Far in China's northwest, Kashgar is a Uyghur oasis city where Central Asia meets China — a place of mud-brick old town lanes, a vast Sunday bazaar and the country's largest mosque. The most atmospheric stop on the old Silk Road.
History & culture
For over two thousand years Kashgar was a key caravan junction linking China, India, Persia and the Mediterranean. Its old town and Id Kah Mosque (15th century) anchor a living Uyghur culture of crafts, music and cuisine.
What to see & do
- ◆Kashgar Old Town's mud-brick lanes and workshops
- ◆Id Kah Mosque
- ◆The Sunday livestock and grand bazaars
- ◆Karakul Lake under the snow peaks (day trip)
- ◆Apak Hoja Mausoleum
What to eat
- ●Lamb polo (pilaf) and kebabs
- ●Nan bread baked in tandoor ovens
- ●Laghman hand-pulled noodles
Getting there
Kashgar Airport connects via Urumqi; there is also rail from Urumqi. It's remote, so allow a full travel day each way.
Avoid the pitfalls
- Bring your passport everywhere — Xinjiang has frequent ID checkpoints.
- Check current entry and travel requirements before you go, as they change.
- Dress modestly around mosques and ask before photographing people.
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