Kashgar Travel Guide

Located in the extreme west of China, Kashgar is a must-see city in Xinjiang bordering Taklamakan desert in the east and Kunlun Range in the south. With a mixture population of Uyghur, Han, Kyrgyz, Tajik and Uzbek, the city boasts a colorful ethnic variety. Kashgar is the birthplace of Uygur Culture and people who has not been to Kashgar is regarded as not been to Xinjiang.
 

History

With a history of 2,000 years, Kashgar was called Shule in ancient times. In 60 BC, Western Regions Protectorate was set up here and the area was controlled by Han Court. It was one of the four important towns in Anxi in Tang Dynasty. As the junction of the two branches of Ancient Silk Road in history, it is still an important trading centre since then. Read more about Kashgar History>>
 

Attractions

As the birthplace of Uygur Culture and an important trading center of ancient Silk Road, Kashgar is rich in historical and natural resources with strong ethnic custom. Main Kashgar tourist attractions include Id Kah Mosque, Abakh Khoja Tomb, Tomb of Yusup Khass Hajip, Kashgar Bazaar and Kashgar Old Town.

Id Kah Mosque, the biggest mosque in China, is the heart of the region's traditional Muslim culture with distinctive yellow walls and Central Asian architecture. Abakh Khoja Tomb is a pilgrimage site in memory of Abakh Khoja family. Tomb of Yusup Khass Hajip is a monument to 11th-century Uighur poet and philosopher Yusup Hazi Hajupe. Kashgar Bazaar is the largest one in Asia and the Old Town shows what this legendary Central Asian hub was like in the days of the Silk Road. Read More about Kashgar Attractions>>
 

Transportation

You have several options to Travel in this area, airplane, trains and buses.

By air: Kashgar Airport is located 18 km to the north of the city. There are daily flights between Kashgar and Urumqi as well as direct flights to/from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Flight from Kashgar to Urumqi takes around 45 minutes. No. 2 bus and airport shuttle bus commute between the airport and the city. Inquiry: 0998 2822100.

By Train: Kashgar Railway Station is on Renmin East Road. Bus 28 (CNY1) can take you there. Kashgar is at the west end of the railway line in China. There are trains to Urumqi, Korla, Kuqa, Turpan, Yarkent and Hotan. Inquiry: 0998 5637222.

By long-distance Bus: International Bus Station is at No. 5 Jicheng Road. There are buses to Urumqi, Korla, Kuqa, Hotan, Yecheng, Ili, Tashkurgan and Sost in Pakistan.

City Transport: Most of Kashgar can be walkable since it’s a small city. Taxi and city bus are good options to travel around the city. The flag-fall price for a taxi is CNY5. You can also rent a bicycle at major hotels with less than CNY30/day. Read More about Kashgar Transportation>>
 

Weather

Located at the temperate continental climate zone, Kashgar has relatively longer summer and shorter winter. January is coldest month and July is hottest. The annual average temperature is 11.7? (53.06°F). Read More about Kashgar Weather>>
 

Food and Restaurants

Kashgar has plenty of good local restaurants and street food. The food stands opposite the Id Kah mosque offer a variety of snacks and dishes. The Sunday market also has good things to eat. More about Kashgar Food>>

Orda: specializes in local cuisine.
Address: Renmin Dong Lu
Phone: 0998 - 265 2777

Intizar Restaurant
Address: No. 33 West Renmin Rd, Kashgar
Phone: 0998- 258 5666

Pakistan Café: a taste of Pakistan.
Address: Seman Lu

The Gallery Café: home style western food or a cup of "real" coffee.
Address: Jie Fang Bei Lu
Phone: 0998 2828 207
More Restaurants in Kashgar>>
 

Shopping

Local specialties include carpet, knife, colorful handicrafts and fruits. Avoid the tourist shops and buy local handicrafts at the workshops if possible. The price is negotiable but be polite in bargaining. More about Shopping in Kashgar>>

Kashgar Bazaar: diverse special products, handicrafts, daily articles, fruits and vegetables.
Address: East Gate of Kashgar City
Transportation: take Bus 11, 17, 20 and 7, and get down at East Gate Station
 

Nightlife and Entertainment

Visitors can take a walk around to appreciate the night view of the city or watch some performances and go to bars. More about Nightlife in Kashgar>>

Wuyi Theater: excellent performances
Address: West Renmin Road, Kashgar
Phone: 0998-2855362

People’s Square: excellent and special performances
Address: East Renmin Road, Kashgar

Babyface: excellent DJ, high-quality wine
Address: Ke Zhi Dou Huai Road in Kashgar,
Phone: 0998-2553 688

Kashgar Indy Café
Address: No. 51 South Pahetabazha Road
Phone: 0998-2838 989
 

Accommodation

There is wide range of hotels in Kashgar ranking from budget to luxury ones.

Recommended hotels in Kashgar
Kashgar Old City Youth Hostel
Address: NO.233 in Wusitangboyi road
Phone: 0998-2823 262

Qiniwak Hotel
Address: NO.144 Seman Road
Phone: 0998-2981 158

Home Inn
Address: No.141 Youmulake Xiati Road.
Phone: 0998 -666 7777
 

Travel Tips

1. The period from April to October is pleasant time to visit Kashgar.
2. Women are not allowed inside the Id Kah Mosque.
3. Remove shoes before entering the mosque and no photography.
4. Mail the Knife if you buy one in Kashgar since it is not allowed on plane.
5. Kashgar is a Muslim city so dress, eat and drink with respect.
More Travel Tips for Kashgar>>

Recommended Kashgar Tours:
6 Days Urumqi, Kashgar Classic Tour
7 Days Urumqi, Kashgar Panorama Tour
11 Days Xinjiang Panorama Tour
More Kashgar Tours