When we first visited Kashgar Sunday Market, we didn’t know what to expect. We arrived around 9:00 AM on a Sunday, and the scene was already buzzing. The air was filled with the smell of roasting lamb, the sound of bargaining in Uyghur and Mandarin, and the sight of colorful piles of spices, fruits, and textiles stretching as far as the eye could see.
We found ourselves wandering through the livestock section first — not for the faint of heart, but fascinating if you want to see traditional Central Asian trade in action. Donkeys, sheep, and cattle are bought and sold in a chaotic, lively atmosphere that has changed little in centuries. Later, we moved into the carpet and handicraft sections, where we spent hours examining the intricate patterns of Kashgar carpets and sipping tea with shopkeepers who were happy to share stories even if we didn’t buy anything.
The market is not a tourist trap — it’s a working market where locals do their weekly shopping. That’s what makes it special. Yes, there are stalls selling souvenirs, but the heart of the market is the everyday commerce of Kashgar life.
Traditional Xinjiang architecture
Getting to Kashgar Sunday Market
Kashgar is well-connected by air and rail. Most travelers fly into Kashgar Airport (KHG), which has regular flights from Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and other major Chinese cities. From the airport, it’s about a 20-30 minute taxi ride to the city center and the Old City area where the market is located.
If you’re already in Kashgar, the market is easily reachable:
By taxi: Ask for “Kashgar Bazaar” or show the driver the Chinese name: 喀什大巴扎. Expect to pay 10-20 RMB within the city.
By bus: Local buses 20, 23, and 28 stop near the market area. Look for signs pointing to “东门大巴扎” (East Gate Bazaar).
On foot: If you’re staying in the Old City, the market is walkable from most guesthouses and hotels.
Best Time to Visit
Sunday is the main market day — that’s when the market is at its largest and most vibrant. The livestock market (cattle and donkey market) only happens on Sundays, so if that’s what you’re after, you must come on a Sunday.
However, “Sunday Market” is a bit of a misnomer. Parts of the market operate daily, especially the sections selling dried fruits, spices, and tourist souvenirs. If you visit on a weekday, you’ll still find plenty to see and buy, just on a smaller scale.
Time of day matters too:
Early morning (8-10 AM): Best for the livestock market and seeing locals do their serious shopping. Less crowded with tourists.
Mid-morning to noon (10 AM-2 PM): Peak activity. Best overall experience.
Afternoon (2-6 PM): Still busy, but some vendors start packing up. Good for bargain hunting.
Seasonal considerations: Kashgar is extremely hot in summer (June-August, often 35-40°C). Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most pleasant times to visit.
Where to Stay in Kashgar
We strongly recommend staying in or near the Kashgar Old City (Kashgar Livu Cheng). This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only the cultural heart of the city but also within walking distance of the Sunday Market.
Budget options: There are several guesthouses and hostels in the Old City area, typically ranging from 80-150 RMB per night. These are basic but clean and often run by local Uyghur families.
Mid-range: Hotels like the Radisson Blu Hotel Kashgar offer comfort and reliability, usually 10-15 minutes by taxi from the market (300-600 RMB/night).
Booking tip: During peak travel seasons (July-August, Chinese Golden Weeks), accommodation in Kashgar fills up quickly. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
What to Eat at the Market
The food alone is worth the trip. Here’s what we tried and recommend:
Kebabs (Chuanr): Skewers of lamb grilled over charcoal, seasoned with cumin and chili. Expect to pay 3-5 RMB per skewer.
Naan bread: Freshly baked in clay ovens. 2-5 RMB each.
Polo (Uyghur pilaf): Rice dish with carrots, lamb, and raisins. A filling meal for 15-25 RMB.
Fresh fruit: Depending on the season, you’ll find melons, grapes, apricots, and pomegranates. Xinjiang fruit is famously sweet due to the region’s intense sunlight.
Food safety note: Stick to cooked food and peeled fruits. The market is generally clean, but as with any street food, use your judgment.
What to Buy (and How to Bargain)
The market is divided into sections. Here’s what each offers:
1. Livestock Market (Sundays only)
Donkeys, sheep, cows, and horses. Not for buying unless you know what you’re doing, but incredible to watch.
2. Carpet and Textile Section
Hand-woven carpets, embroidered caps (doppa), and silk products. Prices range from 500 RMB for small pieces to 10,000+ RMB for large, high-quality carpets. Bargain hard — start at 50% of the asking price.
3. Spice and Dried Fruit Section
Cumin, saffron, dried apricots, raisins, walnuts. Excellent quality and much cheaper than in western China or abroad. Expect to pay 30-60 RMB per kg for dried fruits.
4. Handicrafts and Souvenirs
Wooden bowls, musical instruments (dutar, rawap), knives (note: you cannot take knives on planes), and jewelry.
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.
Cash is preferred, though Alipay/WeChat Pay are increasingly accepted.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Cash: Bring cash (RMB). Small bills are helpful for bargaining.
Dress modestly: Kashgar is a conservative, predominantly Muslim city. Cover shoulders and knees.
Photography: Ask before photographing people. Many vendors are happy to pose, but some may ask for payment. A small tip (5-10 RMB) is appropriate for close-up portraits.
Toilets: Public toilets are basic. Carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
Language: Mandarin is spoken by most vendors, but Uyghur is the primary language. A translation app can be helpful.
Sample Itinerary: One Day in Kashgar (Market Day)
8:00 AM: Arrive at the Sunday Market early. Head straight to the livestock section.
10:00 AM: Explore the carpet and textile section. Take your time — this is where you’ll find the best souvenirs.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a food stall in or near the market. Try polo or laghman noodles.
1:30 PM: Visit Id Kah Mosque, which is a short walk from the market. It’s the largest mosque in China.
3:00 PM: Wander through the Kashgar Old City. The narrow alleys, mud-brick houses, and tea houses are endlessly photogenic.
5:00 PM: Relax at a rooftop café in the Old City.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a Uyghur restaurant. Try dapanji (big plate chicken) or more kebabs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Sunday Market safe for tourists?
A: Yes. Kashgar is generally very safe for tourists. The market area is busy and well-patrolled. Exercise normal precautions, but there’s no specific safety concern.
Q: Can I use a credit card at the market?
A: No. The market is cash-based. Some larger shops near the market accept mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay), but you’ll need a Chinese bank account or a foreign card linked to these apps.
Q: Is the market accessible for people with mobility issues?
A: Partially. The main market areas are flat, but the Old City streets are narrow and uneven. Wheelchair access is limited.
Q: Can I ship purchases home?
A: Yes. There are shipping services in Kashgar that can send packages internationally, though it can be expensive and slow. For small items (spices, dried fruits), it’s easier to take them with you in your luggage.
Disclaimer
This guide is based on our team’s personal visits to Kashgar Sunday Market and extensive research. However, market conditions, vendor availability, prices, and local regulations 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, opening hours, and travel restrictions before your trip. Prices mentioned are approximate and based on our visits; actual prices may vary.
We do not have any commercial relationship with the vendors, hotels, or services mentioned in this article. Our recommendations are based solely on our experience as travelers.
About the Author
Xinjiang Attractions Editorial Team
Our team consists of travel writers and photographers who have spent extensive time exploring Xinjiang. We combine first-hand travel experience with deep local knowledge to bring you accurate, practical, and engaging travel guides.
Our expertise: We have collectively visited over 30 countries, with a focus on Central Asia and Western China. Our team members speak multiple languages including Mandarin, English, and have working knowledge of Uyghur cultural practices.
Contact us: Have questions about traveling in Xinjiang? Reach out through our contact page. We respond to every inquiry personally.
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