Peng Gao
Quick Trip Plan
You'll smell lamb kebabs and hear the call to prayer before you even exit the airport. That's Kashgar — a city that hits all your senses at once. But the digital side? That's where guidebooks let you down.
When I first traveled around Kashgar, I booked no tours, carried no cash, and assumed Alipay would work everywhere. It didn't. Small vendors and shared taxis often accept only cash. And mapping apps? Google Maps is useless here; even Apple Maps shows wrong directions sometimes.
Here's the shortcut: prepare three things — cash, DiDi or Alipay, and an offline map like AMap. With these, you'll navigate Kashgar smoother than most backpackers.
How Do I Get to Kashgar?
You have three main ways to reach Kashgar: by plane, train, or road. Each has its own pros and time costs, so let's break them down.
By Air
Flying is the quickest and easiest way for most travelers. Kashgar Airport (KHG) receives daily flights from Urumqi (about 2 hours) and seasonal direct services from Xi'an or Chengdu. Tickets cost roughly ¥500–1,200 one-way depending on the season. From the airport, a taxi to the city center takes 30 minutes and costs around ¥50–60. For a budget alternative, take the airport shuttle bus (line 1) at ¥15, which drops you at People's Square.
By Train
The sleeper train from Urumqi is an adventure you'll never forget. It takes about 20 hours, but you'll wake up to snow-capped Pamir peaks. Book a hard sleeper (about ¥400) or soft sleeper (¥600) via the official 12306 website or through Trip.com with an English interface. Trains arrive at Kashgar Railway Station, roughly 6 km from the old town. Take bus 28 or a taxi (¥20–25) to your hotel.
By Road: The Karakoram Highway
If you're entering from Pakistan or exploring Southern Xinjiang, the Karakoram Highway is legendary. However, as a foreigner, you'll need a border permit for the Khunjerab Pass area. Even if your entire route stays within China, you must stop at police checkpoints and show your passport at all times. Hiring a driver from Kashgar to Pak borderline is possible but requires special paperwork — consult a local agency like Kashgar Travel Service.
How Do I Get Around Kashgar?
The city itself is compact, but its quirks — outdated maps and language barriers — make it tricky. Here's what actually works.
Use DiDi Instead of Hailing Taxis
DiDi (滴滴出行) is the only app that offers reliable service in English. The app shows the price upfront, so you won't negotiate. A typical ride within the old town costs ¥5–15. Hailing a taxi is fine, but always insist on the meter. Taxi drivers rarely know English, so have your destination written in Chinese.
Walk the Old Town with a Map on Your Phone
Walking is the best way to soak up the atmosphere. The old town is a maze, but you won't get truly lost — the main alleys lead to the Id Kah Mosque. I recommend starting from the East Gate, where you can climb the watchtower for a view. Pro tip: bring a power bank; your GPS will drain battery fast.
For Out-of-Town Trips, Book a Private Driver
To visit Karakul Lake or Shipton's Arch, you'll need a car. Public buses to those sites are infrequent and not tourist-friendly. A private driver for a full day costs about ¥600–800, which you can split with two or three people. Your hotel can arrange this. Always confirm the driver has a proper business license.
Cash, Alipay, and WeChat: What Works
You'll quickly learn that having only card is like being offline in a digital world. Most small businesses accept only cash or Alipay/WeChat. As a foreigner, you can set up Alipay with a foreign card, but not all payments go through — street vendors often don't have QR codes linked to international accounts. The safest bet: carry ¥100–200 in small bills for snacks, toilets, and tips. ATMs of Bank of China accept foreign cards for cash withdrawal (daily limit around ¥2,500).
Language and VPN
You'll survive with basic Chinese phrases, but a translation app is a lifesaver. Download Apple Translate or Baidu Translate offline packs. Also, bring a VPN to access Google, Instagram, and your home apps. I always remind visitors: set up your VPN before arriving, because installing it in China often fails.
Map warning: Google Maps is inaccurate in Kashgar. Use Apple Maps or AMap (the Chinese name is Gaode Ditu). For walking, turn on the voice guidance — it's in Chinese, but you can peek at the screen.
Where to Stay in Kashgar: Budget to Boutique
Your base determines how much time you waste commuting. Here's a quick comparison of the three main areas.
| Area | Best For | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town | Culture lovers, photographers | ¥100–250 | Stay inside the walls for atmosphere. Budget guesthouses are basic; expect no elevator. |
| People's Square | First-timers, easy transport | ¥180–350 | Close to taxis and buses. Plenty of mid-range hotels with English-speaking staff. |
| New City | Business, families | ¥300–600 | Modern amenities but far from the old town. Cab to old town costs ¥20–30. |
My personal pick is staying just outside the Old Town's West Gate. You get the air and light of the old city, but without the noise. Many of these guesthouses are converted homes with rooftop terraces — ask for a room with a view. For pre-booking, use Trip.com; it accepts international passports without hassle.
What to Eat in Kashgar: A Foodie's Map
Kashgar's food is a fusion of Uyghur and Central Asian flavors. Here are the must-tries and where to find them.
At the Night Market
The East Gate Night Market is your one-stop dinner. Open from dusk to midnight, it's a chaotic maze of grills and steam pots. Try the samsa (mutton pies), kawap (lamb skewers), and a cup of local yoghurt. Prices range from ¥3 for a skewer to ¥20 for a full meal. I always head to the second alley where the Uyghur lady makes hand-pulled noodles — she doesn't speak English, but she'll smile and gesture.
- Samsa — flaky mutton pies
- Kawap — lamb skewers
- Lagman — hand-pulled noodles
- Polo — lamb rice pilaf
- Chai — strong tea with herbs
Classic Sit-Down Restaurants
For a proper meal, visit 'Orda' (on the Old Town's Tizik Road). It's well-known for polo (lamb rice) and laghman (noodles). A dish costs ¥20–40. The waiter can bring an English menu if you ask. Another reliable spot is 'Karim's' near the Id Kah Mosque — the chicken salad is a hidden gem.
Remember: most small places accept only cash. Signal to your driver to wait while you eat — especially at lunch rush.
How to Plan a 3-Day Kashgar Itinerary
You can see the highlights without rushing if you structure your days around the old town and one day trip. Here's my go-to plan:
- Day 1: Arrival + Old Town Sunset — Touch down, check in, then wander the old town. Don't miss the watchtower sunset. Eat at the night market.
- Day 2: Full Old Town & Monuments — Morning: Id Kah Mosque (opens 10:00 AM, ¥20). Afternoon: Abakh Khoja Mausoleum (10-min taxi, ¥30). Evening: relax at a tea house.
- Day 3: Karakul Lake Day Trip — Leave at 8:00 AM with a private driver. The 190 km drive takes 4 hours each way. Carry your passport — there are checkpoints. Return by 8 PM.
Too tired for the full lake trip? Swap Day 3 with a visit to Shipton's Arch. It's only 90 minutes from town, and the shorter drive leaves time for a nap. Bring plenty of water—the path is dusty.
Here's the thing: adding an extra day gives you a chance to explore the Sunday animal market. Go early — it's chaotic but unforgettable.
Kashgar Travel FAQ
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
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