Written by Ivy Dong |
Diving into the far west of Chinaās Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, you find Kashgar, meaning āthe place of jadesā in the ancient Turkic language. This is the filming location for the movie āThe Kite Runnerā, a stone cityĀ bathed in the reflection of snow-capped mountains, where on sundays, you walk through bustling streets, the sweet sounds of the Twelve Muquam beginning to fill the air. Fresh fruits and veggies, glistening with dew, are casually placed a long the roadside, as if the town is adorned with necklaces and bracelets of colors. It is chaotic yet whole, quietly embracing you into its rhythm.
The Yarkand and Kashgar Rivers rush from the highlands, breathing life into the oasis and its epic stories. The Silk Road, split into northern and southern routes to bypass the desert, reunites here, thriving in trade before crossing the Pamirs toward South and Central Asia. This guide will introduceĀ Kashgarās transportationĀ to give insight into how it all come together.
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- How to Get to Kashgar
- Kashgar Transportation fromĀ MajorĀ Cities
- How to Get Around Kashgar
- KashgarĀ Transportation to Major Attractions
- Practical Travel Tips
- Exploring Kashgar and the Silk Road
- FAQs about Kashgar
- Plan Your Kashgar Tour with China Xian Tour
How to Get to Kashgar
By Air:
As a strategic hub of the Silk Road, Kashi Laining International Airport has become the second 4E level airport in Xinjiang, which connects the city to major cities in China and surroundingĀ international destinations. Itās also the west-most airport in China, yet providing direct flights across China to Shenzhen, Shanghai, Chengdu, and even international routes to Almaty, Kazakhstan. Here are the flight durations from key cities:
Kashgar Airport Transportation:
Kashgar International Airport is located about 8Ā kilometersĀ (20-minutes drive) from the city center. After arriving at the airport, you have following options to reach downtown:
- Taxi:Taxis are readily available at the airport arriving hall Gates 2-3, with a fare ranging from 25 to 40 RMB, depending on the destination within the city.
- Public Bus:There are 7 routesĀ connecting the airport with downtown Kashgar, fixedly costing 15 RMB. Buses come every 8 minutes.
- Private Transport:For a more comfortable trip in Kashgar, you can hire a private vehicle or follow a guided tour.
By Train:
Kashi Railway Station is the terminal station of Southern Xinjiang railway. Currently, only the route from Urumqi to Kashgar has a direct express train-āKashgar Trainā(åä»å·), taking 11 hours and 30 minutes. Traveling from other cities to Kashgar requires transfers, with durations ranging from 35 to 50 hours. Sleeper tickets are recommended for these long journeys.
Kashi Railway Station is the terminal station of Southern Xinjiang railway. Currently, it operates direct express trains or fast trains to major cities in Xijiang Province, including Urumqi, Korla, Aksu and Khotan. The most special should be theāKashgar Trainā(åä»å·). This train sets out in the evening and arrives in the morning, taking 11 hours and 30 minutes. It does not take up the daytime travel time and saves the accommodation cost for one night, which is highly efficient. And the train is decorated with the theme of Southern Xinjiang Culture Tour, offering a strong cultural atmosphere. In addition, it has opened the direct train to Chengdu West, Xian and Chongqing West. But the duration is about 2 days, so sleeper tickets are recommended for these long journeys.
There are no high-speed trains in operation till now, but the high-speed railway between Urumqi and Kashgar is in the planning.
By Bus:
The Kashgar Long-Distance Bus Station is across the street to Kashi Railway Station. Itās the main terminal for buses coming from Urumqi, Turpan, and other major destinations. You can also find international routes from/to key cities like Bishkek and Osh.
Kashgar Transportation fromĀ MajorĀ Cities
To make the most of your KashgarĀ tour, we recommend you to explore other cities that were key to Silk Road trade and cultural exchange. Here are the ways to get toĀ kashgar fromĀ some of the most preferred cities for an in-depth journey:
From BeijingĀ to Kashgar
Beijing is the ancient capital of Ming and Qing Dynasties and the present capital of China. Here, the numerous world cultural heritage sites and historic attractions wait for you to explore. The royal culture is the main theme of the tour.
- By flight:5 – 6
- By train: about 45.5 hours (Transfer needed,Beijing West –Ā Xian – Kashgar, as recommended route.)
From Shanghai to Kashgar
Shanghai is a famous international metropolis full if vitality. The towering city skyline in Lujiazui is the most direct proof. But, you can also learn about its past in the Yuyuan Garden and World Architecture Complex on the Bund.
- By flight:6
- By train:5Ā hoursĀ (Transfer needed, Shanghai Hongqiao – Xian North – Xian – Kashgar, as recommended route.)
From Dunhuang to Kashgar
Dunhuang is an important town in the ancient Silk Road, where Buddhism art represented by the Mogao Caves and the natural wonders of the Singing Sand Mountain and Crescent Spring endow it with a unique appeal.
By flight:Ā about 5 – 7 hours (no direct flight, need a transfer at Tianshan or Zhongchuan)
By train: 42.5 hours (Transfer needed,Ā Dunhuang – Zhangye West – ZhangyeĀ – Kashgar, as recommended route.)
From XiāanĀ to Kashgar
Xiāan, the start of the Silk Road. Here you can explore the Terracotta Warriors, visit museums, learn Chinese calligraphy, savor Shaanxi cuisine, and bike along ancient city walls. With so much to do, your Xiāan tour will be unforgettable.
- By flight:4 hours.
- By train:25-45 hours. ( Transfer needed, Kashgar-Turpan-Xiāan, as recommended route.)
From UrumqiĀ to Kashgar
Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang, a modern metropolis that jazzes up cross-ethnic cultures. This is a city alive with colours. From bustling bazaars and ancient Silk RoadĀ relics to stunning natural landscapes, thereās no shortage of things to explore.
- By flight:2-2.5 hours.
- By train:11.5-27 hours. (Express āKashgar TraināĀ recommended.)
FromĀ TurpanĀ to Kashgar
Turpan, known for its ancient ruins, spectacular desert landscapes, and traditional irrigation system. Itās close to Urumqi, so we suggest you to incorporate them into your Xinjiang tour altogether.
- By flight: 2 hours.
- By Train:13-23 hours.
Learn more information and tips on getting to and traveling around Xinjiang.
How to Get Around Kashgar
Kashgar Public Transport:
Due to preservation concerns, Kashgarās public transport network is relatively basic compared to prominent cities in China, but it covers the key areas of the city. The most common forms of transportation are:
- On foot: Due to preservation concerns, Kashgarās public transport network is relatively basic compared to prominent cities in China, but it covers the key areas of the city. Besides, the Kashgar Old Town is actually not very big and some major scenic spots are even in walking distance, so they are easily navigated on foot. The most common forms of transportation are:
- Buses:Kashgar has a local bus system that operates across the city. The fares are cheap, typically around 1-2 RMB. While the bus network is extensive, itās not as frequent or fast as metro systems in larger cities.
- Taxis:Taxis are easily available throughout the city. The fares start at 5 RMB for the first 3 kilometers, with an additional charge of around 1.2 RMB per kilometer.
KashgarĀ Transportation to Major Attractions
Visiting Kashgar isĀ like a travel back in time. Local architecture and historical heritages are well-preserved, but you still could find time leaving her traces, like an invisible mask to be unveiled. The region is embraced by Tianshan Mountains, Pamir Mountains, and Taklamakan Desert, while the Kashgar River has sung her tinkling songsĀ for thousands of years. Accessing these scenic spots is straightforward. We will guide you through some of the popular sights as follows.
Get to the Kashgar Old Town:
Kashgar Old City is over 2000 years old. This is a labyrinthine neighborhood where the alleys are flanked by mud-brick houses in Islamic and Uyghur styles, while Cloth Alley and Rainbow Alley reveal its artistic soul. You can search for vintage clothing and handicrafts, then unwind in age-old teahouses, Ā savoring tea and immersing yourself with locals in Kashgar-style daily life.
The Old Town is located at the city center. You can take the sightseeing bus Line 2 for about 20 minutes to reach directly.
Get to the Id Kah Mosque:
The Id Kah Mosque is the largest in China and the most influential mosque in Central Asia. During the annual āGurbÄn Festival,ā the number of worshippers can exceed 20,000. The mosque is characterized by its yellow Islamic-style architecture, with the outer hall supported by 140 intricately carved wooden pillars.
The Id Kah Mosque is at the eastern part of the Old Town. Bus 77 and 13 can reach here.
Get to the Bazaars:
The Sunday Bazaar in Kashgar is one of the largest and most famous markets in Central Asia. Itās a fascinating place to shop for local goods. Dried fruits here are incredibly cheap! If youāre looking for Xinjiang specialties, this is the place to buy, as itās much cheaper than in Urumqi. But if you miss it, donāt worry! You can visit other nearby bazaars. Here are the opening times Ā of renowned bazaars:
- Monday:Yingwustang Town
- Tuesday:Yapuquan Town
- Wednesday: Awati Township
- Thursday:Baheqi Township
- Friday:Mush Town
- Saturday:Boshikeranmu Town
- Sunday:Livestock Bazaar
The bazaarsĀ are located just outside the city center and can be reached by bus or taxi, but we recommend taking a taxi as the bus can be quite crowded.
Get to Karakul Lake:
Karakul Lake, at 3,600 meters, is the highest lake on the Pamir Plateau, where snow peaks embrace waters shifting from deep blue to eerie black. A resting haven for mountaineers and a soul-stirring marvel, it blends desert and mountain landscapes.Ā Join the Kyrgyz shepherds to get a touch of nomadic life.
Karakul Lake is about 4-hour drive from Kashgar. Tourist buses run daily, taking 6ā7 hours (80ā100 RMB). Shared taxis, the preferred option, cost 150ā200 RMB from Kashgar Bus Station.
Practical Travel Tips
- The Pamir Highway (G314) and Karakul Lake belong to the border management area, so a Frontier Pass is required for a travel. You can apply for it through a travel agency.
- For tourists planning road trips, search the altitude of the destinations in advance, because some roads are at high altitude or the altitude increases gradually along the way. Then it is necessary to bring some medicines like Rhodiola rosea. Besides, the road condition may be complex and geological disasters may happen unexpectedly, take care while driving.
- Thetransport schedules in Kashgar may changeĀ due to the season, climate and passenger flow, especially in remote areas. Remember to check it before your tour.
- The mobile coverage can be spotty in remote Xinjiang, carrying physical maps or offline maps will be very helpful. And carry some cash.
Exploring Kashgar and the Silk Road
Kashgar is not just a relic of history but a vibrant, living world. The bustling bazaars overflow with life, the scent of roasted buns drifts through maze-like alleyways, and travelers from all corners of the world come to join the cityās beating pulse. Historical figures such as Xuanzang and Marco Polo once traveled through this land. Through thousands of years, Kashgar hasnāt changed her vital role in the Silk Road. If youāre planning a XinjiangĀ travelĀ or a short Kashgar tour, we strongly suggest you incorporate other prominent cities of Silk Road, like Xian, the starting point of the Silk Road and home to the Terracotta Army; Zhangye, with its stunning Danxia Landform and Rainbow Mountains; and so on.
FAQs about Kashgar
What is the airport code for Kashgar, and how far is it from the city center?
The IATA and ICAO codes for Kashgar Laining International Airport are KHG and ZWSH, respectively. Its distance to the city center is 8 – 10 km.
Which major Chinese cities offer direct flights to Kashgar (KHG)?
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xian, Chengdu and Urumqi have direct flights to Kashgar.
What are the most common and efficient ways to travel within Kashgar city?
Taxi or on-line hailing car is the most convenient and efficient way.
Are local buses easy for tourists to navigate, and what is the typical fare?
For tourists not familiar with the local road conditions, it may be not very easy. The fare is only CNY 1 – 2.
How are taxi fares typically calculated in Kashgar?
It is CNY 8 for the first 3 km. If exceeding 3km, it is CNY 1.5 or 1.8 for each kilometer. And for one-way trips exceeding 6 kilometers, an additional 50% no-occupancy surcharge will be paid for each kilometer.
Are ride-hailing apps available in Kashgar?
Yes, all the common apps can be used.
Plan Your Kashgar Tour with China Xian Tour
Considering the application of Frontier Pass, the diverse local customs and the long travel distance, joining in a tour group can avoid many troubles, especially when travelling with China Xian Tour. Because we can not only deal with the above problems, but also tailor a trip to meet your needs. Our itinerary is also more flexible and the attractions you prefer can be included reasonably. If there is a problem during the tour, such as altitude sickness, both our local guide and travel consultant will offer you help in time. So do not hesitate to contact us.
