Kashgar Travel Guide
Kashgar is located in southwestern Xinjiang at the foot of the Pamir Plateau. Known in ancient times as Shule, it was the meeting point of the southern and northern routes of the ancient Silk Road, and there is a saying that "you haven't been to Xinjiang until you've been to Kashgar." As one of China's westernmost cities, it preserves a living ancient city life and a rich Uygur atmosphere.
Kashgar is also the gateway to the Pamir Plateau, Tashkurgan, and the China-Pakistan Highway, where the cultural atmosphere of the ancient city and the snow mountains and lakes of the plateau together form a unique Western Regions panorama.
Must-Visit Attractions
Kashgar Ancient City (Old Town) — well-preserved rammed-earth architecture and century-old alleys, where you can watch the city-opening ceremony and browse the handicraft bazaar; Id Kah Mosque — the largest mosque in Xinjiang and a landmark of Kashgar; Xiangfei Garden (Apaq Khoja Mausoleum) — a 17th-century Islamic tomb and garden; Gaotai Residences — earthen pottery dwellings built against the cliff; Kashgar Bazaar — a large market with Central Asian flair; Pamir Plateau — White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, and the snow mountains and lakes of Muztagh Ata; Tashkurgan Stone City and Golden Grassland; Panlong Ancient Road — a winding sky road on the Pamir Plateau.
Specialty Foods
Baked buns, pilaf, whole roast lamb, lamb skewers, big plate chicken, laghman, tandoor-cooked meat, mug-cooked meat, yogurt, and Xinjiang melons and fruits; brick tea and naan in the old town teahouses are part of local daily life.
Best Time to Travel
May–October has mild weather and abundant melons and fruits, best for visiting the ancient city and the Pamir Plateau; July–August is hotter but the plateau is cool; winter is cold and some plateau roads may be restricted, so check road conditions before traveling.
Transportation Guide
Kashgar Airport connects to Urumqi and major domestic cities, and Kashgar Station has rail connections; within the city, taxis are the main way to get around, while trips to the Pamir Plateau and Tashkurgan require chartering a car or joining a local tour, and a full day should be allowed.
Suggested Itinerary
Classic three-day tour: on day one, visit Kashgar Ancient City and Id Kah Mosque; on day two, head to the Pamir Plateau to see White Sand Lake and Karakul Lake and gaze at Muztagh Ata from afar, staying overnight in Tashkurgan; on day three, visit Stone City, Golden Grassland, and Panlong Ancient Road before returning to Kashgar.
Travel Tips
Travel to the Pamir Plateau requires a border management area permit, so prepare your documents in advance; the plateau has strong UV rays and large temperature differences, so pay attention to sun protection and warmth; respect local ethnic and religious customs, and ask permission before taking photos.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Ideas
In the early morning, watch craftsmen hammering copperware and making pottery in the old alleys of Kashgar Ancient City; in the afternoon, drink a pot of brick tea and listen to a rawap performance in a century-old teahouse; in the evening, climb the old town's high terrace to watch the sunset dye the earthen walls red; at night, wander the Kashgar night market and taste your way through southern Xinjiang snacks.
One-Day Trips Nearby
Pamir Plateau (White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake, Muztagh Ata) — snow mountains and lakes; Tashkurgan (Stone City, Golden Grassland, Panlong Ancient Road) — a plateau ancient city and sky road; Yingisha — the hometown of traditional knives; Shache — the hometown of the Twelve Muqam.
