience something more authentic, Tashkurgan , about 3.5 hours’ drive from Kashgar, is strongly recommended.

☛ 4 Days In-depth Kashgar Tour to Karakul Lake ☛ 5 Days Legendary Pamirs Tour from Kashgar to Tashkurgan

After Kashgar tour, you can take a flight to Urumqi to marvel at the alluring Heavenly Lake and visit the mummy and Silk Road exhibitions in Xinjiang Regional Museum, then keep traveling to Turpan to see the grape valleys, visit historical Jiaohe Ancient City, etc. For an in-depth Silk Road journey, you can travel from Kashgar to Hotan, Kuqa, Taklamakan Desert , etc., which usually need about 8~13 days. If you love landscape, don’t miss out the Kanas Lake in northern Xinjiang.

☛ 6 Days Urumqi to Kashgar Dream Tour - Best Xinjiang Tour for the First-timers ☛ 8 Days Urumqi Turpan Kashgar Xinjiang Tour ☛ 13 Days Xinjiang Silk Road Adventure Tour

Kashgar and Xinjiang regions can also be connected to other Silk Road destinations easily, such as Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Xian , etc. Qinghai, Tibet, Inner Mongolia are also some recommended extensions of Kashgar Xinjiang trip. Find recommended Silk Road tours here or contact us to tailor-make a trip of your own if you want to discover more destinations.

☛ 10 Days Classic Silk Road Tour from Xian ☛ 11 Days Wild In-depth Silk Road Adventure Tour ☛ 15 Days Classic Ancient China Silk Road Tour with Bullet Train Experience

Travel with China Discovery

Want to enjoy a worry-free Kashgar tour? Traveling with China Discovery is strongly recommended. Our local travel guide and driver will pick you up at the airport or train station as you arrive with an air-conditioned and non-smoking vehicle, and then escort you to your hotel or every attraction listed in your itinerary. Great freedom will be given to you whenever you need to stop for sightseeing and photography. You are sure to enjoy a comfortable, safe and efficient experience.

Far more than that, China Discovery is professional to provide high-quality customizable tour. We have got 3,630+ good reviews on TripAdvisor.com, and 1,850+ China travel reviews from the customers. Before your trip, our experienced travel expert will communicate with you one-to-one and organize everything (accommodation, transfer, itinerary…) well. In your trip, our local travel guide will accompany you all the way and introduce the highlights of every place to you. All the experience can be tailor-made according to your group size, travel time, physical condition, personal interest, travel budget and other needs. Feel free to contact us to start your worry-free private tour now!

Private Transfer from China Discovery

Keep Reading About Kashgar

• Kashgar Tours
• Tashkurgan Tours
• Kashgar Travel Guide
• Things to Do in Kashgar
• Kashgar Weather & Seasons
• Travel from Kashgar to Tashkurgan
• Kashgar Maps
• Kashgar Hotels
• Kashgar Airport and Flights
• Kashgar Silk Road
• Kashgar Old City
• Id Kah Mosque
• Karakul Lake
• Kashgar Century-old Teahouse

Keep Reading About Xinjiang Tours & Travel Guide

• Xinjiang Tours
• Urumqi Tours
• Turpan Tours
• Kanas Tours
• How to Plan Xinjiang Trip
• Xinjiang Destinations
• Xinjiang Attractions & Things to Do
• Xinjiang Weather & Seasons
• Xinjiang Transportation
• Xinjiang Maps
• Xinjiang Tips
• Urumqi Travel Guide
• Turpan Travel Guide
• Shache Travel Guide
• Altay Travel Guide
• Hotan Travel Guide
• Kucha Travel Guide
• Ili Travel Guide
• Taklamakan Desert

Recommended Kashgar Tours

Top 3 Kashgar tours chosen by most customers to explore Kashgar in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

10 Days Classic Silk Road Tour (Xian/Dunhuang/Turpan/Kashgar)

Xian / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi / Kashgar

Urumqi - Turpan - Kashgar - Tashkurgan

6 Days Urumqi to Kashgar Dream Tour - Best Xinjiang Tour for the First-timers

Urumqi / Kashgar / Karakul Lake / Tashikurgan / Kashgar

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• Wondrous Xinjiang: Xinjiang's mobile bazaar blooms ahead

URUMQI, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Amid joyful music, vendors enthusiastically peddled goods like nuts, jam and utensils, with the scene resembling a typical marketplace except for the rhythmic chugging sound, indicating that it was a mobile one aboard a train.

The leisurely-paced green train No. 7556, linking Urumqi, the capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to Hotan in the region's southern reaches, operates at a speed of below 80 km per hour.

However, over the past 13 years since it was put into operation, this slow train has served as a marketplace for over 15 million passengers during its 31.5-hour journeys.

Karim Abdurexit, 63, from Xinjiang's Shache County, boarded the train at 5 p.m., carrying his handcrafted wooden bowls. As the train departed from Shache Station, the No. 11 carriage, where he was in, quickly filled with passengers. Accustomed to electronic payments, Karim Abdurexit presented his payment QR code to buyers, facilitating easy transactions without the need to handle cash or provide change.

"This makes transactions seamless and simplifies record-keeping. Take a look, last month alone I earned over 3,800 yuan (524.7 U.S. dollars)," he said, showing his bank account statement on his phone.

According to Karim Abdurexit, he used to frequent countryside bazaars in the past, characterized by donkey carts and swirling dust, a sharp contrast to the mobile bazaar where passengers move through comfortable carriages equipped with amenities like drinking water, toilets and uninterrupted mobile phone signal coverage.

Smartphones are revolutionizing the lifestyle of local residents in Xinjiang. So far, 54,000 5G base stations have been built across the region. Every prefecture-level city, county and township here is now covered by 5G networks, boasting over 20 5G base stations for every 10,000 residents.

Having sold over 70 cans of fig jam, Yimamamat Saipar, a vendor from Atux, set his phone on a tripod for live-streaming. He said he started posting short videos on social platforms last year, which garnered unexpected success. "Today, I prepared 200 cans of fig jam, and I've already sold over 80 online."

Thanks to the internet, his fig products have reached different parts of China such as Shaanxi, Guangdong and other provinces, cities and regions thousands of kilometers away, resulting in an annual income of around 200,000 yuan.

Polatkhan, chief conductor of the train who has worked on this railway line for years, has witnessed significant transformations in this mobile bazaar. "In addition to the typical dry fruits and handicrafts found in markets, this mobile market offers more specialties like yogurt, honey and baked stuffed buns, unique to Xinjiang," he said, adding that the bazaar has brought prosperity for the local farmers.

He noted that the train has made it possible for locals to seek medical services or attend schools outside of Xinjiang, while also drawing visitors to the region for tourism or business.

"In the past, it was just sand and desert as far as the eye could see from the window, but now there are more trees, as well as new industrial parks and enterprises," said Mireban Matiruz, who frequently travels between Kashgar and Hotan, while admiring the lovely view outside.

Gazing at the apricot and pear trees in full blossom from the train window, she joyfully said, "Spring is on its way. I feel a deep sense of happiness every time I travel outside and soak in the beauty of nature. I am sure my hometown will continue to thrive, as will our lives." Enditem

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Opinion: US opposition to Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline risks losing an entire region to China

O n April 22, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, is scheduled for a state visit to Pakistan. Their number one topic probably won’t be Hamas or the Houthis, but rather a pipeline.  

The Iran-Pakistan natural gas pipeline was conceived in 1950, and in 2010 — despite U.S. opposition — the countries concluded a 25-year Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement, and construction of the 2,775 km pipeline from Asaluyeh, Iran, to Multan, Pakistan. The initial cost estimate was $7.5 billion.  

Pakistan suffers persistent power shortages , causing 18-hour blackouts in rural areas and 6- to 10-hour load-shedding in cities. Although Pakistan has made investments in power generation and distribution, in January 2023 the country suffered a breakdown in the national grid. Another blackout happened in October 2022. 

According to the World Bank , an unreliable supply of electricity is “a significant barrier to economic growth.” One recent study found that business profitability in developing countries may be reduced up to almost 40 percent by power crises, and the U.S. Institute of Peace reports of Pakistan, “the shortages impose large costs on the economy as a whole — estimated at about 2 percent of gross domestic product annually — through lower output, exports, and employment.”   

In August 2023, Pakistan announced it was suspending the project under threat of U.S. sanctions. Iran rejected Pakistan’s attempts to get out of its agreement, but granted a 10-year extension, and both sides got to work on a way forward. The Iran-Pakistan natural gas pipeline was already behind schedule (Iran has completed its leg of the pipeline) and Pakistan was facing an $18 billion penalty at the time the Americans intervened.   

In February 2024, Pakistan approved the first phase of the pipeline, and in March 2024 announced it would ask the U.S. to relax sanctions so that the project could proceed. The U.S. promptly responded that “importing gas from Iran would expose Pakistan to U.S. sanctions.”

Pakistan wants to avoid the $18 billion penalty, and Iran has set September 2024 as the deadline to finish the 780-kilometer Pakistan section of the pipeline.  

With the pipeline looking uncertain, one alternative is the Central Asia-South Asia power project , a $1.16 billion plan to export surplus hydroelectricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The U.S. Agency for International Development expects a commercial start in 2024, but that may slip if Afghanistan cannot build power pylons and other facilities. And is it possible to expand the project if Pakistan loses Iranian gas for power generation?

Another potential energy source is the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India natural gas pipeline , an 1,100-mile, $10 billion project to ship 33 billion cubic meters of gas per year that has seen numerous delays since the pipeline consortium was announced in 2014. Construction started in early 2018 with a projected in-service date of 2021, but halted later that year after workers clearing the route were killed by unknown assailants. The project’s $10 billion cost estimate is now a decade old, and an update may cause further delay to the Asian Development Bank-funded effort.  

In June 2023, the United Nations reported conflict between personalities within the Taliban government, which may further delay this project as well, even as Pakistan’s energy deficit worsens. Despite (or perhaps because of) the Taliban infighting, officials from Pakistan and Turkmenistan met in Islamabad in June 2023 and signed a Joint Implementation Plan, committing both sides to speeding up implementation.   

Pakistan’s loss of Iranian natural gas may benefit the U.S. from a trade perspective, as it may create a dependency in Pakistan on American liquified natural gas, as in Europe after the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline and the cancellation of the EastMed gas pipeline.   

Pakistan may eventually move away from gas and quadruple domestic coal-fired power instead, but this will make its already bad air quality even worse. If Pakistan decides to adopt sustainable and green electricity generation, that will open the door for China, the world’s leader in renewable power and supplier of solar panels.   

The Americans already disrupted the region with their failed war in Afghanistan. The gratuitous kneecapping of a needed energy project demonstrates Washington’s heedless pursuit of revenge for its 1979 humiliation in Tehran, regardless of the cost to others. U.S. actions will likely reanimate anti-Americanism — never far beneath the surface — limiting the efforts of Pakistan’s government to move closer to the U.S. and limit its dependence on China.    

Another American aim may be to starve the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor , the $62 billion project to connect Kashgar, China, to Pakistan’s Gwadar port. The corridor is a major component of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, consisting of highways, railways and pipelines. The inability of CPEC to supply water and power to Balochistan, Pakistan’s poorest region, may increase violence by the Baloch insurgency against Chinese companies. 

The winner in all this is China, Pakistan’s “all-weather friend.” China’s minister of foreign affairs, Wang Yi, will probably dispense with “I told you so” and start talking up “win-win” solutions as he steers Pakistan even more into China’s corner.   

China’s big investments in Pakistan , its “lifeline” energy purchases from Iran, its patience and realism in Afghanistan , and its increasing ties in Central Asia, where it has proposed a China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism and entered into Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with former Soviet republics, shows it is “gathering in” countries with natural resources occupying strategic locations in Eurasia.  

The Central Asian republics want good ties with the U.S., but Washington must avoid policies that damage their economies and endanger needed projects like the Trans-Afghan Railway that will link Uzbekistan (and all Central Asia) to Pakistan. Otherwise, U.S. policies will ensure Russia and China will make gains with minimal effort.  

James Durso is a regular commentator on foreign policy and national security who served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years and has worked in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.  

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