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Kashgar splits into a historic walled Old Town, a modern city centre, a sprawling bazaar district, and a newer east side. Most first-time visitors base themselves near the Old Town, which puts the main sights on foot. This guide fixes the boundaries, what each area is known for, and roughly what hotels cost; the where to stay guide names specific hotels, and travel tips covers getting between them.
Kashgar Neighborhoods: Old Town (Ancient City)
The Old Town (Ancient City) is the walled historic core west of the Tuman River, bounded roughly by the old city walls and centred on Id Kah Square. It is what most people picture as Kashgar: mud-brick lanes, mosques, teahouses, and guesthouses in converted courtyard homes. It suits culture-focused travellers, photographers, and anyone who wants to walk to the sights. For the complete destination overview, start with our Kashgar guide. Hotels here run from about 100 RMB for a simple guesthouse bed to 400 to 600 RMB for a well-located boutique room. Check the weather by month guide before you commit to a season.
Kashgar Neighborhoods: City Centre and People’s Square
The city centre, around People’s Square and Renmin Road, is the modern commercial heart with the big banks, malls, and international-brand hotels, including a Sheraton and a Holiday Inn Express. It is about a 15 to 20 minute walk or a 10 RMB taxi from the Old Town’s east gate. It suits travellers who want reliable chain-standard comfort and easy airport transfers. Most of the things to do sit in and around the Old Town. Expect 300 to 700 RMB a night at the mid-range chains, with the Sheraton above that.
Kashgar Neighborhoods: Grand Bazaar District
The Grand Bazaar district sits northeast of the Old Town across the Tuman River, around the China Central and West Asia International Trade Market. By day it is markets and warehouses; by night a stretch of food streets serving lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, and fresh naan. It suits food-focused and market-curious travellers more than those wanting quiet. Budget and mid-range chain hotels cluster here from 150 to 400 RMB a night. When you travel shifts prices, so see the best time to visit guide.
Kashgar Neighborhoods: East City (Dongcheng)
East City (Dongcheng) is the newest development zone further east, home to government offices, new apartment blocks, and a few branded hotels such as a Park Inn by Radisson. It is quiet, modern, and farther from the sights, usually a 15 to 25 minute taxi ride to the Old Town. It suits business travellers and anyone prioritising a newer room over location. Rates are often the lowest in the city for a given chain, from 200 RMB up. If you are timing a festival, see the events and festivals guide.
