Kashgar Old City (喀什噶尔古城, Kāshí Gá’ěr Gǔchéng), the soul of Xinjiang’s Uyghur culture, is one of the world’s last intact earthen Islamic cities. Spanning 4.25 km² and inhabited by 126,000 residents, its crisscrossing alleys and centuries-old mud-brick homes earned it AAAAA status (2015) and UNESCO recognition as a Silk Road treasure.
2. Historical Significance
- Silk Road Nexus: Founded as Shule (2nd century BCE), it linked China to Persia, India, and Rome, trading silk, spices, and Buddhism.
- Multi-Ethnic Legacy: Inhabited by Uyghurs, Han, and Kazakhs, its architecture fuses Roman columns, Persian woodcuts, and Buddhist motifs.
- Tang Dynasty Garrison: Hosted the Anxi Protectorate (640 CE), guarding China’s western frontier.
3. Architectural Marvels
- "Subtractive Construction": Homes and streets were carved into loess cliffs, creating natural insulation against Turpan’s heat.
- Labyrinth Design:
- Hexagonal bricks guide exits; quadrilateral bricks mark dead ends.
- "Cliff-Climbing Houses": Multi-tiered adobe structures stacked like "Xinjiang’s Potala Palace".
- Id Kah Mosque: China’s largest mosque (1442 CE), with a tapestry symbolizing 56 ethnic groups’ unity.
4. Cultural Highlights
- Bazaars: Thematic markets like Blacksmith Street and Pottery Bazaar showcase Uyghur crafts.
- Uyghur Traditions:
- Throat-singing, eagle dances, and kumis (fermented mare’s milk).
- Naan bread baked in tandoor ovens, served with pomegranate tea.
- Century-Old Teahouse: A Journey to the West filming spot for Uyghur music and storytelling.
5. Visitor Tips
- Best Time: April–October (avoid winter lows of -10°C/14°F).
- Entry: Free (since 2025); ¥30 for mosque access.
- Transport: 9 km from Kashgar Airport; buses #2/#7 to Old City.
- Etiquette: Respect Islamic customs (dress modestly, no pork in Muslim areas).
6. Why Visit?
Kashgar Old City is a time capsule of Silk Road glory—where ancient trade routes, living Uyghur culture, and architectural ingenuity collide. As traveler Rebecca Lowe noted: "To walk its alleys is to traverse millennia."