Kashgar Sunday Bazaar

喀什周日巴扎

One of Central Asia's largest and most colorful markets, held on Sundays where Uyghurs gather to trade livestock, textiles, spices, and crafts in a vibrant display of regional commerce. The bazaar offers an unfiltered view of local culture, trading traditions, and the diversity of peoples across the region.

Things to do

• Livestock Trading Floor — Watch Uyghur farmers and herders negotiate the sale of sheep, goats, and donkeys in the central animal market, a centuries-old tradition of haggling and inspection.
• Textile and Silk Stall Browsing — Explore rows of vendors selling traditional Uyghur ikat fabrics, silk scarves, embroidered vests, and colorful cotton prints unique to the region.
• Spice Market Exploration — Wander through sections dedicated to saffron, cumin, coriander, dried chilies, and other Central Asian spices piled high in burlap sacks and displayed in vivid heaps.
• Handicraft Workshop Observation — Visit craftspeople demonstrating traditional skills like carpet weaving, woodcarving, and leather tooling, with finished products available for purchase.
• Hat and Footwear Section — Browse stalls selling traditional Uyghur doppa caps (embroidered traditional hats) and locally-made leather boots and shoes in various styles.
• Bazaar Photography Tour — Capture the visual chaos of the market with crowds in traditional dress, animals, colorful goods, and the authentic energy of Central Asian commerce.

Food to try

• Laghman (拉面) — Hand-pulled noodles served with a rich meat sauce, vegetables, and fragrant spices, a Uyghur staple found at numerous stalls throughout the bazaar.
• Kebab (烤串) — Grilled lamb or beef skewers seasoned with cumin and chili, cooked over charcoal and eaten fresh, representing Central Asian street food culture.
• Samsa (三角) — Crispy fried pastry pockets filled with spiced meat and onions, a popular hand-held snack sold by multiple vendors throughout the market.
• Polo (抓饭) — Fragrant rice pilaf cooked with carrots, meat, and oil, often served in communal portions and eaten with the hands, a Uyghur celebration dish.
• Naan Bread (馕) — Thick flatbread baked in tandoor ovens, sold fresh and warm with various toppings like sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or meat filling.
• Bazaar Tea Culture — Experience green tea (especially local jasmine varieties) served in small handleless cups at tea houses, often paired with nuts, dried fruits, and conversation.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive Early and Stay Late — The bazaar opens before dawn and reaches peak activity by mid-morning; arriving at 6-7 AM offers the most authentic experience before tourist crowds arrive.
• Respect Photography Customs — Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women in traditional dress, as some may object on cultural or religious grounds.
• Embrace Haggling Etiquette — Bargaining is expected at textile and craft stalls; start at 50-60% of the asking price and work toward a middle ground, and never make an offer you won't accept.
• Understand Gendered Spaces — Certain sections of the market, particularly livestock areas, are predominantly male; women should be respectful of these traditional spaces and dress modestly throughout the bazaar.