The Dress of the Silk Road Peoples
Plan My Trip →The traditional clothing of Xinjiang's ethnic groups is among the most colorful and distinctive in China — from the Uyghur's embroidered caps and gowns to the Kazakh's furs and the Kyrgyz's silver work. Here's a guide.
Uyghur clothing is bright and decorative — men wear embroidered caps (doppa) and long gowns; women wear colorful dresses with embroidered waistcoats and patterned scarves. The designs reflect the oasis cultures of the Silk Road.
Kazakh traditional dress reflects a nomadic life — men wear high fur or felt hats and long coats; women wear elaborate dresses with silver jewelry. The eagle feathers and embroidery are distinctive.
Kyrgyz clothing features fine silver work and felt — women wear tall white headdresses adorned with silver, while men wear kalpak felt hats. Their dress is among the most ornate in the region.
In the Mongolian areas of northern Xinjiang, the deel — the traditional Mongolian robe — is worn, with its sash and distinctive collar. Winter versions are lined with fur.
Clothing in Xinjiang is more than dress — it marks identity, status, and occasion. Festivals bring out the finest traditional clothes, and weddings are a showcase of the region's textile arts.
Visit the bazaars and festivals to see traditional dress, or the craft shops where it is made. The ethnic museums in Urumqi and Kashgar explain the styles and their meanings.