How to Visit Kashgar Old Town: Insider Tips & Hidden Gems

Kashgar's Old Town feels like stepping into a different century. The labyrinth of dirt alleys, the smell of cumin and naan, the sound of donkey carts — it's intoxicating. But I've watched countless tourists freeze at the entrance, overwhelmed and wondering where to start. So here's the honest truth: visiting Kashgar Old Town isn't about following a map — it's about knowing exactly how it works. Book your entry with passport in advance, go early, and ignore the touts at the gate. The rest? That's what this guide is for.

Why Visit Kashgar Old Town?

Kashgar Old Town is the most authentic Uyghur experience you'll find in China. It's not a museum — it's a living quarter where people still go about daily life. The old town is famous for its mud-brick architecture, vibrant bazaars, and the iconic Id Kah Mosque. I've been here dozens of times, and every stroll through the winding lanes reveals something new — a hidden teahouse, a group of kids playing soccer, or a craftsman hammering copper.

Historically, Kashgar sat at the crossroads of the Silk Road, where merchants from Central Asia, Persia, and China exchanged goods and ideas. This blend of cultures is baked into the town's DNA — in the food, the music, and the colorful mosque. Even after a major renovation, the old town retains its soul.

What's the Best Time to Visit Kashgar Old Town?

If there's one piece of advice I repeat to every traveler, it's this: arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM. The middle of the day brings tour buses and heat, and the main streets get uncomfortably crowded. I always send my clients to the east gate at sunrise — the morning light on the mud walls is stunning, and vendors are just setting up.

In terms of season, April to October offers the most comfortable temperatures, but the town is interesting year-round. Winter has far fewer tourists, but some small shops close. I personally love late September — the weather is crisp, and the grapes in the market are unbeatable.

One non-obvious tip: avoid Friday afternoon. The mosque gets packed and roads near it close briefly. If you want that classic photo with no one in the background, aim for a Sunday morning — locals are busy with errands, and tourists haven't arrived yet.

How to Get to Kashgar Old Town

Kashgar is a city in Xinjiang, far west of China. You'll likely fly into Kashgar Airport (KHG) or take a train from Urumqi, the regional capital.

By Air

Direct flights to Kashgar are limited, so most people connect through Urumqi. The flight from Urumqi takes about 2 hours and runs at least twice a day. Once you land, take a taxi to the old town — it should take around 30 minutes and cost 30-40 RMB. I usually tell people to use Didi (China's Uber) instead of hailing a cab — you'll get the fare up front and avoid any surcharge.

By Train

Trains from Urumqi to Kashgar run overnight and take about 15 hours. It's a legendary ride across the desert — book a sleeper berth if you can. You can book tickets on Trip.com in English, which is what I recommend for foreign tourists. When you arrive at Kashgar Railway Station, hop in a taxi (about 20 minutes to the old town). The station is small, so just follow the crowds.

Alternatively, you can fly directly from cities like Xi'an or Chengdu on some days, but connections through Urumqi are the most reliable. Always check the local weather — heavy snow in winter can delay flights.

How to Get Around Kashgar Old Town

The old town is pedestrian-friendly, but it's a maze. Don't rely on Google Maps — it's wildly inaccurate in China. I recommend Apple Maps or AMap Global (which offers English menus). Download the Chinese version of Baidu Maps as a backup. Save your hotel's address in Chinese characters to show taxi drivers.

Navigation Tips

Set a landmark — the Id Kah Mosque is the anchor. From there, you can explore the main alleyways and easily find your way back. If you get lost, just ask a local vendor; they're friendly and always point you in the right direction. I once spent an hour chasing a fake map from a hostel — trust me, the paper maps are often outdated.

Taking Taxis

Taxis are cheap within the old town area (under 10 RMB). Always insist on the meter, or use Didi for a fixed price. Beware of touts offering city tours — they'll overcharge. When entering the old town, the safest drop-off point is the East Gate, which is also where you'll find a police information booth.

Top Things to See in Kashgar Old Town

These are the spots I always include in my private tours. I'll list them in the order I'd visit them:

1. Id Kah Mosque — The largest mosque in China, right in the center. Entrance is 20 RMB, and you must dress modestly. Opening hours are usually 9:00-19:00, but it closes during prayer times. Go after 10 AM to avoid crowds.
2. Muhammad Niyaz Palace — A beautifully restored Uyghur residence, also known as the "Grand Hotel". It's 30 RMB to enter, and it's a photographer's dream.
3. Wen's Ancient Tea House — Skip the touristy ones and head to this spot. A pot of tea costs about 15 RMB, and you can listen to local musicians. I always tell people to ask for the "dragon well" tea — it's not traditional, but they'll have it.
4. Yellow Silk Road Bazaar — This is where locals shop. You'll find hand-woven carpets, embroidered hats, and spices. Bargain hard — start at 50% of the asking price.
5. Old Town Wall & South Gate — Climb to the top for a panoramic view. Best at sunset — the golden hour lights up the old city.

If you only have one day, don't try to see everything. Pick the mosque and the bazaar, then get lost in the alleys. That's where the real magic happens.

Where to Eat in Kashgar Old Town

Food is the soul of Kashgar. Here are my go-to spots, all walkable from the main square.

1. Karwan Bazaar

Address: Main east-west alley, near the East Gate.
I always grab a lamb skewer here — they're smoky and juicy, only 5 RMB each. The plov (rice pilaf) is also a standout. Go in the morning to see vendors preparing fresh mutton.

2. Grand Bazaar Restaurant

Address: 2F, Grand Bazaar building, Oasis Road.
This place is popular with both tourists and locals. Try the laghman (noodles) and stuffed cabbage rolls. A meal for two runs about 60-80 RMB. The staff can understand basic English, and they have a picture menu — handy if you forget your translation app.

3. Street Stalls Around Id Kah

Don't be afraid of the street food — it's fresh and safe. My ritual is a naan bread dipped in yogurt for breakfast. These stalls open early and close by sunset. Just carry small bills.

One thing I've learned: always ask for the price before you order — most stalls are honest, but a few will quote tourists double. Politely say "too expensive" and walk away if it's ridiculous.

Where to Stay in Kashgar Old Town

You have two options: stay inside the old town or outside. Inside feels immersive but can be noisy. Outside is convenient for transport. Here's my breakdown:

I usually book a guesthouse inside for at least one night. My pick is Kashgar 1000 Nights — it has a courtyard, a rooftop terrace, and the owner speaks enough English to arrange tours. Wi-Fi is decent, but don't expect it to be blazing fast. And note that some traditional homes have squat toilets and no elevator — pack light if you're on the second floor.

Essential Tips for Visiting Kashgar Old Town

Now, the stuff that most guidebooks miss. Your international credit card is nearly useless here. Everyone uses mobile payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay. I recommend setting up Alipay with your foreign card before you arrive — you can link Visa/Mastercard. Carry around 300 RMB in cash as backup, but don't expect to get change at every stall.

Another big one: you'll need a VPN for Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram. China's Great Firewall blocks them, and the free Wi-Fi in guesthouses often has restrictions. I always download offline maps and a translation app (Baidu Translate works well with Chinese characters).

Pro Tip: Download the AMap app in English and download the offline map of Kashgar before you arrive. It'll save you hours of wandering.

Also, be aware that many shops close on Friday for Jummah prayers. Don't plan your heavy sightseeing then — go to the small alleys instead.

For booking hotels and tours, I recommend using Trip.com or Klook — both have English interfaces and accept foreign cards. If you're hiring a local guide, ask your hotel to arrange one; it's safer than street touts.

FAQ About Visiting Kashgar Old Town

Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.