Kashgar Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 喀什 (kā shí)
Population: 4,633,800
Area: 162,000 square kilometers (6,255 square miles)
Location: in the southwest of Xinjiang, northwest China
Administrative Division: 1 county-level city (Kashgar); 11 counties (Shufu, Shule, Yengisar, Yopurga, Payzawat, Yarkant, Poskam, Yecheng, Makit, Marabishi, Tajik Taxkorgan Autonomous County)
Area Code: 0998
Zip Code: 844000
GDP (2018): CNY 89.012 billion (USD 13.452 billion)
Nationalities: Han, Hui, Uygur, Kirgiz, Tajik, Uzbek

Kashgar in the southwest of Xinjiang is one of China’s westernmost cities, adjacent to Kizilsu to the northwest, Aksu to the northeast, Hotan to the east, Tajikistan to the west, Afghanistan and Pakistan to the southwest. Neighboring countries include Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and India.

2,100 years ago, whether the merchants passed the Pamirs from west to east or crossed the edge of the Taklimakan Desert on the east of Kashgar, this city is an ideal resting place and an ideal trade center for goods exchange. This has also made Kashgar the millennium ancient city. The essence of Uyghur folk customs, culture, art, architectural style, and traditional economy are all condensed in this city. The old city of Kashgar is the soul of the city, covering the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang, thirteen of the main streets and the hundreds of alleys. Many historic sites are kept well in urban Kashgar. Lying in the northeastern corner is the Kashgar Bazaar, the biggest international market in northwestern Xinjiang, where you can buy some souvenirs, local specialties and goods from near countries and enjoy local delicacies.


 Pictures, Kashgar maps

As an important trading center of ancient Silk Road, Kashgar is a place with strong tinge of ethnic custom, and rich in historical and natural resources. It is well know as a top tourist destination in west China. There are so many charming places to visit, such as Abakh Khoja Tomb,  Id Kah Mosque, Karakul Lake, kashgar Bazaar, Kashgar Old Town, Stone City and Three Immortals Buddhist Caves.

 Other Scenic Spots: Kunlun Mountains, K2 Mountain, Mt. Kongur, Yarhant River, Kashgar River

Distinctive Local Musical Instrument

Abakh Khoja Tomb

Classical Silk Road: 14 days, Urumqi, Kashgar, Turpan, Dunhuang, Xi'an, Shanghai
Trip to Urumqi, Kashgar: 6 days along Silk Road
Hiking Adventure

Kashgar Airport, located about 10 kilometers (about 6 miles) north of city center, is capable of accommodating incoming and outgoing flights to destinations both domestic and international, including Urumqi, Hotan, Kuqa, Aksu, Kirghizia, Islamabad, Osh, Andijan and Uzbekistan. Kashgar Railway Station, only about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away from the city center, has daily trains running to and from Urumqi. It is also easily accessible by long-distance bus to go to other cities in and around Xinjiang from this city. Traveling around the city, the city-bus and taxi are good options.

Shache Airport ia located in  Xianglan’gan Village of Shache County in Kashgar City, 21 kilometers (13 miles) away from the center of county. From Shache Airport, passengers can fly from/to Urumqi, Hotan, Korla and Kashgar.

Mainly a continental climate; long periods of sunshine and little rainfall; vary greatly with topography as plain climate, desert climate and mountain climate; frost-free period of 215 days; short warm winter and long cool summer; vary considerably between day and night; clear four seasons; average temperature: 11.8 C annually with the lowest of -24.4 C and the highest of 40.1 C; rainfall: 61.5 mm annually.

The best time to pay a visit is between August and October when the sky is blue and there is blossom and fruit on the trees. It is recommended that you wear a light top with long sleeves and a hat for protection from strong UV radiation.

 Physical Features: two river systems of the Yarkant River and the Kashgar River with a total annual runoff of 10.9 to 11.9 billion cubic meters; located at the west of the Taklamakan Desert at the feet of the Tian Shan mountain range.

 History: a history of more than 2000 years; belonged to the Zhuangpu prefectural General's Office of the HunIn in Han dynasty; thereafter, submitted to the authorities of the Western Han dynasty after the trading links with Han formed by Zhang Qian - the special envoy to the Western Region sent by Emperor Wudi; one of the four important towns in Anxi during Tang dyansty; later becoming the seat of government of the Kashgar Councillor in Qing dynasty.

 Local Products: wheat, maize cotton, barley, highland barley, rape, sesame, peanuts, flax, crafts, roast lamb, shishi-kebab, and baled fish

 Local Highlights: There are a lot of festivals full of joyful with deep traditional culture and custom here, such as Corban Festival, Roza Festival and Nuo Ruzi Festival. During the festival, people can enjoy the wonderful local songs and dances.