At a prime spot along what was the Silk Route, Kashgar has been hosting one of the world’s largest markets for hundreds of years. The first market was held here around 2,000 years ago (there is proof Kashgar existed in 79BC.). One of the main outposts between China and Rome, camel caravans carrying spice, silk and porcelain laid down their wares here after coming in from the rolling dunes of the desert heading for snow capped mountains.

Those who couldn’t face the return slog set up shops here, building irrigation systems which still feed the grapes and figs grown and sold here today.

Up to 100,000 traders and 150,000 visitors roll into town from dawn on market day offering the kind of variety of products that only 100,000 different traders could. Fresh fruits, cooked food, carpets, spices and more tourist driven local crafts, like copper teapots, jewellery and wooden jewellery boxes are at the top of the list - the smell is supposed to be literally intoxicating.

Haggling is part of the tradition here, so be prepared for noise. If you’re not into shopping hang back for the camel races.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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