Kashgar is a historic Silk Road city in southwestern Xinjiang. Wander the old city’s lanes, craft shops and teahouses, see the yellow gateway of Id Kah Mosque, and explore Xiangfei Garden’s historic Afaq Khoja mausoleum complex. Make room for baked samsa and pilaf and the everyday life of local markets. Trips toward the Pamirs require a separate travel plan.
The best of Kashgar
Central KashgarAbout 2 hoursFree entry
Kashgar Old City
A network of lanes and traditional houses gives the old city its character. Explore slowly between craft shops and teahouses, asking permission before entering residents’ courtyards.
BookingEnter the public lanes on foot; ticketed courtyards, performances and special experiences are separate.
Location
Old city in central Kashgar, around the area east of Jiefang North Road
Opening hours
Public lanes are open all day; shops and courtyards keep individual hours.
Admission
Public lanes of the old city
Kashgar Old CityAbout 2 hours
Id Kah Mosque
The yellow gateway, minarets and courtyard form an old-city landmark. View the architecture from the square, then follow the day’s visitor arrangements for entry and respect worship and photography rules.
BookingCheck that day’s interior access and ticket price at the entrance; dress modestly and ask before photographing.
Location
West side of Id Kah Square, Jiefang North Road, Kashgar
Opening hours
Visit the public square on foot; interior tourist hours are posted locally and worship-time access follows staff directions.
Admission
Interior admission is ticketed; viewing the exterior from the public square is free
Haohan Township, KashgarAbout 2 hours
Xiangfei Garden
Xiangfei Garden preserves the Afaq Khoja mausoleum and historic mosque buildings. Study the domes, coloured tiles and courtyards, allowing separate time for architecture and any performances in the grounds.
BookingBuy a ticket covering the historic buildings; performances and experiences follow the day’s schedule.
Location
Ayizirete Village, Haohan Township, Kashgar
Opening hours
10:00–19:30
Admission
Paid admission; ticket options and prices are set by the official ticket office
What to eat
B
Baked samsa
A thin pastry encloses lamb and onion, baked until crisp; a familiar Kashgar snack.
U
Uyghur pilaf
Rice cooked with carrots and lamb makes a hearty dish, often enjoyed with yoghurt.
Arrive, explore, settle in
Arriving
Fly to Kashgar Laining International Airport or arrive at Kashgar railway station, then continue by taxi or local transport. Allow for long distances between Xinjiang cities.
Getting around
Walk through the old city and use a taxi for Xiangfei Garden. Schedule bookings in Beijing Time; local shops and markets may open later in the day.
Where to stay
Stay near the old city for walks and breakfast. With large bags, choose accommodation with vehicle access to the entrance.
Explore the old city slowly, pausing at craft shops and teahouses, then try baked samsa.
Route 2
Id Kah and local markets
See the mosque from Id Kah Square and visit inside when permitted, then explore nearby markets and try pilaf.
Route 3
Xiangfei Garden architecture
Allow half a day for Xiangfei Garden’s mausoleum and historic buildings, returning to town for rest or another old-city walk.
More planning advice
Explore the old city slowly, pausing at craft shops and teahouses, then try baked samsa.
See the mosque from Id Kah Square and visit inside when permitted, then explore nearby markets and try pilaf.
Good to know
How many days do I need in Kashgar?
Allow 3–4 days, excluding intercity travel. Leave room for journeys, queues and meals.
When should I visit Kashgar?
Suggested months: Apr · May · Jun · Sep · Oct. Check weather, holidays and opening arrangements for your actual dates.
Which sights need advance booking?
Read each sight’s booking note and check official information before fixing your dates. Foreign passport booking channels may differ. Booking with a foreign passport →
Make Kashgar your own
Put your favourite places on the map, then decide how to spend each day.
