- China Destination Guide

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China travel and tour destination Kashgar

China Destination Guide - Kashgar 喀什

Kashgar is the last city in China as you head west into Central Asia. For millennia it has been an important crossroads and trading station along the Silk Road between China and Central Asia. Much of the old city doesn't feel Chinese at all - it is certainly a long, long way from Beijing. Despite development much of the charm of Kashgar is still alive and wandering the streets of the old city is still like stepping back in time. Kashgar is also a good base to explore the stunning Karakorum Highway region to the south including Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan.

➤ TCTC Tip: The 24 hour train trip from Urumqi to Kashgar is one of the most stunning in China.

What there is to see in Kashgar:

Id Kah Mosque is the city's main mosque and can hold 20,000 people.
The Old City is the bit the Chinese have decided to preserve and it is like walking back in time. One of the highlights is just wandering around the Uigher areas which are alive with trading and street life.
Abakh Hoja Maziri is a stunning tomb whose glazed tile architecture is much more Central Asia than China.
The Sunday Market and Livestock Market are what Kashgar has been all about for millennia - trading - and it continues with enthusiasm to this day.

Best time to Visit Kashgar

April to June and September to October are the best months for the city itself although the summer is also good if you can handle the dry heat. Winters are very cold and not recommended.

Best reason to visit Kashgar

There is no single sight to see - Kashgar is more of an atmosphere and insight back in time. It is about walking around and taking it all in - the sights, sounds, smells and the feeling of being at the crossroads where China meets Central Asia.

Our last word on Kashgar

We like Kashgar and think it is worth a visit on its own merits depsite the geographical remoteness and cost of getting there. However, if you can combine it with the Karakorum Highway to the south and the stunning rail journey to Urumqi in the north, more the better!