Kashgar: The Silk Road's Living Museum

Kashgar (Kashi), in far western Xinjiang, is unlike anywhere else in China. Closer to Islamabad than Beijing, it has been a Silk Road hub for over two millennia. The majority of its population is Uyghur, a Turkic Muslim people whose language, cuisine, and customs set them apart from the Han Chinese majority. The Old City, with its mud-brick alleyways and traditional courtyard homes, remains one of the best-preserved examples of Central Asian urbanism in existence.

The Old City

Kashgar's Old City is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, mud-brick houses, and hidden courtyards. Many homes are built from sun-dried bricks made from local clay, their walls thick enough to keep interiors cool in summer and warm in winter. The government has controversially rebuilt parts of the Old City, but much remains intact. Wandering the lanes, you'll find blacksmiths hammering at forges, bakers pulling naan from tandoor ovens, and children playing in the dust.

The Sunday Bazaar

Kashgar's Sunday bazaar is legendary. Once the largest in Central Asia, it still draws thousands of traders and shoppers from across Xinjiang and beyond. The animal market is particularly vivid: herds of sheep, cattle, and horses are bought and sold in a dusty field, with bargaining conducted in a mix of Uyghur, Mandarin, and sign language. Elsewhere, stalls sell everything from silk and carpets to dried fruits, knives, and traditional medicines.

Id Kah Mosque

The Id Kah Mosque, built in 1442, is the largest in China. Its yellow-brick facade and minarets dominate the central square. On Fridays, thousands of worshippers fill the square for prayers. The mosque is open to non-Muslims outside prayer times, and its peaceful courtyard offers respite from the city's bustle.

Abakh Khoja Tomb

This 17th-century mausoleum, about 5 kilometers from the city center, is one of Xinjiang's most beautiful Islamic structures. It houses the tomb of Abakh Khoja, a Sufi leader, and his descendants. The glazed tiles, domed roof, and minarets recall the architecture of Samarkand and Isfahan.

Uyghur Culture

Uyghur culture is a blend of Turkic, Persian, and Islamic influences. Traditional music, performed on the dutar (two-stringed lute) and rawap, is deeply woven into daily life. Uyghur dance, with its intricate hand movements and spins, is performed at weddings and festivals. The language, written in a modified Arabic script, is taught in local schools alongside Mandarin.

Cuisine

Uyghur cuisine is a highlight. Naan bread, baked in clay ovens, is a staple. Lamb skewers (kawap), seasoned with cumin and chili, are sold on every corner. Polu (pilaf) combines rice, carrots, and lamb in a single dish. Laghman — hand-pulled noodles topped with meat and vegetables — shows the influence of Chinese cuisine. Tea houses serve green tea with sugar, dried fruits, and sometimes the addition of samovar-brewed black tea, a Russian legacy.

Getting There

Kashgar has an airport with flights from Urumqi and other Chinese cities. The train from Urumqi takes about 24 hours but offers dramatic desert scenery. Foreign travelers need a valid Chinese visa; additional permits are sometimes required for travel beyond Kashgar.