Kashgar

Kashgar, also known as Kashi, unfolds as an oasis city within the Tarim Basin of southern Xinjiang, China, marking one of the country's westernmost urban centers. For over two millennia, it has served as a strategically vital oasis along the Silk Road, forging connections between China and Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This venerable city, home to approximately 711,300 residents as of 2019, stands as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited urban areas.

At the crossroads of varied cultures and empires, Kashgar has been shaped by Chinese, Turkic, Mongol, and Tibetan dominion, and has witnessed numerous historical conflicts. Today, Kashgar remains a significant nexus, its geography and culture drawing it closer to Central Asian neighbors like Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan than to Beijing. It functions as a terminus for the Karakoram Highway, a crucial segment of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, and a favored travel route through the Karakoram mountains.

Early Beginnings and Silk Road Significance

The story of Kashgar reaches back to the first millennium BCE, when nomadic tribes such as the Yuezhi, Usuns, and Sakas traversed the expansive lands around the Taklamakan Desert and the Pamir foothills. These groups eventually established modest settlements that evolved into cities along the Silk Road. The earliest Chinese mention of Kashgar, then identified as Sulei, dates to 76 BCE, when the Han dynasty brought several states in the Tarim Basin under its control. By the 1st century CE, Kashgar's population had grown considerably, with records indicating 21,000 households by the mid-3rd century.

Shifting Empires and Islamic Influence

Kashgar's strategic position at the base of the Pamir Mountains, where the Tian Shan and Kunlun ranges converge, rendered it a valuable asset, leading to repeated occupations throughout its long existence. Control shifted among various groups, including the Chinese, Yuezhi, Turks, Uighurs, Karakitai, and Mongols. The 10th and 11th centuries marked a flourishing period for Kashgar, as it became the capital of the Karakhanid state. During this era, Sultan Satuq Bughra Khan embraced Islam, and Kashgar transformed into a prominent center for the faith.

Modern Era and Cultural Preservation

In the 18th century, Chinese troops reoccupied East Turkestan, incorporating it into the Chinese Empire, and Kashgar once again became a focal point for the Uyghur struggle for regional independence. A significant uprising led by Yakub Beg in 1864 established the Kashgar Khanate, which maintained its autonomy for 13 years before being re-annexed by China after Yakub Beg's death in 1877. Kashgar was integrated into the People's Republic of China in 1949. In 1986, the Chinese government recognized Kashgar as a 'city of historical and cultural significance'. Since the 1990s, the city and its surrounding areas have experienced periods of unrest. Despite modernization efforts, Kashgar endeavors to safeguard its cultural heritage, with local handicrafts, lively marketplaces, and traditional trading continuing to shape daily life.

The core of Kashgar's appeal resides in its Old City, an adobe cityscape that, despite extensive reconstruction since 2009, still provides a window into Uyghur traditions and architecture. Visitors can meander through its intricate alleys, observe hand-carved wooden doors, and discover traditional teahouses. The daily gate-opening ceremony at the East Gate Square features song and dance.

Central to Kashgar stands the Id Kah Mosque, China's largest mosque, constructed in 1442. While primarily a tourist site today, its yellow-brick gates and tree-shaded courtyards display centuries of Uyghur and Islamic design. The Apak Khoja Mausoleum offers another important destination, providing insight into a significant local historical figure.

No visit to Kashgar is complete without experiencing its lively marketplaces. The Kashgar Grand Bazaar, one of Central Asia's largest, presents a wide array of goods, from spices and carpets to local delicacies. Sundays are particularly spirited, especially at the Sunday Livestock Market, a bustling event where shepherds and traders gather to buy, sell, and exchange animals. Beyond the city, the Karakoram Highway offers expansive views of the Pamir Mountains, White Sand Lake, and Karakul Lake.

Kashgar experiences a desert continental climate with considerable temperature fluctuations between day and night, and across seasons. The most comfortable times to visit are during spring (March to May) and autumn (August to November) to avoid extreme temperatures. Spring brings mild, sunny weather with average temperatures between 2°C and 14°C, and the blossoming of apricot, peach, and almond trees. Autumn offers agreeable temperatures, typically ranging from 14°C to 29°C in September, and is also the season for ripe fruits. Summers (June to August) are hot and dry, with July highs around 30°C, while winters (December to February) are cold, with January days around 0°C.

Kashgar is reachable by air, train, and bus. Kashgar Airport (Kashi Airport) offers direct flights to major Chinese cities like Urumqi, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as international flights to Islamabad, Osh, and Andijan. The airport is approximately 9-11 kilometers from the city center, with taxis costing around CNY 30 and shuttle buses available. The railway station is about 6 kilometers from downtown, accessible by bus or taxi. Within the city, most attractions are within walking distance, and public buses cost CNY 1 per ride. Taxis are also readily available and affordable.

Local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). While digital payments are common, cash is often preferred in traditional marketplaces and smaller shops. Tipping is not customary. Modest dress is advised, especially near mosques and religious sites, with long pants and sleeved shirts. Women may consider covering their hair in some places. Always seek permission before photographing people.