Kashgar Travel Guide – Best Things to Do & See, Weather & More
Markets filled with ethnic handicrafts, textiles, and Uyghur food; beautiful residences with brightly colored walls, tiles, and carved plaster; people dressed in ethnic costumes; maze-like alleys winding their way among exotic houses… All these things mean Kashgar will swiftly become one of your favorite destinations during your Silk Road tour.
Located at the eastern edge of the Pamir Plateau in the westernmost of China, Kashgar once served as an essential passage on the ancient Silk Road connecting Central Asia, Western Asia, and Europe. This contributes to its rich historical and cultural attractions.
Besides its authentic Uyghur customs and life, tourists travel to Kashgar also because of the famous film “The Kite Runner” which was shot in Kashgar Old City.
If you’re planning a visit to this county-level city during your Xinjiang travel, read on our ultimate Kashgar travel guide and tips on the best things to see and do, where to stay, how to get to and travel around, and the best time to visit.
Located at the eastern edge of the Pamir Plateau in the westernmost of China, Kashgar once served as an essential passage on the ancient Silk Road connecting Central Asia, Western Asia, and Europe. This contributes to its rich historical and cultural attractions.
Besides its authentic Uyghur customs and life, tourists travel to Kashgar also because of the famous film “The Kite Runner” which was shot in Kashgar Old City.
If you’re planning a visit to this county-level city during your Xinjiang travel, read on our ultimate Kashgar travel guide and tips on the best things to see and do, where to stay, how to get to and travel around, and the best time to visit.
Chinese Name: 喀什 kā shí
Location: Southwest Xinjiang
Area: 162,000 square kilometers (6,255 square miles)
Population: 4,506,900 (in 2022)
Zip Code: 844000
Location: Southwest Xinjiang
Area: 162,000 square kilometers (6,255 square miles)
Population: 4,506,900 (in 2022)
Zip Code: 844000
Why Visit Kashgar
- Profound history: Kashgar boasts a history of over 2,000 years. The ancient alleys and houses here offer visitors a feeling of stepping back to the ancient Silk Road era. It retains many ancient Uyghur villages and ethnic architecture remarkably well.
- Authentic ethnic life and culture experiences: The city is packed with authentic handicrafts, folk arts, music, and dance performances. Visitors can stroll around the Kashgar Old City or visit a local tea house to glimpse into its unique cultural charm.
- A paradise for food lovers: Xinjiang is known for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, and Kashgar is one of the best places to taste authentic Xinjiang dishes. You can easily find a variety of delicious local specialties on either street food stalls or upscale restaurants.
- Breathtaking natural beauty: Located at the foot of the Pamir Plateau, Kashgar is surrounded by mountains, basins, and deserts, endowing it with rich natural landscapes, including the towering Muztagh Peak, the crystal-clear Karakul Lake and the edge of the vast Taklamakan Desert.
- An important gateway to other destinations in southern Xinjiang: The frequent international and domestic flights make it a convenient starting point for trips to other destinations in southern Xinjiang.
Top Kashgar Attractions & Things to Do
From ancient Silk Road relics to ethnic neighborhoods and vistas of the Pamir Plateau, Kashgar exudes a strong cultural charm and unique regional character. Below are the top attractions in Kashgar, reflecting the best highlights of this fascinating city.
Kashgar Old CityThe filming location for The Kite Runner, Kashgar Old City features maze-like alleys, offering a strong Islamic cultural atmosphere.
Id Kah MosqueOne of the largest mosques in Xinjiang, the mosque features a blend of Islamic architectural elements and traditional Uighur decorative arts. It is a vital place for locals to perform religious activities.
Karakuri LakeThe lake is located on the Pamir Plateau, surrounded by Muztagh Peak and grassy plains. Its crystal-clear green waters and surrounding natural beauty make it a paradise for photographers.
Century-old Tea HouseThe tea house is an excellent place to relax and enjoy local drinks. Since local musicians usually perform here, it is also a spot to experience local tranquil lifestyle.
Abakh Hoja TombThis is a significant Islamic tomb complex of a revered family of religious leaders. The exquisite architecture, rich decoration and serene environment make it a key cultural landmark.
Tashkurgan Stone CityThe ancient city was once the royal capital of the ancient kingdom of Puli. Its well-preserved structures offer a glimpse into the architecture and culture of the Western Regions.
Gaotai Ancient HomesA unique residential area in the northeastern of Kashgar Old City, the houses here are built along the mountainside, showcasing traditional Uyghur architectural skills and way of life.
Kashgar Weather & Best Time to Visit
Kashgar has a typical temperate and continental arid climate, featuring dryness, minimal rainfall, long hours of sunshine, and significant temperature differences between day and night. The annual average temperature of the city is about 11.8°C, and the precipitation is just 60 millimeters.
Generally, the city sees hot and long summers, and not extremely cold winters. Becaused of the dryness, its summers are not too hot, with temperatures ranging around 19-32°C in July (the hottest month). Winter is either not too cold, with temperatures averaging around -10 –1°C in January (its coldest month).
April to October are generally comfortable months to travel to Kashgar. However, August, September, and October are widely considered the best times to visit Kashgar since these months usually offer mild weather, delicious local fruits, and beautiful landscapes.
Generally, the city sees hot and long summers, and not extremely cold winters. Becaused of the dryness, its summers are not too hot, with temperatures ranging around 19-32°C in July (the hottest month). Winter is either not too cold, with temperatures averaging around -10 –1°C in January (its coldest month).
April to October are generally comfortable months to travel to Kashgar. However, August, September, and October are widely considered the best times to visit Kashgar since these months usually offer mild weather, delicious local fruits, and beautiful landscapes.
Where to Stay in Kashgar
Kashgar offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit all types of travelers, from local-featured guesthouses, and high-end international chains, to budget inns and hostels. For your convenient access to major attractions and to get close to local ethnic life, it is recommended to choose hotels in or around the Old City.
Local-featured guesthouses are more recommended as they are located in traditional homes, offer a deeper immersion into the local way of life and traditions.
Local-featured guesthouses are more recommended as they are located in traditional homes, offer a deeper immersion into the local way of life and traditions.
Kashgar Transportation – How to Get to & Travel Around
How to Get to Kashgar
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Kashgar is by air. Kashi Laining International Airport currently offers direct flights from or to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Xi’an, Nanjing, Chengdu, and Lhasa. You can fly to Urumqi from other cities before transferring to Kashgar. The airport is about 10 kilometers from the city center, with both taxis and shuttle buses available for an easy transfer.
Though traveling by train is more time-consuming (mostly taking over one day), it is more affordable and rewards you with scenic views along the way. Currently, there are direct trains connecting Kashgar with Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian.
A recommended option for visitors is flying to Urumqi first, then transfer from Urumqi to Kashgar by either flights or trains based on your time and preferences. The fastest train from Urumqi to Kashgar takes 15h55mins.
Though traveling by train is more time-consuming (mostly taking over one day), it is more affordable and rewards you with scenic views along the way. Currently, there are direct trains connecting Kashgar with Beijing, Shanghai, and Xian.
A recommended option for visitors is flying to Urumqi first, then transfer from Urumqi to Kashgar by either flights or trains based on your time and preferences. The fastest train from Urumqi to Kashgar takes 15h55mins.
How to Travel around Kashgar
Traveling around Kashgar is convenient thanks to its well-developed public transportation system and readily available taxis. The bus fare within Kashgar Old City is generally CNY 1. Bus Line 2 connects the airport with main areas in the old city, including the Id Kah Mosque. Bus Line 8 connects the train station with the Id Kah Mosque.
At the East Gate of the old city, there are free shuttle buses to the Abakh Hoja Tomb, and taxi rides will cost around CNY 12-13.
At the East Gate of the old city, there are free shuttle buses to the Abakh Hoja Tomb, and taxi rides will cost around CNY 12-13.
Top Silk Road Tours including Kashgar
3 Days Kashgar Tour with Excursion to Karakuri LakeKarakuri Lake, Kashgar Old Town, Handicrafts Market, Id Kah Mosque
7 Days South Xinjiang Kashgar Folk Culture TourDawakun Desert Scenic Area, Karakuri Lake, Stone City, Kashgar Old Town, Yingjisha Village, Pottery Art Village, Kashgar Sunday Bazaar, Id Kah Mosque, etc.
8 Days Classic Southern Xinjiang TourHeavenly Lake, Karez Well, Jiaohe Ancient City, Sugong Pagoda, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, Flaming Mountain, Karakuri Lake, Kashgar Old Town, Id Kah Mosque, etc.
