Kashgar Carpet Workshop: Where to Buy Authentic Rugs 2026

By Xinjiang Attractions Editorial Team | Last Updated: June 2026

Kashgar is famos for its hand-woven carpets. Here’s where to buy authentic rugs, how to identify quality, and how to ship them home.

Our Experience Buying Carpets in Kashgar

We spent an entire afternoon wandering through the carpet shops in Kashgar Old City. The experience was overwhelming — in a good way. Each shop has stacks of rugs piled high, and the shopkeepers are proud to show off their weavings. We drank tea with a shopkeeper who explained the difference between silk and wool carpets, and how to tell if a rug is hand-made or machine-made.

We ended up buying a small wool carpet (1m x 1.5m) for 800 RMB after bargaining down from 1,500 RMB. The shopkeeper even helped us arrange shipping to our home country — it arrived three weeks later in perfect condition.

The key is to take your time. Don’t rush. The more you learn about the craftsmanship, the more you’ll appreciate what you’re buying.

Where to Buy Authentic Kashgar Carpets

1. Handicraft Street (Bositeng Street)
This is the main street in the Old City for handicrafts. It’s lined with carpet shops, embroidery workshops, and copperware stores. Prices are higher here (tourist area), but the quality is generally good.

2. Kashgar Sunday Market
The Sunday Market has a carpet section where you can find both new and vintage rugs. Prices are lower than in the Old City shops, but you need to know how to identify quality.

3. Factory Workshops
Some carpet workshops allow visitors to watch the weaving process. These are usually located in the outskirts of Kashgar. Ask your hotel to arrange a visit.

How to Identify a Quality Carpet

• Material: Silk carpets are the most expensive and finest. Wool carpets are more durable and cheaper. Cotton is used for the base (warp and weft).
• Knot density: More knots per square inch = higher quality. Silk carpets can have 200–500 knots per square inch. Wool carpets typically have 80–150.
• Hand-made vs. machine-made: Hand-made carpets have slight imperfections (which is a good thing). Machine-made rugs are too perfect. Flip the carpet over — hand-made ones have the same pattern on both sides.
• Dye: Traditional carpets use natural dyes (from plants and insects). They have richer, more complex colors. Chemical dyes look flat.

Popular Carpet Patterns

1. Guls (medallions): Round or diamond-shaped central motifs, typical of Turkmen carpets.

2. Boteh (paisley): Tear-drop shaped motifs, common in Persian and Kashgar carpets.

3. Geometric patterns: Straight lines and angles, typical of nomadic weavings.

4. Floral patterns: Curving designs with flowers and vines, more common in silk carpets.

Prices: What to Expect

Type	Size	Price Range (RMB)
Wool carpet	1m x 1.5m	500–1,500
Wool carpet	2m x 3m	2,000–5,000
Silk carpet	1m x 1.5m	3,000–8,000
Silk carpet	2m x 3m	10,000+

Note: These are approximate prices as of 2024. Bargain hard!

Bargaining Tips

• Always negotiate — prices are rarely fixed.
• Start at 40–50% of the initial asking price.
• Be friendly but firm. Smiling helps.
• If you’re not sure about the price, walk away. The vendor may call you back with a lower offer.
• Buy multiple items to get a better deal.

Shipping Your Carpet Home

1. Through the shop: Many carpet shops in the Old City offer shipping services. They’ll pack the carpet and send it via international courier (DHL, EMS). Cost: 300–800 RMB depending on size and destination.

2. Kashgar Post Ofice: The main post ofice in Kashgar can ship carpets internationally. You’ll need to pack it yourself (they sell packing materials). Cost: 200–500 RMB.

3. Carry-on: Small carpets (less than 1m x 1m) can be folded and placed in your luggage. Check with your airline for size/weight restrictions.

Shipping time: 2–4 weeks to Europe/North America. 1–2 weeks to other Asian countries.

Carpet Care Tips

• Vacuum regularly (but not too aggressively).
• Rotate the carpet every few months to ensure even wear.
• Avoid direct sunlight (it fades the colors).
• If it gets wet, dry it quickly to prevent mold.
• Professional cleaning every 3–5 years for silk carpets.

Sample Itinerary: Carpet Shopping Day in Kashgar

10:00 AM: Start at Handicraft Street. Visit 3–4 shops to compare prices and quality.

12:00 PM: Lunch at a nearby Uyghur restaurant.

1:30 PM: Visit a carpet workshop to see the weaving process.

3:00 PM: Return to Handicraft Street to make your purchase.

4:30 PM: Arrange shipping at the post ofice or through the shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Kashgar carpets a good investment?
A: High-quality hand-made carpets can appreciate in value over time, especially silk ones. However, buy because you love it, not as an investment.

Q: Can I customize a carpet?
A: Yes, some workshops accept custom orders. You can specify the size, pattern, and colors. Delivery time: 2–6 months.

Q: How do I know if a carpet is really hand-made?
A: Flip it over. Hand-made carpets have the same pattern on both sides. Machine-made ones have a backing. Also, hand-made carpets have slight irregularities in the knotting.

Disclaimer

This guide is based on our team’s personal shopping experiences in Kashgar and extensive research. However, prices, shop availability, and shipping options can change. The information provided here is for general planning purposes only. We are not responsible for any issues arising from reliance on this information. Always verify current conditions and prices on-site.

We do not have any commercial relationship with the shops or workshops mentioned in this article. Our recommendations are based solely on our experience as travelers.

About the Author

Meta Description: Buy authentic Kashgar carpets with our 2024 guide. Learn where to shop, how to identify quality, bargain tips, and how to ship rugs home from Xinjiang.