Kashgar

Kashgar is a Silk Road oasis city in southern Xinjiang, western China, known for its Sunday Market, Id Kah Mosque and a population that is mostly Uyghur.

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Kashgar is an oasis city in the Tarim Basin of southern Xinjiang, western China, close to the borders with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. It is China's westernmost city and has been a Silk Road oasis for more than 2,000 years, linking China with Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Most residents are Uyghur Muslims, and Uyghur is widely spoken. Signs and names often appear in Uyghur script, in Chinese and sometimes in English spelling.

Go to the Sunday Market early. It is held every Sunday, sources describe it as the largest market in Central Asia, and peak attendance reaches about 100,000 people. Id Kah Mosque, dating from the 15th century, stands in the city centre. Spring arrives quickly and lasts long, while summers are hot and winters are cold, with a historical range from −24.4 °C to 40.1 °C. Violent incidents were recorded in 1981, 2008, 2011 and 2014, so check current official travel advice and entry permits before you book.

Kashgar in five

Read the UK government's Xinjiang advice firstThe Foreign Office says there is a significant security presence throughout Xinjiang, and that you may need to give security forces your phone number, have your photograph taken and explain why you are travelling.UK regional advice
Carry your passport and expect checksThe UK government says to expect airport-style security measures, including passport and security checks, at shopping centres, markets and parks, and to always carry your passport.UK regional advice
Do not photograph sensitive sitesThe UK government says not to photograph or film protests, large crowds, security officials or installations, or anything military, and that mosques and other religious sites are also considered sensitive by the authorities.
Check what help is availableThe UK government says the British Embassy's ability to help British nationals in Xinjiang is limited. Get insurance that covers your itinerary, and confirm its terms for the region before booking.Compare insurance
Plan cash for the oasis townsCard acceptance thins out of the big cities, so set up a payment app in advance and carry cash. The money guide has the UK advice.Money and costs

Things to do in Kashgar

See all attractions in Kashgar

Sight · KashgarGrand Sunday Bazaar

Sight · KashgarSunday Livestock Market

Museum · KashgarKashgar Museum

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to KashgarPut the places you like in Kashgar on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Kashgar (KHG)
Getting there: Flights from Urumqi and other Chinese cities; long-distance rail; check current options
Getting around: Taxis and local buses; security checkpoints are common
Best base: Central Kashgar; confirm the hotel can host foreign guests
Time needed: 3 days; more for the Karakoram Highway

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryClear2 rainy daysHigh0°Low-8°Cold, dry
FebruaryClear2 rainy daysHigh5°Low-4°Cold, dry
MarchClear2 rainy daysHigh16°Low4°Cool, dusty
AprilClear4 rainy daysHigh23°Low11°Mild, clear
MayClear4 rainy daysHigh28°Low16°Warm
JuneClear3 rainy daysHigh32°Low21°Hot
JulyClear3 rainy daysHigh34°Low23°Hot, dry
AugustClear4 rainy daysHigh31°Low21°Hot, dry
SeptemberClear3 rainy daysHigh28°Low17°Clear, mild
OctoberClear1 rainy dayHigh19°Low9°Cool, clear
NovemberClear1 rainy dayHigh10°Low1°Cold
DecemberClear1 rainy dayHigh1°Low-6°Cold, dry

Average daily high and low in Kashgar, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Kashgar

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 3°
Humidity: 59%
Wind: 3 km/h
Chance of rain: 0%

Kashgar

04:40 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+8

Today18°5°0%Tuesday: Partly cloudy. High 18°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 0%.
Wed15°6°0%Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High 15°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 0%.
Thu15°4°8%Thursday: Cloudy. High 15°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 8%.
Fri17°4°10%Friday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 10%.
Sat15°5°0%Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 15°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sun14°7°1%Sunday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low 7°. Chance of rain 1%.

Updated 04:13 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 6.661 CNY

Amount

Converted to

CNY · Chinese Yuan

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Karakul Lakelong drive on the Karakoram HighwayA mountain lake beneath high peaks; routes are subject to checkpoints and access changes, so confirm before planning.
Tashkurganlong drive on the Karakoram HighwayA border-region town on the road toward Pakistan; check current access and permits before you plan.
Old city districtswithin KashgarLanes, workshops and teahouses in the old quarter; follow the photography guidance.

Before you go to Kashgar

UK advice for XinjiangRead before you bookRead the guide

Cash and paymentsPlan for limited cards and ATMsRead the guide

eSIM for KashgarMaps and translation on arrivalRead the guide

Insurance for XinjiangConfirm cover for your itineraryRead the guide

Rules for Kashgar, checked

Check visa and entry rules on the Chinese embassy or consulate website for your country before you book, as they change.Source
Read current official travel advice for China before you go. Xinjiang's public rules and procedures are tightly managed.Source
Carry your passport when you travel in Xinjiang, and check current entry permits and local regulations before you go.
Violent incidents were recorded in 1981, 2008, 2011 and 2014, so check current official travel advice before you plan the trip.

Plan around Kashgar

All of China

Visa-free entry, payments, trains and cities

Read the guide UK advice: Xinjiang

Official regional risk notes

Read the guide Dunhuang

Silk Road oasis with the Mogao Caves

Read the guide Xi'an

Silk Road capital and Terracotta Army

Read the guide China visa-free entry

The 30-day list and the 240-hour transit

Read the guide Money and costs in China

Cashless payments and backup cash

Read the guide

Kashgar FAQ

Is it safe to travel to Kashgar?

Check the UK government's Xinjiang advice before you book. It notes a significant security presence, checks at public places, restrictions on photography and limited embassy help. Conditions can change, so read the current advice close to your travel date.

Can foreigners visit Kashgar?

Foreign visitors do travel to Xinjiang, but the UK government warns of security checks and that you may be asked for your phone number and the reason for your trip. Check your entry category and carry your passport at all times.

What is the best time to visit Kashgar?

April, May, September and October, when days are mild and clear. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cold and dry. Check road and access conditions if you plan mountain routes.

Can I take photos in Kashgar?

Take care. The UK government says not to photograph or film protests, large crowds, security officials or installations, or anything military, and that mosques and other religious sites are considered sensitive by the authorities.

How do I pay for things in Kashgar?

China runs on mobile payment, but outside major cities cards and ATMs can be patchy. Set up a payment app before you arrive and carry cash as a backup.