Kashgar is one of the most remote and atmospheric cities in China — a Silk Road crossroads in the far west. Here's where it is, what makes it special, and how to get there.
Kashgar sits in the far west of China, in the southwest of Xinjiang, at the western edge of the Taklamakan Desert and the foot of the Pamir mountains — closer to the borders of Central Asia than to Beijing.
The city lies in an oasis where rivers from the Pamirs water the desert edge. It's the largest city of the Tarim Basin and the westernmost major city of China.
For over two millennia, Kashgar was the meeting point of the Silk Road — where caravans from China, Central Asia, and beyond exchanged goods, ideas, and cultures.
Today Kashgar is the cultural capital of the Uyghur people — its Old City, bazaars, and mosques draw travelers seeking the atmosphere of the Silk Road.
Kashgar has an airport with flights from Urumqi and other cities, and is served by rail. From Beijing or Shanghai, travel takes a full day via Urumqi.
Kashgar is a full day's travel from the rest of China — plan accordingly. The best seasons are spring and autumn. Arrange permits through a tour operator for border areas.