Silk Road bazaars & Uyghur culture
Kashgar
Kāshí · The old Silk Road oasis
The westernmost city in China and a fabled Silk Road crossroads closer to Baghdad than Beijing. Kashgar keeps a living Central Asian soul — a warren of an old town, the country's largest mosque and a legendary Sunday bazaar.
Top sightsSights
Id Kah Mosque
China's largest mosque, a 15th-century landmark at the heart of Uyghur Kashgar.
Kashgar Old Town
A maze of ochre earthen houses, coppersmiths and teahouses — old Central Asia alive.
Sunday Grand Bazaar
A sprawling market of spices, carpets, knives and fabrics drawing traders from across the region.
Livestock Market
The raucous Sunday animal market where sheep, cattle and camels change hands.
Karakul Lake
A mirror-still alpine lake beneath the 7,500m Muztagh Ata on the Karakoram Highway.
What to eatFood
Lamb kebabs
Cumin-dusted skewers grilled over open coals — the street-food king.
Polo (pilaf)
Fragrant rice with lamb, carrot and raisins, eaten by hand.
Nan bread
Golden tandoor-baked flatbread, the staff of Uyghur life.
Good to know
- The Sunday bazaars are the highlight — plan your visit around the weekend.
- Kashgar runs on unofficial "Xinjiang time," about 2 hours behind Beijing.
- Summers are scorching; late spring and autumn are most pleasant.
Getting there
Kashgar Airport (KHG) with flights via Ürümqi, and the gateway to the Karakoram Highway toward Pakistan.
Next city
Hulunbuir