Kashgar History

Historically named Shule, Kashgar is one of the Four Garrisons of Anxi which owns a long history of over 2,000 years, becoming a famous national level historical and cultural city in China. As early as 2,100 years ago, Kashgar was an essential meeting point at the west of China on the ancient Silk Road. Hence, for thousands of years, Kashgar has been remained as the renowned center of politics, economy, culture and transportation in the south region of Mount Tianshan.

Primarily, Kashgar was under the jurisdiction of Huns (an ancient nationality in China) during the late Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC) and early Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD). Until in the reign of Emperor Wu of Han when Zhang Qian was dispatched on a diplomatic mission to West Region of China, Kashgar had been added to be a part of Chinese territory and became a trade center on the Silk Road.
 

Western Han Dynasty

Frequent attacks by the Huns at the western region of China had caused the mission to explore lands to the west of China for twice in Western Han Dynasty. Thereafter, the Silk Road was built officially to bridge the relation between Kashgar and the Central Plain and it also became the east-west traffic artery linking the Eurasia. Since it was became a part of Chinese territory, Protector General was arranged in western region to manage the Kashgar.
 

Three Kingdoms Period - Sui Dynasty

In this period, Shule was marked by the general silence that seldom was it attacked by the Huns. With the flourishing of trade along the Silk Road, Kashgar was prompted to be an international trade center. Every year, Kashgar had to hand in taxes and present tribute to the court.
 

Tang Dynasty

At the beginning of Tang Dynasty, there was a prolonged struggle between China and the Western Turks for control of the Tarim Basin. Therefore, envoys were sent to calm down the discord. Later, Buddhism was introduced to Kashgar due to the Monk Xuan Zang’s passing through on his return journey from India. In 751, the Arab army started the war and Chinese army was defeated by the enemy. During the period, it became a major military installation of Tang government in order to defense the invasion of Arab Army.
 

The Five Dynasties – Song Dynasty

From the Five Dynasties to Song Dynasty, it was controlled by Qara Khanids and Kara Khitan. Once was the capital of Qara Khanids, it changed to be the fief of Prince Cahetai after the west expedition of Genghis Khan which was still a flourishing area for the sake of the Silk Road.
 

Qing Dynasty

During the Qianlong era of Qing Dynasty, Kashgar was set as station of the Kashgar counselor minister for suppressing the frequent revolts aroused by Chinese Hui nationality.
 

Nowadays

During the Republic of China, Kashgar was changed to Kashgar Administrative Region which was authorized by the set General Administrator. After liberation, it had been the current Kashgar which is still functioning on the ancient Silk Road and becomes a hot tourist city in Xinjiang.