Kashgar

Travel in Kashgar ranges from the lanes and everyday life of its thousand-year-old old town to the mountain scenery of the Pamir Plateau. Plan separate time for cultural sightseeing in the city and trips to the plateau, allowing enough time to explore at an easy pace.

• Kashgar Old Town: This national 5A-rated attraction is described as China's only ancient earthen-built town in the Western Regions where traditional daily life continues. It is divided into eastern and western sections: the east is livelier and hosts a gate-opening ceremony, while the west is quieter and offers more opportunities to experience local culture. The maze of lanes is also a key place to observe local architecture and photograph street scenes.

• Pamir Plateau: The journey to the plateau takes you past White Sand Lake, Karakul Lake and Muztagh Ata. Snow-capped mountains, lakes and grasslands create sweeping views along the route, offering a striking contrast to Kashgar's old town.

• Id Kah Mosque: In the heart of the old town, this is one of Xinjiang's larger mosques. Its architecture has a distinctly Central Asian character, and a visit offers insight into local religious culture and community life.

• Xiangfei Garden: Built around a recreation of Xiangfei's former residence, the park combines Uyghur architectural elements with the garden layouts of the Jiangnan region. Folk music and dance performances let visitors enjoy gardens, architecture and entertainment in one visit.

• Gaotai Traditional Homes: This adobe settlement on a loess cliff preserves traditional residential architecture. Quieter than the old town, it is a good place to observe residents' daily lives and local homes.

• Kashgar Museum: Admission is free with an advance reservation. The exhibitions trace Kashgar's history and exchanges among its many cultures. Visit before exploring the old town if you would like some background first.

Standard 3–4-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Kashgar and explore the eastern old town
  • Check in to your hotel in the afternoon and rest briefly, then head out around 16:30. It generally gets dark about two hours later in Xinjiang than in inland China, so there is no need to start too early in the afternoon.
  • Go to the East Gate of Kashgar Old Town for the gate-opening ceremony. Performances take place daily at 10:30 and 18:00, except on Mondays; the 18:00 performance fits this day's schedule.
  • Afterwards, walk through the eastern old town and visit the Hanging Garden and Geng Gong Shrine. In the evening, eat at Khan Bazaar Night Market, where you can try baked lamb buns and lamb stew in enamel mugs while experiencing local food and nightlife.

• Day 2: Old town culture and lanes
  • Visit Id Kah Mosque in the morning to admire the architecture. You may also photograph flocks of pigeons taking flight, but keep noise to a minimum.
  • In the afternoon, head to the western old town to explore Rainbow Lane and Budai Lane, then drink brick tea on the second floor of the Hundred-Year-Old Teahouse while listening to older musicians sing and play the dutar.
  • In the evening, choose between folk performances at Xiangfei Garden and souvenir shopping at Kashgar Grand Bazaar.

• Day 3: Round trip to the Pamir Plateau
  • Leave Kashgar early in the morning and take the China–Pakistan Friendship Highway into the Pamir Plateau.
  • Visit White Sand Lake and then Karakul Lake. The first offers views of snow-capped mountains against white sand, while the second reflects Muztagh Ata in its waters. Along the way, look out for distant views of Muztagh Ata, known as the “Father of Ice Mountains.”
  • Return to Kashgar in the evening and rest after the day's sightseeing.

• Day 4 (optional): Tashkurgan County and surroundings
  • If time allows, hire a car with a driver to Tashkurgan County and include Stone City, Golden Grassland and the Panlong Ancient Road in your itinerary. Known for its succession of bends, the Panlong Ancient Road also offers a closer look at the terrain at higher elevations.

Kashgar Specialties

• Lamb stew in enamel mugs: Lamb is simmered in enamel mugs, producing a light, fresh-tasting broth with a relatively mild lamb flavor. Eat it with naan for breakfast. Places to consider include Grandpa Abu's Lamb Stew and Fumeng Restaurant.

• Pilaf: Rice absorbs the rich flavor of lamb fat and is served with tender, slow-cooked lamb and carrots. It is a common local staple. Ailizati Pilaf Restaurant is a long-established local favorite.

• Baked lamb buns: Thin pastry encloses a generous lamb filling. The buns are juicy straight from the oven and best eaten hot. Night market prices are commonly 3–5 yuan each.

• Yogurt rice dumplings: Soft, sticky rice dumplings are topped with thick yogurt, honey and raisins for a sweet-and-tart flavor. Try them as a refreshing snack after a meal at the night market.

• Pigeon soup: Slow-simmered for several hours, this savory soup is often considered nourishing. Popular local places include New Blue Sky Pigeon Soup Restaurant and Kaimaierding Blue Pigeon.

• Tamarisk-skewered lamb: Large pieces of lamb are threaded onto tamarisk twigs and grilled over charcoal, giving them a fragrant, charred exterior, a tender center and a woody aroma. Allow around 30 yuan per person for a night market meal; portions are usually generous.

Accommodation and Transport

• Where to stay: First-time visitors may want to stay near the East or West Gate of Kashgar Old Town, with easy walking access to the old town, gate-opening ceremony and night markets. Choose a chain hotel outside the old town if hotel facilities are a priority. For a more local atmosphere, consider a guesthouse inside the old town, but check soundproofing and heating before booking.

• Transport options:
  • Getting to and from Kashgar: Fly directly to Kashgar Airport, or fly to Urumqi and continue by plane or train. A hard-sleeper train berth costs around 300 yuan; an overnight service arriving the next morning is an option.
  • Getting around the city: Ride-hailing services are convenient for sightseeing. When taking a taxi, check that the fare is metered. Most travel within the old town is on foot, so wear comfortable, soft-soled shoes.
  • Plateau transport: The Pamir Plateau route has many mountain roads and bends, making it unsuitable for inexperienced drivers. Book a private car or shared ride through a reputable operator, with a driver who knows the roads and can handle unexpected situations.

Preparation and Precautions

• Identification and border permits: Carry your ID card for checks along the way. A border permit is required for the Pamir Plateau and Tashkurgan County. Apply online through “Xinjiang Government Services” or obtain one free of charge at the Kashgar All-Region Tourism Service Center; there is no need to pay roadside agents.
• Altitude and acclimatization: Kashgar city is about 1,300 meters above sea level, where altitude sickness is generally uncommon. Tashkurgan County is at 3,100 meters, and parts of the Pamir Plateau route exceed 4,000 meters. On arrival in Tashkurgan, prioritize rest and acclimatization, postpone bathing and hair washing, and avoid strenuous activity. Prepare portable oxygen canisters and glucose in advance.
• Clothing and sun protection: UV radiation is strong in Xinjiang, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. For a trip to the Pamir Plateau in late October, prepare for cold weather with a 3-in-1 outdoor jacket or a lightweight down jacket. The old town is relatively warm during the day; wear layers that are easy to add or remove.
• Religious sites and photography etiquette: Dress appropriately when entering mosques and similar sites, avoiding revealing clothing. Do not enter the main prayer hall during prayers, and do not take photographs inside it. Ask residents for permission before photographing them, paying particular attention to the wishes of older people and women.
• Shopping precautions: You can bargain for dried fruit at the Grand Bazaar. Compare goods and prices at different stalls. If you are unfamiliar with identifying jade, avoid buying so-called “wild Hetian jade” at attraction entrances or along roadsides, as you could pay a high price for a fake.
• Daily schedule: It generally gets dark about two hours later in Xinjiang than in inland China; the original itinerary uses around 22:00 as a reference for nightfall. Lunch is usually around 14:00, and dinner is often after 20:00. Carry a few snacks to tide you over between meals.