21 September 2025
Our fifth day in Kashgar, Xinjiang, was one I’d been waiting for since planning this trip — the legendary Sunday Animal Bazaar. I even delayed our multi-day trip to Tashkurgan just so we could experience this. It only happens once a week, every Sunday, and trust me — it’s worth rearranging your itinerary for.
Arriving at Kashgar’s Most Famous Market
We reached the Kashgar Sunday Animal Bazaar around 11 a.m., and the place was already alive with noise, colors, and smells. Crowds filled the streets — locals haggling, tourists snapping photos, and vendors shouting prices in a mix of Uyghur and Mandarin.
The market wasn’t just about livestock; it was a full-on Xinjiang market experience. Stalls were overflowing with dried nuts, flower teas, nougats, honey melons, yogurt drinks, lamb pilaf, and freshly grilled lamb skewers. The air was smoky and sweet, the kind of chaotic energy that makes Xinjiang so captivating.
I’d read online that mostly foreign travelers visit here and not many domestic tourists, so I expected a quieter, rustic market. But I was so wrong — it was buzzing with both locals and visitors, all enjoying the best of Kashgar’s local life.
Looking for the Animals
For a while, I was wondering — where were the animals? We walked around for 15 minutes surrounded by food stalls and handicraft sellers but saw no sign of the livestock. Finally, down a small dirt pathway, we found it: the real animal trading ground.
Here, farmers brought sheep, goats, and cattle to trade. The sounds of bleating mixed with shouting, and the smell of dust and livestock filled the air. It wasn’t touristy at all — more of a working market. You can’t get too close unless you’re buying, but it’s fascinating to watch the action from the side.
This part of the bazaar shows a side of Xinjiang life that hasn’t changed much over the decades — real people doing real trade.
Food, Textiles, and Local Treats
Back in the main bazaar, I was drawn to the cashmere scarves and handmade hats, perfect examples of Xinjiang craftsmanship. I sampled local yogurt (so creamy!) and a spoonful of wild Xinjiang honey, which was probably one of the best I’ve ever tasted — rich, floral, and naturally sweet.
If it wasn’t so early in our trip, I would’ve bought a few jars. We also tried the famous Kashgar lamb pilaf rice, with tender lamb pieces and fragrant rice cooked in broth. Delicious, though a little too oily for my taste.
I also got a yogurt drink, which was refreshing — though my travel companion later suspected it might have contributed to a mild stomach issue. Xinjiang dairy is strong stuff!
Tips for Visiting Kashgar’s Sunday Animal Bazaar
If you’re planning to include this in your Xinjiang itinerary, here are a few things to know:
- 🕚 Best time to go: After 11 a.m. — Xinjiang time runs slower than Beijing time, and that’s when the market starts getting lively.
- 🚕 Getting there: You can take a local bus or taxi from Kashgar city. Don’t worry about getting stuck — there are plenty of taxis coming and going all day.
- 🧺 What to buy: Local honey, flower teas, yogurt, nuts, and handwoven scarves.
- 🕒 When to leave: Try not to stay past 1 p.m. — it gets extremely crowded and traffic jams build up fast.
- 🏔️ Afterwards: Most travelers head next to Tashkurgan, a stunning high-altitude town along the Karakoram Highway.
A Peaceful Afternoon in Kashgar
After a short rest, we took a leisurely walk at a nearby park. The atmosphere was completely different — calm, relaxed, and peaceful. A group of local people had gathered in one corner to dance and enjoy their Sunday afternoon. It wasn’t a must-see attraction, but it was lovely to watch — a gentle reminder of everyday life in Xinjiang beyond the bazaars.
Later that evening, we went back to the West Ancient City of Kashgar, where we discovered more local snacks — pomegranate yogurt glutinous rice and grilled eggs. The egg vendor was incredibly friendly; he chatted with us about Xinjiang, asked about our country, and even gave us an extra egg as a gift. It took quite a while for the egg to cook, but the wait turned into one of the most heartwarming travel moments of our trip.
We ended our day near our guesthouse with barbecued chicken and duck legs served with naan — smoky, juicy, and delicious. As I took the last bite, I knew I’d miss this taste of Kashgar.
A Slice of Xinjiang You Shouldn’t Miss
The Kashgar Sunday Animal Bazaar is one of those places that captures the essence of Xinjiang — wild, colorful, full of character. It’s chaotic yet charming, where the old Silk Road spirit still lingers.
It may not be the most comfortable or organized stop, but it’s one of the most memorable experiences in southern Xinjiang. So if your travel dates align, spend a Sunday in Kashgar. Come curious, leave full — both in spirit and in stomach.
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