The Kashgar bazaar, especially the Sunday market, spreads around the old town and the outskirts, one of the biggest in Xinjiang.
It is a living Silk Road market: carpets, hats, spices, livestock and street food in a swirl of languages and smells. If you are shaping the bigger trip, our Kashgar old town guide covers the wider picture.
What makes it special
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The Sunday livestock market is the spectacle.
Crafts and dried fruit make great souvenirs.
The food stalls are a meal in themselves.
How to get there
In and around Kashgar; a short drive or walk from the old town, biggest on Sunday.
Download offline maps before you leave the city. Mobile signal disappears for long stretches on the Duku, the Pamir, and the desert highways.
Best time to visit
April to May and September to October for comfortable weather; the bazaar runs year-round. For the detail you will actually need on the ground, see our best time for a Xinjiang road trip.
Tickets and logistics
- Go on Sunday for the full market.
- Carry cash; cards are rare at stalls.
- Arrive early; it thins by midday.
- Bargain politely, it is expected.
Photo tips
Candid market life is rich; ask before close portraits. A fast lens helps in the crowds.
FAQ
What day is the bazaar biggest? Sunday, with the famous livestock market.
What can I buy? Carpets, hats, spices, dried fruit and crafts.
Best season? Spring and autumn.
Do I need a permit? No for Kashgar town; the Pamir needs one.
Final word
Xinjiang rewards drivers who plan, then stay flexible. Build a loose route, book the key overnight towns, and leave room for the unplanned stop that turns out to be the best part of the trip.
Written by Karl Huang, a Xinjiang-based travel writer. Market days and access can shift, so confirm the current schedule with locals before you go.