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Visit the bustling Cattle and Sheep Bazaar to experience the vibrant culture and local trade practices. It's a great place for photography, especially the colorful displays of livestock and the lively market atmosphere. You can also try local food and interact with traders. Don’t miss the chance to observe the unique livestock breeds and traditional bargaining rituals.
Located in the northwest suburbs of Kashgar, Xinjiang, the Cattle and Sheep Grand Bazaar is the largest live livestock market in Xinjiang and Asia, employing ancient trading methods. Held every Sunday, the market primarily trades cattle, sheep, camels, mules, and other live animals. Buyers and sellers negotiate prices by shaking hands in their sleeves, ultimately concluding transactions. This is a rare experience for mainland tourists. Nearby, there are snack shops selling ramen and baked buns, as well as small stalls selling various souvenirs and handicrafts.
Temperate continental climate, summer
half an hour
free
Once every Sunday
The Cattle and Sheep Bazaar in Kashgar has been a central hub for livestock trade in Xinjiang for centuries. It plays an essential role in the local economy, supporting pastoralist communities and serving as a vital meeting point for traders from all over Central Asia. The bazaar also reflects the region’s rich history and its role in the Silk Road trade network.
The bazaar is located in the heart of Kashgar. It can be reached by taxi, and local buses may also serve the area. Walking is possible from many central points in the city, but it may be more convenient to take a taxi due to the bazaar's size and the crowds.
The bazaar operates daily, but the best times to visit are early mornings, particularly on Sundays, when it is the most active. The market starts to get crowded from dawn and lasts until midday, with peak activity around 9 AM to 11 AM.
There is no entrance fee for the Cattle and Sheep Bazaar. It is an open-air market accessible to all visitors free of charge. However, you might spend money on food or goods if you wish to engage in transactions.
No ticket booking is required for this attraction. However, it’s recommended to plan your visit during the market’s busiest times (Sundays) for the full experience. Booking a local guide might help if you're interested in learning about the market's history or engaging in trade activities.
It generally takes around 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the bazaar, depending on your interest in the livestock, trading practices, and local culture. If you’re also shopping or trying food, you might want to stay longer.
The main highlights are the sections dedicated to cattle, sheep, and other livestock, where you can observe the lively negotiations between traders. Don’t miss the traditional Uyghur food stalls, the local crafts, and the area where animal trading takes place, as it offers a glimpse into the region’s traditional livelihoods.
Guided tours are available, and many local guides offer services in Mandarin and English. It’s a good idea to book a guide in advance if you want a deeper understanding of the market's cultural and historical significance.
The best photography spots are near the cattle and sheep markets, where you can capture the colorful livestock and vibrant trading activity. Early mornings provide the best light for photos, with fewer shadows and softer lighting.
Start by walking around the main livestock trading areas to observe the exchanges. Next, head to the food stalls to try some traditional Uyghur snacks. Spend some time exploring the surrounding market stalls, where you can find local goods and souvenirs. If time allows, visit the nearby mosques or historical sites to complete your cultural tour of Kashgar.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the bazaar. The market is primarily a daytime attraction, with the best time for visitors being early morning to midday. However, the area is lively and bustling during daylight hours.
The Cattle and Sheep Bazaar is busiest on Sundays, especially in the morning. If you prefer a quieter experience, try visiting on weekdays, preferably early in the morning.
The bazaar has basic facilities such as public toilets and food stalls offering traditional Uyghur dishes. There are no large rest areas, but visitors can sit and relax in the food stalls. Shops selling local crafts and souvenirs are also scattered around the market.
The bazaar is quite crowded and can be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven ground and the bustling nature of the market. However, families with children can comfortably visit, especially if they stay in the less crowded areas.
Cash is preferred in the bazaar, as most vendors do not accept credit cards or mobile payments. Make sure to carry local currency (Chinese Yuan) for any purchases.
Inside the bazaar, there are local food stalls offering traditional Uyghur dishes like kebabs, pilaf, and bread. For more variety, you can visit restaurants in Kashgar city center, which offer a range of Central Asian and Chinese food options.
The food at the bazaar is primarily halal, given the Uyghur culture, with many meat dishes such as kebabs and lamb. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, including vegetable-based pilafs and breads.
There are several hotels in Kashgar city center, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Popular hotels near the Cattle and Sheep Bazaar include the Kashgar Hotel and the Pamir Hotel. It's advisable to book in advance during peak tourist seasons.
Other nearby attractions include the Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar Old City, and the Tomb of Abakh Hoja. These are easily reachable by foot or taxi and can be combined in a day trip with a visit to the bazaar.
Yes, there are numerous souvenir shops in and around the bazaar selling traditional Uyghur crafts such as carpets, textiles, jewelry, and wooden carvings. These items are perfect mementos from your visit.
After visiting the bazaar, you can continue your trip by taxi, or public bus to other sites in Kashgar. For further exploration of the Xinjiang region, booking a private car or joining a guided tour is recommended.
