Kashgar has been a marketplace for two millennia, and its bazaars remain among the most atmospheric in Asia. Here's your guide to shopping in the Silk Road city.
Kashgar's central bazaar is one of the great markets of Central Asia — a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from spices and dried fruits to carpets and crafts.
The legendary Sunday market is the region's great gathering — livestock, produce, and goods from across the oasis and mountains. It's an unforgettable spectacle.
Look for the traditional crafts of the region: hand-knotted carpets, embroidered caps (doppa), copperware, musical instruments, and the felt work of the nomads.
The bazaars are rich with spices, nuts, and the famous dried fruits of Xinjiang — raisins, apricots, and melons. These make excellent, easy-to-carry gifts.
Shopping in Kashgar is as much about the experience as the goods — the voices, the colors, and the centuries of trade that fill the air.
Bargaining is expected — start at about half the asking price. Bring cash (mobile payment is also widely used). Most goods are easy to pack and carry home.