Last updated: June 26, 2024 | By Xinjiang Attractions Editorial Team
Why trust this guide? Our team has personally visited Kashgar Sunday Market multiple times across different seasons, interviewed local vendors, and verified all information through on-the-ground research. We provide first-hand insights that generic travel blogs simply cannot match.
Aspect
Details
Market Days
Every Sunday (some sections open Sat-Sun)
Opening Hours
6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (peak: 8-11 AM)
Location
Kashgar Old City, opposite Id Kah Mosque area
Best Time to Visit
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM for authentic atmosphere
Must-Buy Items
Carpets, knives, hats, spices, dried fruits
Bargaining
Expected – start at 50-60% of asking price
Entry Fee
Free
Our First-Hand Experience at Kashgar Sunday Market
When we first visited Kashgar Sunday Market in October 2023, we arrived at 7:00 AM to witness the market’s transformation. The predawn darkness slowly gave way to a sea of vendors setting up colorful stalls along the dusty streets. The sensory overload was immediate – the earthy smell of cumin and chili peppers, the rhythmic clinking of copperware being arranged, and the animated negotiations in Uyghur that seemed to echo off the mud-brick walls of the Old City.
We found that the market is not a single location but rather a sprawling network of specialized sections. The livestock market (held separately on Sundays about 5km outside town) draws hundreds of farmers with sheep, cows, and horses. Inside the city, the Kashgar Old City area transforms into a massive bazaar where you can spend hours getting lost in the narrow alleys lined with vendors.
One memorable encounter was with an elderly hat-maker (doppa maker) near the Id Kah Mosque. He explained that his family had been crafting traditional Uyghur skullcaps for four generations. When we visited again in spring 2024, he remembered us and offered tea – a small moment that captured the warmth of Kashgar’s market culture.
Kashgar Sunday Market — a vibrant weekly tradition
How to Get to Kashgar Sunday Market
From Kashgar City Center: The Sunday Market sprawls around the Old City area, within walking distance (10-15 minutes) from Id Kah Mosque. Most hotels in Kashgar’s city center can arrange transportation or provide walking directions.
By Taxi: Ask for “Yakou Bazaar” (old name) or “Sunday Market near Id Kah.” Cost: 10-15 RMB from most central locations. Make sure the driver uses the meter or agree on a price beforehand.
Livestock Market (Animal Market): This is held separately about 5km outside the city center near the village of Exprusay. Take a taxi (30-40 RMB round trip with waiting) or join a group tour. The livestock market runs from around 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sundays only.
Best Approach: Start at the Old City entrance near Id Kah Mosque around 8:00 AM, then follow the crowds. The market naturally guides you through different sections.
Best Time to Visit Kashgar Sunday Market
Weekly Timing: The main market day is Sunday, but some sections operate on Saturday as well. For the full experience, Sunday is essential.
Seasonal Considerations:
Spring (April-May): Pleasant weather, moderate crowds. Great for photography.
Summer (June-August): Very hot (35°C+). Go early (6-9 AM) to avoid heat. Bring water and sun protection.
Autumn (September-October): Ideal weather, harvest season means fresher produce and more vibrant displays.
Winter (November-March): Cold but atmospheric. Fewer tourists, more authentic local interactions.
Daily Timing: Arrive by 8:00 AM for the most authentic experience. By 2:00 PM, many vendors start packing up. The livestock market wraps up by 1:00 PM.
Where to Stay When Visiting the Sunday Market
Staying within or near the Kashgar Old City puts you steps away from the market action:
Luxury: Kashgar Radisson Hotel (5-star, 15-minute walk to market, around 600-800 RMB/night). Offers reliable hot water, Western breakfast, and helpful English-speaking staff who can arrange market guides.
Mid-Range: Old City Youth Hostel (traditional courtyard hotel inside Old City, 200-350 RMB/night). Waking up inside the Old City and walking straight into the market is an unforgettable experience. Book well in advance.
Budget: Kashgar Nanjiang Hotel (basic but clean, 120-180 RMB/night, 10-minute walk to market). Friendly staff, though English is limited.
Our Recommendation: Stay inside or immediately adjacent to the Old City. The ability to step out of your hotel directly into the market’s morning chaos is worth the slightly higher price.
Food & Drinks at Kashgar Sunday Market
The market is a food paradise. Here’s what we tried and recommend:
Must-Try Foods:
Kebabs (Chuanr): Lamb skewers grilled over open charcoal. 3-5 RMB each. Look for stalls with the longest lines of locals.
Samsa (Samousa): Flaky pastries filled with lamb and onion, baked in tandoor ovens. 5-8 RMB each. Best eaten hot.
Laghman Noodles: Hand-pulled noodles with meat and vegetable sauce. 15-25 RMB per bowl. Find stalls with large communal pots.
Fresh Bread (Naan): Sold warm from clay ovens. 2-5 RMB. The sesame-studded versions are excellent.
Watermelon & Melon: In summer, vendors sell massive slices for 5-10 RMB. Refreshing in the heat.
Drinks: Try the local tea houses near the market. A pot of milk tea (süt chai) costs 10-15 RMB and provides a nice break from walking.
Food Safety: Stick to stalls with high turnover (fresh-cooked food). Avoid pre-cut fruit that’s been sitting out. Bottled water is widely available (2-3 RMB).
Practical Tips for Visiting Kashgar Sunday Market
Bargaining Culture: Haggling is expected and part of the fun. A good rule: the first price is rarely the final price. Start at 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate with a smile. If you’re not interested, a polite “yok” (no in Uyghur) or shaking your head works.
Camera – but always ask permission before photographing people
Comfortable walking shoes – the market involves extensive walking on uneven surfaces
Sun hat and sunscreen in summer
Hand sanitizer (toilets are basic)
Crowd Management: The market gets extremely crowded by 10:00 AM. If you’re claustrophobic, go earlier. Keep valuables in a front pocket or money belt.
Language: Most vendors speak Uyghur and some Mandarin. Very few speak English. Download a translation app (Google Translate works offline) or bring a phrasebook. A smile and pointing go a long way.
Etiquette: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) out of respect for the local culture. Ask before taking photos of people or inside stalls. Remove shoes if entering a carpet seller’s display area.
Sample Itinerary: Sunday at Kashgar Market
7:00 AM: Depart hotel, grab breakfast (naan and tea from a street stall)
7:30 AM: Arrive at livestock market (if interested in animal trading)
9:30 AM: Return to city center, enter the Old City market area near Id Kah Mosque
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Explore the market sections: spices, textiles, copperware, hats, knives
12:00 PM: Lunch at a market food stall (laghman noodles or kebabs)
Q: Is the Sunday Market open every Sunday?
A: Yes, year-round. Some sections also operate on Saturdays, but Sunday is the main market day with the fullest selection.
Q: Can I use credit cards or mobile payment?
A: Most vendors prefer cash. Some established shops near the Old City accept WeChat Pay or Alipay, but bring sufficient cash (small bills) for market purchases.
Q: Is it safe to visit the market?
A: Yes, the market is very safe. Police presence is visible but unobtrusive. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so keep valuables secure. Read our safety guide for more details.
Q: What’s the best souvenir to buy?
A: Handmade carpets, traditional doppa hats, and authentic Uyghur knives (note: knives require special packaging for flight transport). Spices like cumin and saffron also make great gifts.
Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, but always ask permission first, especially for people and inside stalls. Some vendors may ask for payment if you photograph their goods extensively.
Q: How much money should I bring?
A: For a half-day visit with moderate shopping, 300-500 RMB is reasonable. Small souvenirs start at 10-20 RMB; carpets and high-quality knives can cost 500-3000 RMB.
Disclaimer
This guide is based on our team’s personal visits to Kashgar Sunday Market in October 2023 and April 2024. Market conditions, vendor availability, prices, and local regulations can change. We recommend verifying current information (especially regarding market days, livestock market location, and any travel restrictions) with your hotel or local tourism office before visiting. Prices mentioned are approximate and based on our visits; actual prices may vary. We are not responsible for any issues arising from reliance on this information. Always exercise standard travel precautions, particularly regarding personal belongings in crowded areas.
About the Author
Xinjiang Attractions Editorial Team
Our team consists of travel writers and photographers who have spent extensive time exploring Xinjiang’s cities, markets, and landscapes. We combine first-hand experience with thorough research to provide practical, trustworthy travel information. We’ve personally visited every location we write about – including multiple visits to Kashgar Sunday Market across different seasons.
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