Meta Description: Explore Kashgar Old City, the best-preserved Islamic city in China. Complete guide with history, attractions, best time to visit, accommodation, and cultural tips.
Kashgar Old City, Kashgar travel guide, Xinjiang attractions, Silk Road tourism
—
Kashgar Old City: Complete Travel Guide 2024
Step into Kashgar Old City (喀什古城), and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. With its winding alleys, mud-brick houses, vibrant bazaars, and the call to prayer echoing from ancient mosques, this is one of the most authentic and atmospheric places in all of China.
As the westernmost city in China and a historic oasis on the Silk Road, Kashgar has been a melting pot of cultures for over 2,000 years. The Old City, with a history of over 2,000 years, is the largest and best-preserved Islamic city in China. In 2012, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor.”
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this captivating destination.
Where is Kashgar Old City?
Kashgar (Kashi) is located in the southwest of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, near the border with Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Kashgar Old City is in the center of Kashgar city, covering an area of 8.36 square kilometers.
Distance from other cities:
- Urumqi to Kashgar: 1,470 km (2-hour flight or 24-hour train)
- Turpan to Kashgar: 1,200 km (14-hour train)
How to Get to Kashgar
By Air (Recommended)
Kashgar Airport (KHG) has direct flights from:
- Urumqi (2 hours, ¥800-1500)
- Beijing (6 hours with stop, ¥2000-3000)
- Shanghai (7 hours with stop, ¥2500-3500)
- Xi’an (5 hours with stop, ¥1500-2500)
By Train
- Urumqi to Kashgar: 24 hours (hard seat ¥290, hard sleeper ¥500)
- Kashgar to Hotan: 5 hours (¥50)
By Bus
Long-distance buses connect Kashgar with other Xinjiang cities, but the journeys are long and uncomfortable. Not recommended unless you’re on a tight budget.
Getting Around Kashgar Old City
The Old City is pedestrian-only (no cars allowed). You’ll explore on foot, which is the best way to soak in the atmosphere.
Transportation to/from the Old City:
- Taxi: ¥10-20 within Kashgar city
- Bus: ¥1-2 (routes 1, 2, 7 go to the Old City area)
- Walking: If your hotel is nearby, walking is pleasant and convenient
Best Time to Visit Kashgar Old City
Peak Season (May to October)
May-June: Pleasant weather (15-30°C), flowers blooming
July-August: Hot (25-35°C), but lots of outdoor activities and festivals
September-October: Ideal weather (10-25°C), harvest season, beautiful light
Winter (November to April)
- Cold but not extreme (can drop to -10°C)
- Fewer tourists
- Some guesthouses and restaurants may be closed
Our Recommendation: May-June or September-October for the best weather and cultural experiences.
Special Event: Kashgar Silk Road Culture and Tourism Festival (usually September) features traditional music, dance, and handicraft demonstrations.
Entrance Fees
Good news: Entrance to Kashgar Old City is FREE. You can wander the alleys and soak in the atmosphere without paying a ticket.
However, some specific attractions within or near the Old City charge entrance fees:
- Id Kah Mosque: ¥45/person
- Apak Khoja Mausoleum (Xiangfei Tomb): ¥75/person
- Kashgar Museum: Free (closed on Mondays)
Top Things to Do in Kashgar Old City
1. Get Lost in the Alleys
The Old City is a maze of over 200 narrow alleys (hutongs) winding between mud-brick houses. Getting lost is part of the experience – you’ll discover hidden courtyards, children playing, and locals going about their daily lives.
- Time needed: At least half a day
- Photography: Ask permission before photographing people
- Tip: The area around Wuzhongyoulou Road is particularly atmospheric
2. Visit Id Kah Mosque
The largest mosque in China, Id Kah Mosque (艾提尕尔清真寺) can accommodate 20,000 worshippers. Its stunning Islamic architecture and peaceful courtyard offer a glimpse into the religious life of Kashgar’s Muslim community.
- Entrance fee: ¥45/person
- Dress code: Modest clothing required (no shorts, sleeveless tops)
- Non-Muslims: Can visit the courtyard and prayer hall (except during prayer times)
3. Explore the Sunday Market (Bazaar)
Kashgar’s Sunday Market is one of the largest and most vibrant in Central Asia. It’s actually several markets combined:
- livestock Market: Donkeys, sheep, cows, camels (Sundays, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
- F Food Bazaar: Fresh produce, spices, dried fruits
- Handicraft Bazaar: Carpets, knives, textiles, musical instruments
Location: About 3 km from the Old City (take a taxi or bus)
Best time: Arrive early (9:00 AM) to avoid crowds
4. Visit Apak Khoja Mausoleum (Xiangfei Tomb)
This beautiful Islamic tomb complex is the final resting place of Apak Khoja, a powerful 17th-century ruler, and his family. It’s also known as the “Xiangfei Tomb” (Fragrant Concubine Tomb) due to a legend that one of the women buried here was a concubine of Emperor Qianlong.
- Entrance fee: ¥75/person
- Architecture: Stunning blue-tiled domes and minarets
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
5. Watch a Cultural Performance
Several venues in the Old City offer traditional Uyghur music and dance performances.
- Kashgar Old City Theatre: Traditional dance and music (¥150-280/ticket)
- Local teahouses: Sometimes host impromptu performances
6. Drink Tea at a Traditional Teahouse
Kashashi (teahouses) are social hubs where locals gather to drink tea, play cards, and chat. Visitors are welcome.
- Recommended: Old City Teahouse (near Id Kah Mosque)
- What to order: Green tea (¥5-10), nuts, dried fruits
- Experience: Authentic atmosphere, great people-watching
7. Shop for Handicrafts
Kashgar is famous for traditional handicrafts. The Old City has numerous shops selling:
- Uyghur knives (英吉沙小刀): Beautifully crafted, but note that knives cannot be taken on planes
- Carpets and rugs: Hand-woven, high quality
- Atlas silk: Colorful traditional Uyghur silk
- Musical instruments: Dutar (two-stringed lute), tambur, etc.
- Jade: Hetian jade is prized throughout China
Bargaining: Expected and encouraged. Start at 50-60% of the asking price.
8. Try Local Cuisine
Kashgar offers some of the best Uyghur food in Xinjiang. Must-try dishes:
- Laghman (拉面): Hand-pulled noodles with meat and vegetables
- Samsa (烤包子): Baked dumplings with meat filling
- Kebabs (烤肉): Grilled meat skewers
- Polo (抓饭): Rice pilaf with carrots, meat, and raisins
- Naan (馕): Traditional flatbread
- Yogurt drink (酸奶): Refreshing and tangy
Recommended restaurants:
- Old City Family Restaurant: Authentic Uyghur home cooking
- Kashgar Food Street: Various local snacks
- Night Market: Opens after sunset, great atmosphere
9. Visit the Kashgar Museum
Learn about the history and culture of Kashgar and the Silk Road.
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
10. Take a Day Trip to Nearby Attractions
Karakul Lake (喀拉库勒湖):
- Stunning alpine lake with views of Muztagh Ata (7,546m)
- 200 km from Kashgar (4-5 hours by car)
- Can be visited as a long day trip or overnight trip
Stone City (石头城):
- Ancient stone fortress near Taxkorgan
- On the way to Karakul Lake
Oytagh Glacier Park (奥依塔克冰川公园):
- Beautiful glacier and mountain scenery
- 120 km from Kashgar
Where to Stay in Kashgar
Inside or Near the Old City (Recommended)
Staying inside or near the Old City allows you to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the Old City at sunrise and sunset when the tour groups have left.
Options:
- Boutique guesthouses: ¥150-400/night
– Traditional courtyard houses converted into guesthouses
– Authentic atmosphere
– Examples: Kashgar Old Town Homestay, Silk Road Hotel
- Budget hostels: ¥50-100/night
– Examples: Kashgar Airport Hostel, Old City Youth Hostel
- Mid-range hotels: ¥200-500/night
– Examples: Kashgar Hotel, Tianyuan International Hotel
Outside the Old City
More hotel options but less atmospheric.
Recommendation: Stay in the Old City area for the authentic experience.
Booking: Use Ctrip, Booking.com, or contact guesthouses directly. Book in advance during peak season (July-August, October).
Essential Travel Tips
1. Respect Local Culture and Religion
Kashgar is a predominantly Muslim city. Dress modestly (no shorts, sleeveless tops), especially when visiting mosques. Remove your shoes before entering a mosque.
2. Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and in religious contexts.
3. Bargaining
Bargaining is expected in markets and small shops. Be friendly and good-natured about it.
4. Halal Food
All food in Kashgar is halal. Pork and alcohol are not available in most restaurants (except in some hotels).
5. Language
The main languages are Uyghur and Mandarin Chinese. English is not widely spoken. Consider hiring a local guide or using a translation app.
6. Safety
Kashgar is generally very safe for tourists. The area is well-policed. Follow local laws and regulations.
7. Cash is King
Many small shops and restaurants don’t accept credit cards. Bring enough cash (RMB).
8. Best Time of Day to Explore the Old City
- Early morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Peaceful, few tourists, beautiful light
- Late afternoon (5:00-8:00 PM): Golden light, lively atmosphere
- Avoid: Midday (12:00-3:00 PM) when the sun is strongest
Sample 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the Old City
8:00 AM: Breakfast at a local teahouse
9:00 AM: Wander the alleys of the Old City, get lost intentionally
12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant (try laghman or samsa)
2:00 PM: Visit Id Kah Mosque
4:00 PM: Shopping at the handicraft market
6:00 PM: Dinner at the night market
8:00 PM: Cultural performance (optional)
Day 2: Markets and Surroundings
9:00 AM: Visit the Sunday Market (livestock market if it’s Sunday)
12:00 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Visit Apak Khoja Mausoleum
4:00 PM: Relax at a teahouse
6:00 PM: Visit Kashgar Museum (if interested)
Evening: Farewell dinner, maybe try a different restaurant
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kashgar Old City safe to visit?
Yes, Kashgar is very safe for tourists. The city is well-policed, and crime rates are low.
Do I need a permit to visit Kashgar?
Generally, no special permit is needed for Kashgar city. However, if you plan to travel to border areas (like Taxkorgan County), you’ll need a border pass.
Can I visit Kashgar independently?
Absolutely. Kashgar is well set up for independent travelers, with accommodation, restaurants, and attractions clearly signposted.
What is the food like in Kashgar?
Kashgar offers delicious Uyghur cuisine – laghman noodles, samsa, kebabs, polo rice, and naan bread. All food is halal.
Where can I buy souvenirs?
The Old City and Sunday Market are the best places to buy souvenirs – handicrafts, carpets, knives, musical instruments, and dried fruits.
How many days do I need in Kashgar?
We recommend 2-3 days to explore the Old City thoroughly and perhaps take a day trip to nearby attractions like Karakul Lake.
Conclusion
Kashgar Old City is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Its winding alleys, ancient mosques, vibrant bazaars, and warm hospitality offer a glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
As you wander through the mud-brick labyrinth, sip tea at a traditional teahouse, haggle over a hand-woven carpet, or watch the sunset from the city walls, you’ll understand why Kashgar has captivated travelers on the Silk Road for millennia.
Plan to spend at least two days in this enchanting city, respect local customs, and come with an open mind and heart. Kashgar will reward you with memories – and photographs – that will last a lifetime.
—
Related Articles:
- [Urumqi Travel Guide](#)
- [Turpan Travel Guide](#)
- [Xinjiang Silk Road Tours](#)
- [Uyghur Culture and Traditions](#)
—
*Last updated: June 2024*
