Kashgar, China: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ever wondered how it feels to visit an ancient city that stood at the heart of different civilizations? That's Kashgar for you. It's China's westernmost city, a key stop along the Silk Road for more than 2,000 years. Over 3,400 km (2,100 miles) west of Beijing, it's filled with amazing spots. You'll find the famous Id Kah Mosque, the old Kashgar Teahouse, and the beautiful Karakul Lake, plus the well-known Kashgar Grand Bazaar.

This place is where you can get to know the lively Uyghur culture and delve into the deep history of the Xinjiang Province.

What makes Kashgar a must-visit destination along the Silk Road?

Kashgar stood as the beating heart of the Silk Road, connecting cultures and markets for many, many years. In this ancient city, you'll find the unique Kashgar Old Town and the breath-taking Karakul Lake. These places hold the stories of the Uyghur culture which have enriched Kashgar over time.

Key Takeaways

• Kashgar is a thriving Silk Road city located in China's remote Xinjiang Province
• The city offers a wealth of top attractions, from the iconic Id Kah Mosque to the legendary Kashgar Grand Bazaar
• Explore the vibrant Uyghur culture and immerse yourself in the rich history of this ancient trade hub
• Marvel at the stunning natural landscapes, including the magnificent Karakul Lake
• Discover the unique blend of Chinese and Central Asian influences that have shaped Kashgar over the centuries

Unveiling the Ancient Silk Road City of Kashgar

Kashgar, a key city on the Silk Road, has been vital for trade and culture for over 2,000 years. It holds the biggest bazaar in Asia, the famous Abakh Hoja Tomb, and the Id Kah Mosque. The city's Old Town is peaceful, embodying Kashgar's oldest traditions. Over the years, it connected merchants and traders from China to Central Asia and far beyond.

Embracing the Uyghur Culture and Traditions

Even with increasing Han presence, Kashgar remains mainly Uyghur. The city boasts a strong Uyghur cultural heritage seen in its buildings, crafts, food, and ways. Exploring Old Town and its vibrant markets allows visitors to experience the Uyghur lifestyle.

Navigating the Modern Developments in Kashgar

Since the 1999 arrival of the Ürümqi railway, Kashgar has seen big changes. Beijing has invested heavily, aiming to improve the local economy and please the Uyghur people. But, some of the old Uyghur architecture has been lost. The city is now focusing on becoming more modern, with new buildings and better economics for all.

Immerse Yourself in Kashgar Old Town

In the heart of Kashgar lies the Kashgar Old Town. It invites you to wander its colorful alleys. Here, you can see the real Uyghur architecture. This area is over 2,000 years old, showing the deep history of Uyghur culture on the Silk Road.

Wander the Labyrinth of Colorful Alleys

Walking through the Kashgar Old Town is mesmerizing. You can't miss the unique Uyghur architecture. The beautiful Uyghur houses with their detailed facades make the place lively. They urge you to explore and appreciate Kashgar's rich culture.

Discover Local Handicrafts and Delicacies

Don't miss the local Uyghur handicrafts and foods in the Kashgar Old Town. Walk around the busy markets and workshops. There, you can see amazing art like colorful textiles and handmade pots. Try Uyghur foods such as nang, juicy grapes, and goat milk ice cream. It's a great way to enjoy the city's true taste.

Visit the Iconic Id Kah Mosque

Make sure to visit the Id Kah Mosque in the Kashgar Old Town. It's one of the biggest in China and Central Asia. The mosque combines classic and local architectural styles beautifully. Join the daily worship to see the strong local Islamic faith in action.

Marvel at the Stunning Karakul Lake

Karakul Lake is about 190 km from Kashgar City, Xinjiang. It's under the Muztagh Ata (7546m), on the Karakoram Highway. This road is known as the world's most beautiful. Karakul Lake is at 3600m, making it the highest lake on the Pamirs Plateau. It shows off a mix of beautiful alpine scenery and views of snowy mountains. The lake is surrounded by the giant peaks of Muztagh Ata, Kongur Tagh, and Kongur Tiube. These views make Karakul Lake a must-see.

Pristine Alpine Beauty at the Foot of Muztagh Ata

Karakul Lake is a hidden paradise on the Pamirs Plateau. Its clear waters mirror the huge snow-capped Muztagh Ata. This creates a peaceful and beautiful scene. The lake is in a quiet place, so you'll feel one with nature when you visit.

Scenic Drive Along the Legendary Karakoram Highway

Driving to Karakul Lake along the Karakoram Highway is remarkable. The road takes you past mountains, lakes, and valleys. It's known as the Friendship Highway as well. This is because it connects China and Pakistan. The journey offers amazing views the whole way.

Kashgar, China: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Explore the Grand Id Kah Mosque

The Id Kah Mosque is in Kashgar Old City, China. It's the country's biggest mosque. Also, it's among Central Asia's top three. This mosque boasts Islamic architecture and Uyghur architectural style. It highlights Uyghur ancient building designs and stands out as Kashgar's spiritual center. Every day, you can see large worship ceremonies. Plus, feel the region's strong Uyghur culture.

Relax at the Century-Old Kashgar Teahouse

The Kashgar Century-old Teahouse has been run by the Mamat family for more than a century. It holds the memories of Kashgar's people well. Because of this, it has many regular customers. Mostly, elderly locals visit daily for tea, a tradition that's lasted for years. Here, visitors can enjoy traditional tea and immerse themselves in the Uyghur cultural ambiance.

Visit the Legendary Abakh Hoja Tomb

Abakh Hoja Tomb showcases Islamic architectural brilliance. It's famed for being a tomb for a large Islamic family spanning five generations. Its name comes from Abakh Hoja, a revered Islamic leader buried there. Visiting is extra intriguing due to the story behind Xiang Fei. She was a Qing dynasty concubine who married the emperor to unite the nation. After her death in Beijing, she was also laid to rest here.

Experience the Kashgar Grand Bazaar

The Kashgar Grand Bazaar is at the heart of the ancient city on the Silk Road. It has a history of more than 2,000 years. This market was once the biggest in Asia. It was where traders from China, Europe, and elsewhere came to swap goods on the Silk Road trade paths.

Immerse Yourself in the Lively Marketplace

Even today, the Kashgar Grand Bazaar is a lively spot full of Central Asian culture. Over 5,000 stalls offer all kinds of products. As you move through the market's maze of alleys, you're hit with Kashgar Grand Bazaar's rich history. It feels like you've stepped back in time, experiencing the place's vibrant past.

Discover Local Handicrafts and Souvenirs

In the market's northern part, find unique Uyghur handicrafts and souvenirs. There are spices, musical instruments, traditional fur caps, and carpets. This bustling area is a chance to connect with the local artisan culture. Pick up something special to remember your time in Kashgar.

Witness the Kashgar Livestock Market

The Kashgar Livestock Market is a weekly event, taking place on Sundays only. It's a highlight for those visiting Kashgar on the correct day. Early in the day, animals such as cattle, sheep, horses, and camels arrive in carts from nearby areas.

Here, buyers and sellers haggle over prices. Meanwhile, local vendors offer treats like noodles, pancakes, and roast mutton. This market gives a vivid look into the Uyghur culture and their traditional way of trading.

Venture to the Mysterious Tashkurgan

If you have more time, go beyond Kashgar to Tashkurgan. It's about 240 km southwest of Kashgar. This town is famous for the ancient Stone City, built over 1,300 years ago. Exploring this site will let you walk in the path of old merchants and explorers of the Silk Road.

Explore the Ancient Stone City

The Tashkurgan Stone City is a thousand-year-old fortified site. Walking through its old walls and buildings gives you a look at the Silk Road times. It was a key place for trade and sharing cultures between the East and West.

Glimpse the Golden Grasslands and Muztagh Ata

Besides the Stone City, Tashkurgan has beautiful natural areas. This includes golden grasslands and the massive Muztagh Ata mountain, at 7,546 meters. Visitors can see stunning views from the Pamirs Plateau and enjoy the peaceful beauty of this place.

Embark on a Legendary Silk Road Journey

Kashgar was a major stop for merchants traveling the Silk Road for centuries. It was a lively center for the exchange of goods and ideas. This exchange occurred between China, Central Asia, and other far-off lands. Today, you can walk in the footsteps of many who journeyed through this famous route. By doing so, you will learn about Kashgar's deep history and experience the diverse cultural exchange that shaped the city over time.

Retrace the Footsteps of Merchants and Explorers

Strolling through Kashgar's streets, one can envision the city's past vibrancy during the Silk Road era. Traders from distant lands met here to trade goods and share ideas. Over the years, this ancient city welcomed countless merchants, scholars, and adventurers. They all played a role in developing Kashgar's unique cultural tapestry and its firm identity.

Discover the Rich History and Cultural Exchange

Kashgar has been a key spot on the Silk Road for more than 2,000 years. It has been a place where many different cultures met and mingled. Exploring the city allows you to trace the paths of ancient merchants and see the city's evolving cultural exchange. This exchange, from the old caravan routes to the current global connections, has left a lasting impact on Kashgar's history. And, it has shaped what it is today.

Plan Your Kashgar Adventure

Best Time to Visit Kashgar

The ideal time to explore Kashgar is from May to October. This is when the mountain passes are clear for travel. The city comes alive with a mix of merchants, tourists, and locals from Central Asia. You'll find summer and autumn perfect for seeing top sites like Karakul Lake and the Kashgar Market. They are also great for enjoying the weather and seasonal activities.

Getting to Kashgar

Kashgar sits in the far west of China, a hefty 3,400 km (2,100 miles) from Beijing. Traveling by air is common, as the city has flights from many major Chinese cities. Trains also link Kashgar to places like Ürümqi since 1999. For something more daring, people can drive the Karakoram Highway from Pakistan or Kyrgyzstan. This route offers a unique journey to this isolated Silk Road spot.

Accommodation and Dining Options

When staying in Kashgar, you'll find a variety of places. This includes Uyghur guesthouses and modern hotels, fitting different budgets and tastes. To really get a feel for the city, consider a historic Uyghur house. You could also dive into the local food culture. This means trying out Uyghur favorites like nang, kebabs, and other special dishes.

Conclusion

Kashgar is a city on the ancient Silk Road, found in China's far west. It provides a unique adventure. You can visit the Kashgar Old Town and the Id Kah Mosque. These sites show the city's rich history.

The area also boasts beautiful locations like Karakul Lake and the Pamirs Plateau. Visitors can experience the lively Uyghur culture. They can also learn about the Silk Road's history and see its trade routes.

Are you into architecture, trying new food, or outdoor fun? Kashgar is the place to be. It mixes old traditions with new ideas. This balance makes it a special spot in Central Asia.

So, why not start planning your trip to Kashgar? This Silk Road city offers a lot. From its history to its stunning views, you won't be disappointed. Get ready to make memories in this amazing part of China.