Ka Shi Ancient City

Spot Facts

Practical Info

1. Id Kah Mosque Square

   Start · Entrance

   Start at the Id Kah Mosque square: Xinjiang's largest mosque, with flocks of pigeons and crowds in the square before it; enter the old town along Wusitangboyi Street, where copper and wood workshops clang on both sides. About 1 hour. Why this route: Id Kah is the heart of Kashgar; entering the old town here gives you the richest first taste of Uyghur culture.
2. Wusitangboyi Street

   about 300 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight
3. Old Teahouse

   about 60 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Go to the century-old teahouse: Uyghur elders sit around drinking tea and singing folk songs—the most vivid slice of everyday Kashgar; order a pot of mint tea and a naan and join in. About 40 minutes. Why this route: The old teahouse is Kashgar's "living fossil"; drinking tea and listening to songs, the slow old-town hours are unforgettable.
4. Pottery Bazaar

   about 420 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

   Browse the flowerpot bazaar (full of handmade pottery), wander the old-town alleys to see rammed-earth buildings and carved doors and windows; in the evening watch the city-gate opening ceremony at the East Gate (several shows daily), lively and festive. About 1.5 hours. Why this route: The bazaar and alleys are the old town's everyday texture, and the opening ceremony is a cheerful finale.
5. East Gate

   about 10 m (straight line) from the previous stop · Sight

Photos