Kashgar Old City Travel Guide: Must-Visit Spots, Top Food Stops, and Experience the Silk Road Charm of Southern Xinjiang

Kashgar, a millennium-old city in southwestern Xinjiang, served as a vital hub on the ancient Silk Road and remains the heart of Uyghur culture. Known for its distinctive architecture, vibrant exotic charm, and rich history, Kashgar Old City is a premier destination for tourism in southern Xinjiang. In 2026, sustained conservation and development efforts further enhanced the visitor experience.

This guide covers must-visit attractions, top food spots, shopping tips, and practical advice for Kashgar Ancient City to help you fully experience the charm of this historic Silk Road city.

I. Overview of Kashgar Ancient City#

The Kashgar Old City was established in the 2 century BC and has a history of over 2000 years. Covering an area of approximately 20 square kilometers, it is one of China's best-preserved Islamic-style ancient cities. Since 2010, large-scale restoration work has been underway, improving infrastructure and enhancing the visitor experience while preserving traditional architectural styles.

The best time to visit the Kashgar Old City is4 to 10The weather is pleasant, ideal for strolling through the ancient streets and experiencing local life. Winter brings cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, offering a more serene atmosphere in the historic town.

II. Must-Visit Attractions#

Id Kah Mosque

The Id Kah Mosque is a landmark of Kashgar and one of the largest mosques in China. Built in 1442, it covers an area of approximately 1.68 square meters. With its grand architecture and exquisite decoration, the mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architectural art.

Visit Duration: Approximately 1 hours. Ticket Price: Approximately 45 yuan. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit but must respect religious customs, dress appropriately, and maintain quiet.

Kashgar Old City Core Area

The core area of Kashgar Old City is the heart of the ancient town, with its winding streets and traditional Uyghur wooden-and-earth houses. Strolling through it feels like traveling back in time to the bustling days of the ancient Silk Road.

Recommended Route: Start at Id Kah Mosque, head east along Wustanboyi Road, passing Kantuman Bazaar and Ironware Bazaar to reach the High-Platform Folk Residence. Along the way, admire traditional architecture, handicrafts, and local life scenes.

Gao Tai Min Ju

The Gaotai Old House is one of the most distinctive areas in Kashgar's Ancient City. Built on elevated terraces, its structures rise in layered tiers with a staggered, harmonious layout. This area captures the essence of traditional Uyghur life, featuring narrow alleyways, rustic architecture, and a vibrant, lived-in atmosphere.

The Gaotai Old House is still inhabited. Please respect residents' privacy during your visit: do not enter private homes without permission, and always ask before taking photos.

Xiangfei Garden

Xiangfei Garden is a famous attraction in Kashgar, traditionally believed to be the mausoleum of Imperial Concubine Xiang from Emperor Qianlong's reign. The park features exquisite architecture blending Islamic and Han Chinese styles, making it an ideal place to explore Uyghur history and culture.

Visit duration: approximately 1.5 hours. Ticket price: around 30 yuan. Guided tours are available to explore the story of Princess Xiang and Uyghur culture in depth.

Kashgar Grand Bazaar

Kashgar Grand Bazaar (Central and West Asia International Trade Market) is Xinjiang's largest bazaar and a key distribution hub for goods in Central Asia. The bazaar offers an extensive array of products, from dried fruits and handicrafts to clothing and footwear.

Visiting the bazaar is a great way to experience local life in Kashgar. Sample various snacks, shop for unique souvenirs, and soak up the lively market atmosphere. We recommend visiting in the morning when goods are freshest and crowds are lighter.

3. Food Check-ins#

Kashgar is a culinary hub of Xinjiang, featuring an array of mouthwatering Uyghur specialties.

Lamb skewers:Kashgar lamb skewers are famous nationwide for their tender meat and unique spices. Look for stalls in the Old City alleys or bazaars to enjoy them freshly grilled.

Pilaf:A traditional Uyghur dish made with rice, lamb, carrots, and onions. Kashgar pilaf features distinct grains and an irresistible aroma. Recommended restaurant: Ailijati Pilaf House.

SamsaCrispy outside, filled with lamb and onion—a Kashgar specialty. Found on every street corner; best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Lazuozi:Xinjiang specialty noodles: chewy, rich toppings. Kashgar laghman is best known for its lamb variety.

Naan:Uyghur traditional staples are diverse and plentiful. Be sure to try dishes like Kashgar naan oven meat, sesame naan, and rose naan.

Yogurt:Kashgar yogurt is rich and creamy; enjoy it with nuts or honey. The most authentic version comes from street stalls.

Pomegranate Juice:Kashgar is famous for pomegranates. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice is an excellent way to beat the summer heat. In autumn, when pomegranates ripen, you can find stalls selling fresh juice all along the streets.

IV. Shopping Guide#

Kashgar is a great shopping destination with a wide variety of specialty products:

Dried fruits:Dried grapes, walnuts, almonds, jujubes, and more—premium quality at affordable prices. Available at bazaars and dried fruit markets.

Handicrafts:Uyghur doppa hats, Yengisar knives, carpets, copperware, and other items showcase exquisite craftsmanship and are highly collectible. When purchasing, verify authenticity and negotiate prices appropriately.

Silk:Kashgar has a long history of silk production. Atlas silk is a traditional Uyghur textile known for its vibrant colors and distinctive patterns.

Instruments:Dutar, rawap, and other traditional Uyghur instruments are available at the instrument bazaar. If you can play them, they make excellent souvenirs.

5. Practical Tips#

Transportation:Kashgar has an international airport with direct flights from multiple cities in China. The flight from Urumqi to Kashgar takes approximately 2 hours. Local transportation is mainly by taxi and bus, with a taxi starting fare of around 5 yuan.

Accommodation:Kashgar offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Within the Old City, you'll find unique homestays that let you experience traditional courtyard living. Book early during peak seasons.

Language:Kashgar is predominantly Uyghur-speaking, but Mandarin Chinese is widely understood, so communication is seamless. Learning a few simple Uyghur greetings can help you connect better with locals.

Security:Kashgar is safe, but safeguard your personal belongings. Due to high foot traffic in the Old City, keep your items secure.

Respect local customs:Kashgar is a region with a significant Uyghur population. Please respect local religious beliefs and customs. Shoes must be removed when entering mosques, and dress modestly. Always ask for permission before taking photos.

Time difference:Kashgar uses Beijing Time, though its actual position is about 3 hours behind Beijing. Sunset in summer occurs around 22:30, so you may need to adjust your schedule.

6. Recommended Itinerary#

1-day tour:Morning: Visit Id Kah Mosque and the core of Kashgar Old City. Lunch: Enjoy local delicacies in the Old City. Afternoon: Explore Kashgar Grand Bazaar. Evening: Stroll through the ancient city to enjoy the night view.

2-day tour:Day 1: Explore Kashgar Old City. Day 2: Visit the Royal Mausoleum of Khoshan and nearby attractions such as Karakul Lake and Muztagh Ata (private car required).

VII. Summary#

Kashgar Ancient City is the highlight of southern Xinjiang tourism, drawing countless visitors with its rich history, unique architecture, and vibrant Uyghur culture. Stroll through its historic alleys, savor authentic local cuisine, and shop for distinctive souvenirs to enjoy an unforgettable Silk Road journey. In 2026, Kashgar's tourism services continue to improve, making it the ideal year to explore this millennium-old city.