Understand Kashgar Old City: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Kashgar, the gateway to Southern Xinjiang and the youngest special economic zone, is an important bridge connecting Central Asia and South Asia. It serves as the convergence point of Eastern and Western cultures. On this ancient and mysterious land of Kashgar, there are abundant tourism resources that attract countless travelers every day to explore its millennia-old stories.
As one of the most representative minority-inhabited areas in Xinjiang, Kashgar’s unique geographical location and historical background have given birth to countless breathtaking historical sites and cultural landscapes. Among the various sites along the Kashgar travel line, the 5A-rated Kashgar Old City is a must visit. It is not only a living fossil for the study of ancient Western Regions cities but also an important bearer of Silk Road culture. Every brick and tile in the Kashgar Old Town is engraved with the marks of history.
Kashgar Old City Facts
- Address: No. 10 Yawage Road, Kashgar City
- Type: Historical Site; Silk Road Site; Old City
- Best Seasons: All Seasons
- Recommended Visiting Time: 2-3 hours
- Opening Hours: 9:00 – 18:00
- Tickets: Free
Why Visit Kashgar Old City
Xinjiang tour is always a perfect way to explore the natural beauty and historical significance of China’s westernmost region. When traveling in Xinjiang, you may often hear the saying, “Appreciate the scenery in Northern Xinjiang, while experience the charm in Southern Xinjiang” This so-called “charm” is especially concentrated in the Old City of Kashgar. In Kashgar Prefecture, the Old City stands as a symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage. As an important town on the Silk Road for over a millennium, Kashgar has a history of more than 2,000 years since its establishment. Over the centuries, the convergence of Eastern and Western cultures has shaped this “living ancient city.”
On a China Silk Road tour, apart from iconic sites like the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, the Kashgar Old Town is also a must-see destination. The Kashgar Old City was demolished and renovated in 2009, and was rated as a national 5A-level scenic area in 2015. The Kashgar Old City has preserved the traditional wisdom of the local people in architecture, painting, wood carving, and silk weaving, representing the lifestyle of the ethnic minorities in Southern Xinjiang.
What to See in Kashgar Old City
The Hanging Gardens
The Hanging Gardens are located in the heart of the Kashgar Old City on A Re Ya Road. To get there, navigate to the Super 8 Select Hotel (Old City Scenic Area Branch) first, and then take the staircase directly opposite the hotel. The structure stands approximately 28 meters tall. The first floor houses a restaurant that serves authentic Kashgar cuisine to both Chinese and foreign tourists.
The Pottery Bazaar
The Pottery Bazaar is situated to the south of the East Gate of the Kashgar Old Town. It earned its name because many pottery merchants used to trade here, and over time, it became known as the Pottery Bazaar. With a history spanning over a century, the pottery here is crafted by generations of traditional potters. The pots are colorful and exquisitely made, serving not only as works of art but also as a testament to cultural heritage.
Id Kah Mosque
Id Kah Mosque is one of the largest mosques in China, featuring unique architectural styles. Here, you can witness grand prayer ceremonies and experience the profound religious atmosphere.
Abakh Hoja Mausoleum
The Abakh Hoja Mausoleum is also known as the Tomb of I’timad al-Dawlah. It is an Islamic-style family tomb located in Kashgar City, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang.
What to Do Kashgar Old City
Appreciate the City-Opening Ceremony
The city-opening ceremony in the Kashgar Old City is a must-see highlight. Located at the East Gate of the Kashgar Old Town, it is held twice daily at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes. People dress in traditional costumes to perform the ceremony, welcoming every guest with joy. They sing and dance energetically, fully displaying the unique folk customs of Xinjiang’s Western Regions. Amidst the cheerful and pleasant atmosphere, the ceremony recreates the ancient city’s unique honor of welcoming distinguished guests over the millennia.
Taste Sweet Fruits
Kashgar is renowned as the hometown of melons and fruits. Visitors on a Kashgar tour can have a taste of the sweet fruits here. Along the streets of the Old City, you’ll find stalls laden with all kinds of melons and fruits. You can savor the melt-in-your-mouth, sweet-to-the-core Xinjiang specialty melon or gather around the stalls to enjoy authentic Kashgar peaches, which are also flavorful. These unique, delicious, and naturally green fruits of Kashgar not only delight the taste buds of tourists but also evoke deep nostalgia for those who have left their hometown and are far from their roots.
Kashgar Old Town Accommodation
There are hotels within the Kashgar Old City, and guesthouses are also available in the surrounding areas. Accommodation in the old town is mainly concentrated around the Id Kah Mosque, featuring small hotels and youth hostels. These options are affordable and are mostly Uyghur-characterized.
If you prefer to stay in higher-end hotels or boutique hotels, choose accommodations near the Kashgar municipal government, located to the south of the Kashgar Old Town. This area is part of the new district and offers a wider range of lodging choices.
How to Get to Kashgar Old Town
Whether you arrive in Kashgar by plane or train, regular city buses are available, heading to the Kashgar Old City. As a landmark of Kashgar, it is also easy to reach by taxi.
If you want to take a bus, routes 2, 7, 8, 22, or 28 within the city can bring you to the Old City of Kashgar. Just get off at the Id Kah Station. Among them, route 7 passes through the Old City, and you can get off at any stop deep within the Old City.
Kashgar Old Town Travel Tips
- Pay attention to the bricks: If you get lost in the Old City, just look at the bricks under your feet; they serve as directional markers. They can guide you out of the Old City. Specifically, following the hexagonal bricks will lead you out, while walking along the square bricks will lead to a dead end. This is a kind of local code that is unfamiliar to outsiders, who are likely to get lost here.
- Vehicles are not allowed: It is recommended not to book hotels or guesthouses that are too deep inside the Kashgar Old City to avoid travel inconveniences as vehicles are not allowed to enter the Old Town of Kashgar.
- Dress in bright colors: The Kashgar Old City is made of adobe architecture. It is recommended to wear brightly colored clothing for better photo opportunities.
Attractions Nearby Kashgar Old Town
- The Pamir Plateau: The Pamir Plateau is an extremely spectacular site in a tour along the China Silk Road, connecting ancient China and the Mediterranean countries.
- Karakul Lake: The lake is located beside National Highway 314 in Akto County, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is one of the highest plateau lakes in the world, with an elevation of 3,600 meters.
- Baitashan Lake: A national 5A-level tourist attraction. While gazing at the snow-capped mountains and looking down at the lake, you can deeply feel the solemnity and sanctity emanating from the high mountains.
