Kashgar Old Town, located in the heart of Kashgar in Xinjiang, China, is a living testament to the ancient Silk Road’s vibrant history. Known as the cultural soul of Xinjiang, this maze-like neighborhood of mud-brick houses, narrow alleys, and bustling bazaars offers an immersive experience of Uyghur culture, Islamic architecture, and centuries-old traditions. Spanning 4.25 square kilometers, it’s one of China’s most exotic and well-preserved ancient cities, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking history, culture, and adventure. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring Kashgar Old Town.
A Travel Guide to Kashgar Old Town
Why Visit Kashgar Old Town?
Kashgar Old Town, also called Kashgar Ancient City or Shule, has a history stretching over 2,000 years. As a key trading hub on the Silk Road, it connected China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, fostering a unique blend of Uyghur, Islamic, and Central Asian influences. Today, it remains a vibrant center of Uyghur culture, with colorful markets, traditional crafts, and authentic cuisine. The Old Town’s labyrinthine alleys, adorned with intricate woodwork and adobe homes, feel like stepping back in time, while landmarks like the Id Kah Mosque and local teahouses add depth to its charm. Despite modernization efforts, parts of the Old Town retain their historic essence, making it a UNESCO-worthy destination.
How to Get There
Kashgar is China’s westernmost city, located in southern Xinjiang, near the borders of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan. Getting to Kashgar Old Town requires reaching Kashgar first, then navigating to the city center.
By Air: Kashgar Laining International Airport (KHG), 10 km north of the city, offers flights from Urumqi (2 hours, ¥300–800), Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. International routes include Islamabad and Osh. From the airport, take a taxi (¥30–50, 20 minutes) or airport shuttle (¥15) to the Old Town.
By Train: Kashgar Railway Station, 5 km from the city center, connects to Urumqi (16–25 hours), Hotan (10 hours), Turpan, and other Xinjiang cities via the Southern Xinjiang Railway. Overnight trains are common and cost ¥150–400. From the station, take a taxi (¥20–30) or bus #28 to the Old Town (¥2). Note that security checks at Xinjiang stations can be time-consuming.
By Bus: Long-distance buses from Urumqi, Hotan, or Aksu arriveKashgar arrive at the International Bus Station, near the city center. Taxis (¥10–15) or buses (#2, 7, 8, 22, or 28, ¥2) take you to the Old Town in 10–15 minutes.
Within Kashgar: The Old Town is compact and best explored on foot, as its narrow alleys are not suited for vehicles. Electric carts are available for tourists (¥10–20). For outlying sites, taxis or private cars are recommended.
Travel Note: Foreigners may face restrictions in Xinjiang due to security policies. A permit is required for the Karakoram Highway to Tashkurgan, obtainable via tour operators. Always carry your passport, as checkpoints are common.
Best Time to Visit
Kashgar has a continental arid climate with hot summers, mild winters, and significant day-night temperature swings.
August–October (Best): Mild temperatures (15–31°C), pleasant breezes, and abundant fruits make this ideal for exploring. Autumn’s golden hues enhance the Old Town’s charm.
April–July: Warm (up to 40°C) but manageable with light clothing. Summer evenings are long, with sunsets around 10 PM.
November–March: Cooler (–24°C to 10°C), quieter, and suitable for indoor attractions like teahouses or museums.
Cultural Events: Time your visit for Muslim holidays like Eid or Qurban Festival to witness vibrant gatherings at Id Kah Mosque (tens of thousands attend).
Clothing Tip: Wear breathable cotton or linen during the day and layer with jackets or sweaters for cooler nights.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: The Old Town is accessible 24/7 as a living neighborhood, but specific attractions have set hours: Id Kah Mosque: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed during prayers), ¥20–45. Abakh Hoja Tomb: 9:00 AM–5:30 PM, ¥30. Kashgar Bazaar: Daily, peaks on Sundays, free entry.
Old Town Entry: Generally free, though some entrances may charge ¥10–20. Follow hexagonal bricks to navigate out; square bricks lead to dead ends.
Booking: Tickets are available on-Site or via apps like WeChat or Ctrip. Book guided tours in advance for cultural insights or Tashkurgan trips.
What to See and Do
Kashgar Old Town is a treasure trove of history, culture, and daily life. Here are the highlights:
Id Kah Mosque: Xinjiang’s largest mosque, built in 1442, features a striking yellow-tiled facade and a courtyard with poplars and ponds. It accommodates 5,000 worshippers and is a focal point during Eid. Non-Muslims can visit outside prayer times for its Islamic-Uyghur architecture.
Kashgar Bazaar (Sunday Market): One of Asia’s largest markets, this daily bazaar (liveliest on Sundays) offers everything from Uyghur knives to Pakistani scarves, carpets, spices, and dried fruits. Haggle for deals and savor local snacks like samsa (meat pies).
Abakh Hoja Tomb (Apak Khoja Mausoleum): A 17th-century Islamic complex, 5 km from the Old Town, known as the “Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine.” Its intricate tiles, domes, and gardens make it Xinjiang’s finest Islamic architecture.
Wander the Alleys: Explore the Old Town’s 200+ narrow lanes, lined with mud-brick homes blending Uyghur, Islamic, and Central Asian styles. Visit themed bazaars like Handicrafts Street (Kumu Dahl Vazha Road) for copperware, wool tapestries, or musical instruments. Open-door homes (two doors: host present; one door: hostess only) welcome visitors.
Century-Old Teahouse: Near Id Kah Mosque, this iconic teahouse, featured in The Kite Runner, offers Uyghur tea, nang bread, and views of the Old Town. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere.
Cultural Experiences: Watch artisans at work in pottery, woodworking, or blacksmith shops. Attend the daily 10:30 AM opening ceremony at the Old Town gate for Uyghur music and dance. Visit during festivals for street performances.
Note: Parts of the original Old Town have been demolished and rebuilt since 2009 for modernization, with some areas off-limits to tourists. A small, authentic section remains but may require early visits (before 9 AM) to avoid restrictions.
Where to Eat
Uyghur cuisine is a highlight of Kashgar Old Town, blending Central Asian and Chinese flavors.
In the Old Town: Street Vendors: Try laghman (hand-pulled noodles), polo (lamb pilaf, best at breakfast), samsa, or nang (crispy flatbread). Ewe’s milk ice cream and grapes are local treats. Prices: ¥5–20. Teahouses: Enjoy tea, kebabs, or plov in atmospheric settings. The Century-Old Teahouse serves authentic dishes for ¥20–50.
Restaurants: Kashgar Pamir Hostel Cafe: Offers coffee, pizza, and English-speaking staff with Old Town views. ¥30–60. Pakistani Restaurant (Seman Road): Run by a Pakistani native, it serves spicy beef platters, curried chicken, and falafel. ¥20–50. People’s Park Area: Local eateries near the park sell fresh lamb skewers and liver skewers. Pair with fresh nang from roadside bakers. ¥10–30.
Tip: Alcohol is less common due to the Muslim-majority population, but some cafes serve beer.
Where to Stay
Staying in or near the Old Town maximizes your experience. Many accommodations are boutique B&Bs reflecting Uyghur style, but not all accept foreigners due to regulations.
In the Old Town: Kashgar Pamir Hostel: Budget-friendly with English-speaking staff and a cafe. Dorm beds from ¥50, private rooms ¥150–300. Boutique B&Bs (Eastern Old Town): Instagram-worthy, lively vibe, ¥200–500/night. Book via Ctrip or contact hosts directly.
Nearby: Chini Bagh Hotel: Recently renovated, central location, ¥300–600/night. Taiyuan International: Modern, city-center hotel, ¥250–500/night. Seman Hotel: A classic choice for foreigners, ¥200–400/night.
Booking Tip: Confirm foreigner acceptance before booking. Use Asia Odyssey Travel or China Discovery for tailored stays.
Tips for a Great Visit
Navigation: Follow hexagonal bricks to exit the Old Town; avoid square bricks leading to dead ends. Carry a map or use offline apps like Maps.me, as VPNs may be blocked.
Cultural Sensitivity: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), especially near mosques. Ask permission before photographing locals.
Language: Uyghur is the primary language, but younger locals and guides speak Mandarin. English is limited; consider hiring a guide (e.g., Sadik, WeChat: wxid_zti16ud7s4i122) for deeper insights.
Security: Expect police checkpoints and surveillance. Stay calm, carry your passport, and avoid restricted areas.
Combine Your Trip: Spend 2–3 days in Kashgar, then take day trips to Karakul Lake (3 hours, stunning Pamir views), Tashkurgan (3.5 hours, Tajik culture), or Davakul Lake for camel treks in the Taklamakan Desert.
Cash and Payments: Bring cash (RMB) for bazaars and small vendors. WeChat/Alipay are common, but foreigners may need help setting them up.
Final Thoughts
Kashgar Old Town is a captivating journey into the heart of the Silk Road, where Uyghur traditions, Islamic heritage, and Central Asian flavors converge. From wandering its ancient alleys to savoring lamb pilaf in a bustling bazaar, every moment feels like a step through history. While modernization and security measures present challenges, the Old Town’s cultural richness and warm hospitality make it an unforgettable destination. Plan for at least 2–3 days, embrace the maze, and let Kashgar’s timeless charm enchant you.
Happy travels!
