Kashgar

Kashgar, or Kashi, is a legendary oasis city situated at the westernmost tip of China in the Xinjiang region, near the borders of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Pakistan. For over two millennia, it has been a vital crossroads on the Silk Road, where goods, ideas, and cultures from the Orient and the Occident collided. The heart of Kashgar is its beautifully preserved Old City, a labyrinth of winding alleyways, mud-brick houses, and bustling artisan workshops that feel untouched by time. A visit to Kashgar is a deep dive into Uyghur culture. The Id Kah Mosque, the largest in China, is a magnificent architectural centerpiece. The famous Sunday Livestock Market is an absolute must-see, offering a chaotic, fascinating glimpse into traditional Central Asian trading of horses, camels, and sheep. The local food is incredible, featuring freshly baked naan bread, savory samsa (meat pastries), and rich hand-pulled noodles. Kashgar is reachable via flights from Urumqi or by the spectacularly scenic but lengthy train journey across Xinjiang. The best time to visit is in autumn, when the weather is mild, and the local fruit harvest (especially pomegranates and melons) is abundant. The city remains one of the most culturally distinct and fascinating destinations in all of China.

Nearby cities

Taiyuan

The capital of Shanxi province, a major center for heavy industry and coal mining.

Ürümqi

Ürümqi, the capital of Xinjiang, is a major hub on the Silk Road, blending diverse cultures and stunning landscapes.

Datong

A city in Shanxi province, known for its rich coal reserves and historical sites.

Kanas Lake

Kanas Lake is a pristine alpine lake in the Altay Mountains, famous for its changing colors and mysterious lake monster legends.

Zhangye Danxia

Zhangye Danxia is a spectacular geological park featuring vibrantly colored, striped mountain ridges.

Mount Wutai

Mount Wutai is one of the Four Sacred Mountains of Chinese Buddhism, renowned for its ancient temples and flat-topped peaks.

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At-Bashy

An authentic Kyrgyz village at the foot of the mighty At-Bashy range, known for its livestock market.

Naryn

A high-altitude city in central Kyrgyzstan, located on the river of the same name and surrounded by high mountains.

History & landmarks

Dunhuang

Dunhuang is an ancient oasis city on the Silk Road, famous for the Mogao Caves and vast desert landscapes.

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Koshoi-Korgon Fortress

A massive 7th-century mud-brick fortress that served as a seat for local rulers.

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Tegerek-Saz Petroglyphs

These rock carvings near Issyk-Kul depict complex scenes of riders and animals.

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Orto-Tokoy Burial Mounds

A group of ancient burial mounds (kurgans) located near the Orto-Tokoy reservoir.

Kochkor Rock Art Site

Located near the town of Kochkor, these rock carvings date from various eras, from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages.

Nature

Kel-Suu Lake

The hidden Kel-Suu glacier lake is secluded in a rugged, rocky gorge near the Chinese border.

More places

Pingyao Ancient City

An exceptionally well-preserved Han Chinese walled city that offers a glimpse into life during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Yungang Grottoes

Ancient Chinese Buddhist temple grottoes near the city of Datong in the province of Shanxi.

Datong Coal Industry

One of the largest coal enterprises in China, based in Datong, Shanxi province, known for its high-quality steam coal mining.

Hanging Monastery

A monastery built into a cliff near Mount Heng in Shanxi province.

At-Bashy Ancient Settlement

Archaeological remains of a medieval city along the At-Bashy River.

Naryn Regional Museum

A key cultural center in Naryn documenting the history of high-altitude life and the traditions of the Kyrgyz nomadic people.

Naryn Valley

The deep gorge and valley through which the Naryn River flows, surrounded by spectacular, barren mountain landscapes.

Ak-Sai Valley

A high-mountain desert and plateau on the Chinese border, known for its extremely cold winters and Marco Polo sheep.