The westernmost point of my travels was Xinjiang's town of Kashi [Kashgar], not too far from China's border with Pakistan. Although overall disappointed with what Kashgar had become in recent years, primarily a haven for tourism and a government target for modernization (the two are often related), some searching still turned up the dwindling remnants of old life that Kashgar had to offer.

Like Tulufan, Kashgar was an important stop on the silk road, and in recent centuries even more important as a marketplace where merchants from Pakistan and China meet. Kashgar is still best known for its Sunday market.

The market is just too much for more than a few people, who drink 'til they drop—in the road.

 

Near the center of Kashgar is the active Id Kah Mosque.

 

One can still find streets lined with artisans and their wares of metal and wood.

 

Kashgar metalworkers.

 

Kashgar's makeover—communist style.

 

Buisiness as usual at Kashgar's Sunday market: women selling embroidered cloth for making Muslim caps, and a man selling discounted children's clothes to the women.

 

Sheep.

 

Livestock sales at the Kashgar market. Good horses go for $1000; cows for several hundred.

 

More livestock for sale.