Step back in time when you come to Kashgar, once a trading hub along the ancient Silk Road where vendors from Pakistan, India, Central Asia, and other places converged to sell their wares. Kashgar still has some traditional architecture, from the Apak Hoja Tomb to the Id Ghar Mosque. Things to do in Kashgar include its bazaars or markets, so the Grand Bazaar and Livestock Market are not to be missed. This special pocket of China retains its ancient Silk Road-esque charm—but now it has smartphones.
It’s best to visit Kashgar in either spring (March-May) or fall (September-October). Summers are hot and dry, and winters are bitterly cold. Stay hydrated, no matter when you go, since the climate is arid. The entire country is on vacation for the first week of May and October, making transportation and tourist attractions incredibly crowded. You might want to avoid traveling in China at these times.
You can take a train or fly to Kashgar, and once you’re there, you have a few options for getting around town. There are always taxis at the ready. Just be sure you have where you want to go written down in Chinese to show your driver. You can also hop on the bus since the system is cheap and takes you to most of the city’s top sights. Walking or renting bikes is preferred in Kashgar Old Town.
Pay attention to the time when you’re in Kashgar. There is local time, called Xinjiang Time, and the national standard, called Beijing Time. They are three hours apart. Make sure to clarify which system your guide/friends use when scheduling meetups. You wouldn’t want to miss dinner or show up three hours late to the mosque, museum, or livestock market—all the good sheep could be taken by then.
