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County-level city in Xinjiang, China
Photo: Aurimaz, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Built in 7th century during the Tang dynasty and destroyed in the 12th century. Nowadays only one pagoda is left, next to the pagoda is a platform. The pagoda is the place where the monks in the city to come and do their worship. The Mor pagoda has three square layers, each a little smaller than the one below it. The bottom layer has circumferences of more than forty-eight meters, the second layer forty meters and the third layer thirty-two meters, while the pagoda stands more than twelve meters high. The platform beside the pagoda was one of the central temple structures, and in its side walls were carved niches housing Buddha figurines. But now there aren’t any figures left, and even the niches themselves are barely visible.
The livestock market, where locals from all the surrounding villages come to town to buy and sell animals. It's held on an open and fenced ground. It's popular with tourists, yet is so big it still feels like (in fact it is) a working bazaar. It changed its location some three years ago; now it's a good 30 minute bus ride north of the city (bus 23, get off with everyone else - you'll know when) or a (¥15-20) metered taxi ride for around 15 minutes.
The old town used to have warren-like niches and winding streets, home to friendly (if occasionally guarded) residents and delightfully improvised architecture. However, in 2017, the Chinese government tore down the original buildings and rebuilt the town with wider streets and modern amenities, and it can come off as a little tacky.
Those seeking more "authentic" old buildings should visit the small hill just outside the East Gate (immediately north of Donghu Park): the buildings near the entrance of this area have been converted into cafes and shops, while numerous buildings at the back are in a state of ruin and can be seen from an elevated viewing pathway. Entrance is free.
First built in 1442, it is distinctive for its yellow walls and Central Asian architecture. As with any place of worship, you should dress modestly, meaning your legs and shoulders should be covered, and women should wear a hijab. You should remove your shoes before entering the carpeted area. On Eid, you can see the local Uyghurs dancing on the square in front of the mosque.
A massive, elegant building created in 1640 in typical Islamic style. Also a pilgrimage site. It claims to be the resting place of the legendary "Fragrant Concubine", although the traditional Uyghur tale of her rebellion against the Qing imperial family is omitted in the tomb's accompanying introduction.
The tomb of Kashgar's much loved philosopher and poet who wrote the 13,290-line poem The Wisdom of Happiness and Pleasure in the Uighur language.
The tomb of an Uyghur scribe, famous for compiling a dictionary of the Turkic languages in the 11th century. This picturesque complex is situated on a hillside and includes a mosque and a sacred spring. Upal has a lively bazaar.
Davakul Lake is 130 km from Kashgar, on the southeast tip of Taklimakan Desert. Davakul means "curing lake" in Uyghur language. It is one of the nearest places to Kashgar to do one or more days camel trekking in the Taklamakan Desert.
Various agencies around the Old Town offer day trips to Baisha Lake and Karakul Lake on the stunning Karakoram Highway, either by tour group or private car and driver. In April 2025, a private car (SUV) and driver (Chinese-speaking) cost 1,000RMB with entrance tickets to both lakes included. Before setting off, make sure you get a (free) permit for this area from the office just north of the airport.
Offers several types of tours in the area, including mountain treks.
This is a one-day trek done in steeply walled canyons and over Rocky River bed terrain. The arch is 500 metres high and 100 metres wide, and is a little known wonder of the world.
For a variety of snacks and dishes, try the food stalls opposite the Id Kah mosque. The stalls start operating during the evening.
The Sunday market also has good things to eat.
新疆
Western style. Quality food, hot drinks and service that speak English, this may be an oasis in the middle of hectic Asia. Prices are a little pricey but if you can afford it, it is worth it.
Western style. Fine coffee& pizza, iced drinks, dessert and waiter that speaks good English, the terrace that covered with plants has great view of the mosque and the old town. The cafe is within the Kashgar Pamir Hostel.
Continental food
Owned and run by a native Pakistani, this is the place to get home-made Pakistani food in Kashgar. Serving mostly daily specials, such as a spicy ground beef platter or curried chicken, the taste of the food is impressive. Ask politely in advance to have delicious falafel or houmous made to order.
Popular among the locals, this place serves very fresh meat. In fact, sometimes they have no more meat to offer because they've sold out. Buy a nan bread fresh out of the oven from one of the many local bakers on the side of the road and bring it with you. Get lamb skewers and liver skewers and enjoy it with your nan bread.
Offers backpacker hospitality at 1.7 times the price of other locations, and is very popular among single travellers. Managed by Jack who speaks fluent English. Seems to be closed in the off-season.
Gallery Cafe
A little oasis for those looking for home style western food or a cup of coffee. Foreign-owned Gallery Cafe opened in October 2009. The place also acts as a showcase for local artists' oil paintings and a tourist information center.
Kashgar Returning Friends International Youth Hostel
Nice and friendly place with helpful host and international guests. Around there are many places to eat. WeChat: loveyunpiaotianya.
喀什老城青年旅舍
A hostel centrally based with dorm beds and shared bathrooms. Beds were previously very hard, but in spring 2012, the hostel purchased new mattresses that are much more comfortable. Enclosed with a central courtyard with eastern styled areas. Seems to be very popular so a booking is suggested. Community Breakfast (10Y), lunch and dinner (20Y) is offered, as well as a kitchen area. April 2016: There are also doubles for 108Y (non-attached bathroom) or 140Y (own bathroom).
喀什其尼瓦克宾馆; Kāshí Qíníwǎkè Bīnguǎn
Offers dorm style bedrooms in the adjacent building. More expensive doubles have free internet. Business centre, currency exchange, gift shop, ticket office, karaoke, massage and sauna available. Chinese and Western Restaurants as well as coffee shop and bar.
Pretty and convenient hotel with very nice staff. WC with electronics and heated seat. The hotel manager is very helpful, she can explain about places to visit in the area and help getting there. There are many places to eat nearby, and a local travel agency just next door.
Seman Binguan
In an old Russian consulate building, the rooms are oddly-shaped with simple bathrooms, common areas have high ceilings and military-themed oil paintings, 300 rooms.
The hotel is right on the edge of the old town. Double Rooms are ¥238 per night incl. breakfast.Fantastic yogurt on the ground floor restaurant although served at room temperature. The ground floor restaurant of this hotel is one of the "happening" scenes of Kashgar among locals and is usually packed with affluent local Uyghurs.
苏力旦大饭店
A four-star Uigher-run hotel just south of the central mosque. Reasonable price most easily obtained by calling them.
喀什天缘国际酒店; Kāshí Tiānyuán Guójìjiǔdiàn
Four star hotel with large rooms with free internet and mini bar. Business center, gift shop, ticket office, karaoke, spa, massage and sauna available. Chinese restaurant coffee shop and room service. The restaurant is not good, but the 24 hour spa, massage and sauna are excellent.
Upscale Western hotel with pool, restaurant, and conference/meeting rooms,.
By plane
A taxi to the city should cost about 30-¥100 by meter. Shuttle buses leaving from the International Hotel at People's Square are available for ¥10 per person.
By train
Kashgar Railway Station (喀什火车站; Kāshí Huǒchēzhàn) is the main railway station in the city. It is on Renmin East Road (人民东路; Rénmíndōnglù).
By bus
International Bus Station is at 5 Jicheng Road
By car
The Karakoram Highway runs from Pakistan into China. Kashgar is the nearest major town on the Chinese end.
Maps
If you prefer a paper map, look in your home country for one made by Reise Know-How or Gizi Map.e.e. Silk Road connecting Karakoram Highway).
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Kashgar · International · KHG
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