Kashgar Prefecture (喀什地区)

1. Introduction

Kashgar Prefecture (Uyghur: قەشقەر ۋىلايىتى‎, Latin Uyghur: Qeshqer Wilayiti) is a prefecture under the jurisdiction of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, located in the western part of Xinjiang. The total area of the prefecture is 162,000 square kilometers. It has a permanent population of approximately 4.51 million people. The administrative office of the prefecture is located at No. 46 Jiefang North Road, Kashgar City.

2. Origin of the Name

Tang Dynasty: Shule was referred to as "Qusha" (Kashgar), a name likely derived from Persian, meaning "City of Jade" or "Prosperous City."

Yuan Dynasty: Shule was known as "Keshiha'er" (Kashgar), a name closer to the pronunciation in modern Uyghur.

Qing Dynasty: Shule gradually evolved into "Kashiga'er" and was officially renamed "Kashgar" by the end of the Qing Dynasty.

3. History

3.1 Pre-Buddhist Era

In 73 AD, Ban Chao and King Zhong of Shule Kashgar was historically known as Shule. In the 2nd century BC, Shule was the capital of the Shule Kingdom, inhabited by Indo-European-speaking Tocharian tribes around the Tarim Basin.

The earliest records of Shule appear in Chinese documents from the Han Dynasty. Shule was a crucial hub on the northern route of the Silk Road through the Tarim Basin, a vital passage to Central Asian powers like the Da Yuezhi, Dayuan, and Kangju, and a key junction for East-West communication. The local residents likely practiced Zoroastrianism.

Around 177 BC, pressured by the expansion of the Da Yuezhi, Shule was forced to submit to the powerful Xiongnu, becoming one of its thirty-six vassal states. In 128 BC, Zhang Qian of the Western Han was sent as an envoy to the Western Regions. After repeated conflicts, by 60 BC, Shule was incorporated into the Western Han sphere of influence, governed by the Protectorate of the Western Regions. During the late Western Han, internal strife weakened the Han Empire, and Shule once again became a battleground contested by the Xiongnu, Da Yuezhi, Shache (Yarkant), and others. The Book of Han - Treatise on the Western Regions records: "The king governs Shule City, which is 9,350 li from Chang'an. There are 1,510 households, a population of 18,647, and 2,000 able-bodied soldiers." By the time of the Book of the Later Han, it was recorded: "The Kingdom of Shule is 5,000 li from the seat of the Chief Clerk and 10,300 li from Luoyang. It governs 21,000 households and has over 30,000 able-bodied soldiers."

In 73 AD (the 16th year of the Yongping era), King Jian of Qiuci (Kucha) attacked and killed King Cheng of Shule, installing Douti, the Left Marquis of Qiuci, as the new king of Shule. After winter began, the Eastern Han sent Ban Chao, who kidnapped Douti and installed Zhong, the nephew of the former King Cheng, as king. Ban Chao subsequently used Shule as a long-term base to contest control of the Western Regions with the Northern Xiongnu. In 86 AD, King Zhong of Shule was bribed by Shache (Yarkant) to betray the Eastern Han. After Ban Chao discovered this, he had Zhong executed.

3.2 Buddhist Era

The extent of the Kushan Empire under Kanishka I, with Shule under Kushan rule. Around 150 AD, Shule became subordinate to the Kushan Empire, established by the Da Yuezhi tribe. The Kushan ruler at the time was Kanishka I, historically known as "Kanishka the Great," under whose reign the Kushan Empire reached its peak. Following the Kushans, Shule adopted Buddhism as the state religion. With this powerful backing, Shule became strong and dominated the southern Tarim Basin. By 220 AD, Shule had conquered city-states such as Zhenzhong, Shache (Yarkant), Jieshi, Qusha, Xiye, and Yinai.

In the late 3rd century, Shule experienced successive palace struggles, with kings frequently killing each other, leading to constant internal turmoil. In 323 AD, Shule was conquered by Qiuci (Kucha) and became its vassal.

In the 5th century, Shule was for a time subordinate to the Rouran (Juan-Juan) who came from the east. In the early 6th century, the Hephthalite (Yeda) Empire, descendants of the Yuezhi, took advantage of the Rouran's decline to advance east into the Tarim Basin, conquering Shule as well. The Hephthalites contended with the Northern Wei Dynasty across the deserts and allied with the Rouran, operating extensively west of the Altai Mountains. Due to its geographical location, Shule remained a place of considerable importance.

Between 558 and 567 AD, the Persian Sassanian Empire and the newly risen nomadic Göktürks of Central Asia allied to crush the Hephthalite Empire at the Battle of Bukhara. After their victory, the two powers divided the Hephthalite territories and vassal states, with the Kingdom of Shule falling into the sphere of influence of the Western Turks. Because of the developed jade trade in Shule, the Turks named the area "Khasagar," meaning "City of Jade." According to Ptolemy's works, the Scythians (possibly the Sai people recorded in Chinese texts) came from "Kasia Regio" beyond the Himalayas (Imaus), a term that may be related to "Kashgar."

Starting in 648 AD, Shule began accepting the protection of the Tang Empire's Anxi Protectorate. The Tang established the Shule Commandery there, making Shule one of the Four Garrisons of Anxi. In 651 AD, Shule briefly fell under the influence of Ashina Helu of the Western Turks. However, in 657 AD, the Tang Empire crushed the Western Turks and regained control of Shule. At this time, the Kingdom of Shule still benefited from trade. The monk Xuanzang recorded it as a country where Buddhism flourished.

In 663 AD, the Tang Dynasty began competing with the forces of the Tibetan Empire. After the Tang army was annihilated at the Battle of Dafeichuan in 670 AD, suzerainty over Shule changed hands. From then on, Shule alternated allegiance between the two powers until 692 AD, when the Tang Empire finally secured control.

In 711 AD, the Umayyad Caliphate of the Arab Empire launched a major offensive into Transoxiana. Legend holds that Qutayba ibn Muslim led an army that attacked as far as Shule. However, the process of Islamization that would transform Shule into Kashgar would not occur for another two hundred years.

In 751 AD, the Abbasid Caliphate defeated the army of the Tang's Anxi Protectorate at the Battle of Talas. The Anxi Protectorate forces withdrew entirely to Han territory. The Kingdom of Shule then became an object of contention between the Tibetan Empire and the Uyghur Khaganate, eventually coming under the control of the Chigil tribe of the Karluks, a Turkic group whose language evolved into modern Uyghur.

In the early 9th century, Turkic power on the Mongolian Plateau was severely struck by the Kyrgyz. The Uyghurs migrated west, becoming a major force south of the Tianshan Mountains. Here, they intermingled with Turks, undergoing Turkicization (Karlukization) in culture and language, and established the Kara-Khanid Khanate. In 840 AD, Shule was annexed by the Kara-Khanid Khanate, which adopted the Turkic name "Kashgar" as its common name. According to the 10th-century Persian geography book Hudud al-'Alam, the rulers of Kashgar in the 9th century were of Karluk or Yaghma origin. In 893 AD, the Kara-Khanids moved their capital to Kashgar, but soon relocated to Balasagun.

3.3 Islamic Era

In 915 AD, Satuk Bughra Khan of the Kara-Khanids converted to Islam, and Kashgar gradually became Islamized. In 960 AD, Islam became the state religion of the Kara-Khanid Khanate, making it the first Turkic Islamic state. Subsequently, the Kara-Khanids engaged in prolonged warfare with the Buddhist Kingdom of Khotan. In 970 AD, Khotan briefly captured Kashgar and, in communications with the Northern Song Dynasty, mentioned the possibility of gifting elephants from Kashgar. Ultimately, Yusuf Qadir-Khan of the Kara-Khanids conquered Khotan in 1006.

In 1017 AD, a westward expedition by the Khitan army caused internal strife within the Kara-Khanid Khanate. In 1041 AD, the Khanate split into Eastern and Western halves, with Kashgar becoming the capital of the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate (the Harun line). The Western Kara-Khanid Khanate fell to the Seljuk Turks in 1089, while the Eastern Khanate survived for over 40 more years.

In 1134 AD, the Western Liao (Qara Khitai) conquered the Tarim Basin. The Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate became a vassal of the Western Liao, bringing Kashgar under its influence. The Western Liao generally pursued a policy of religious tolerance. However, in 1211 AD, the Naiman prince Küchlüg usurped the Western Liao throne. He released Muhammad III of the Eastern Kara-Khanids, who had been captured after rebelling, and sent him back to Kashgar. Muhammad III was unwelcome by the local nobility and was assassinated at the city gate upon entry, marking the end of the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate. Kashgar refused to submit to Küchlüg, who sent troops to burn crops every harvest season. After three or four years, famine forced Kashgar to submit.

Küchlüg originally practiced Nestorian Christianity but converted to Buddhism under the persuasion of his wife, Princess Hunhu. Muslims and Christians in Kashgar were forced to convert to Buddhism, suffering religious persecution. In 1218 AD, Genghis Khan sent Jebe to attack the Western Liao. Upon entering Kashgar, Jebe proclaimed religious freedom. The people of Kashgar took revenge on Küchlüg's regime, which was then eliminated by the Mongols.

3.4 Mongol Era

The Tomb of Afaq Khoja In 1225 AD, Kashgar became a secondary capital of the Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia. It suffered devastating blows during the war between Ariq Böke and Kublai Khan over the Great Khanate. Between 1273 and 1274, Marco Polo visited the city, recording it as "Cascar" in his writings and noting the presence of many Nestorian Christian churches.

In 1306 AD, the Chagatai Khanate split, and Kashgar became the capital of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate (Moghulistan). In 1353 AD, Tughlugh Timur, Khan of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate, converted to Islam, elevating Islam's status in Kashgar once again. In 1387 AD, the Eastern Chagatai Khanate moved its capital north to Ili. In 1389 AD, Timur (Tamerlane) rose in rebellion. Three years later, Kashgar was captured by the Timurid Empire and was not recovered by the Eastern Chagatai Khanate until 1432. After 1466, Kashgar fell into prolonged warfare, becoming a domain of the Dughlat clan. In 1514 AD, Sultan Said Khan defeated the Dughlat Amir Abu Bakr and established the Yarkent Khanate. Kashgar served as his capital before he moved it to Yarkent (modern-day Shache).

In 1680 AD, Afaq Khoja, leader of the Aq Taghliq (White Mountain) faction of Islam in Kashgar, guided the Dzungar Mongol leader Galdan to march on Yarkent. The Yarkent Khanate became a puppet regime subordinate to the Dzungar Khanate. After Tsewang Rabtan succeeded as Dzungar Khan, he placed the region south of the Tianshan Mountains under the direct rule of the Dzungar Khanate.

3.5 Qing Empire

In 1757 AD, the Qing Dynasty defeated Amursana and destroyed the Dzungar Khanate. General Bandi released Burhan-ud-din and Khoja Jihan (霍集占, known as the Younger Khoja), the great-grandsons of Afaq Khoja who had been imprisoned by the Mongols in Ili. Soon after, the two brothers launched a rebellion, historically known as the Revolt of the Khojas. In 1759 AD, Qing forces that had conquered Altishahr (the Tarim Basin) entered and garrisoned Kashgar. The Qing stationed a Counselor Minister (参赞大臣) in charge of Altishahr Affairs there to manage the military and administrative affairs of the Muslim regions of Xinjiang.

Rumors spread that the Qing army would advance from Kashgar into Transoxiana, reaching Samarkand. The military and political leaders of Transoxiana sought help from Ahmad Shah Durrani, the "Father of Afghanistan." As the Qing army never attacked Samarkand, Ahmad Shah withdrew his forces from Kokand. He sent envoys to Beijing to discuss the status of the Khojas. However, due to frequent conflicts between Afghanistan and the Sikhs, Kashgar ultimately did not become a major focus for Ahmad Shah.In 1826 (the sixth year of the Daoguang era), Khoja Jahangir, supported by the Khanate of Kokand, initiated the White Mountain faction rebellion, successively capturing the four cities of Kashgar, Yangi Hissar (present-day Yengisar), Yarkand, and Khotan (present-day Hotan). Qingxiang, the Imperial Resident of Kashgar, died in battle. However, by March of the following year, Kashgar was retaken by Qing forces led by General Changling of Ili. Subsequently, Jahangir was also defeated by the Qing army.

After the White Mountain faction rebellion, Kashgar entered a relatively peaceful period until the Revolt of the Seven Khojas in 1847 (the 27th year of the Daoguang era). In 1857, Wali Khan captured the Old City of Kashgar, carrying out large-scale massacres of "infidels" and "apostates," and became notorious for piling up human heads into towers. Shortly afterward, his attack on the New City of Kashgar was unsuccessful. Both conflicts lasted over three months and resulted in severe casualties. During the Dungan Revolt in Xinjiang in 1864 (the third year of the Tongzhi era), Yaqub Beg established the Yettishar Khanate with Kashgar as his base. "Yettishar" means "Seven Cities," referring to Kashgar, Khotan, Yarkand, Yangi Shahr, Aksu, Kucha, and Korla. This led to a debate in the Qing court over coastal defense versus frontier defense, ultimately resulting in the decision to send Zuo Zongtang to attack Yaqub Beg in 1872. In 1877, the Yettishar Khanate was destroyed by Qing forces, and Kashgar returned to the rule of the Qing Empire.

In Xinjiang's history, there was a period when interethnic marriages were common. After the end of Yaqub Beg's rule, some Uyghur women married Han Chinese. Uyghurs also believe that some members of their ethnic group have Han ancestry due to historical intermarriages, such as those in Turpan.

Although Islamic law prohibits Muslim women from marrying non-Muslims, from 1880 to 1949, Uyghur women often married Han Chinese men. Islamic cemeteries forbade the burial of such Uyghur women, who resolved this issue by donating or purchasing burial plots in other towns. Besides Han Chinese, there were also cases of Hindus, Armenians, Jews, Russians, and Badakhshan Pamiris (identified as Tajiks in China) marrying local Uyghur women. Despite being contrary to Islamic law, Kashgar society accepted the mixed-race descendants of Uyghur women and Han men.

In January 1902, a Russian customs official, three Cossacks, and a Russian messenger invited Uyghur prostitutes from Kashgar to a banquet, sparking anti-Russian riots. At the time, anti-Russian sentiment was widespread in Kashgar, and local Uyghurs clashed with Russians under the pretext of protecting women. Although Kashgar was not known for strict adherence to religious law, local residents confronted the Russians before being dispersed. To prevent the Russians from using the incident as a pretext for invasion, the Qing government suppressed the Uyghurs.

After the Kashgar riots, the Russians sent troops to Tashkurgan (Sarikol; Sarikol) and demanded oversight of the postal services there. The Tajik people of Tashkurgan did not believe the Russians would limit themselves to postal affairs. Locals feared that the Russians would seize the entire region from the Qing and station more troops, so the Russians failed to win over Tashkurgan. The authorities in Tashkurgan requested the evacuation of residents to Yarkand to avoid harassment by the Russians.

3.6 Modern Era

In the second year of the Republic of China (1913), the Kashgar Prefecture was established, administering 12 counties: Shufu, Jiashi, Yecheng, Pishan, Yutian, Luopu, Shule, Shache, Yengisar, Puli, Bachu, and Hotan, as well as the subsequently established counties of Markit, Wuqia, Zepu, Artux, Yopurga, and Moyu.

In the ninth year of the Republic of China (1920), the six counties of Yecheng, Pishan, Yutian, Luopu, Hotan, and Moyu, originally under Kashgar, were separated and placed under the newly established Hotan Prefecture.

In the 19th year of the Republic of China (1930), the prefecture system was abolished and replaced with administrative districts. The Kashgar Administrative District was established as the Third Administrative District of Xinjiang.

In the summer of 1933, during the First Chinese Civil War, the Battle of Kashgar broke out. A coalition of Uyghur and Kyrgyz forces, led by the Syrian Arab Tawfiq Bey, attempted to capture the New City of Kashgar, which was held by Hui general Ma Zhancang, resulting in a stalemate. In September, Tawfiq Bey was shot in the abdomen and withdrew from the conflict due to severe injuries. The Uyghur leader Timur Beg was beheaded, and his head was displayed on a spear at the Id Kah Mosque. Some Han Chinese troops were absorbed into Ma Zhancang's army, with some officers wearing the green uniforms of Ma Zhancang's 36th Division; it is speculated that they had converted to Islam. Ma Zhancang held the New City until the following year, repelling six attacks by Uyghur forces under Khoja Niyaz and inflicting heavy losses on the Uyghur army.

In November 1933, Sabit Damolla and Muhammad Amin founded the First East Turkestan Republic in Kashgar. On February 6, 1934, General Ma Fuyuan of the 36th Division of the Ma clique's army from Qinghai led Hui (Dungan) troops to attack the Uyghur-Kyrgyz coalition in Kashgar. On May 22, he relieved the siege of the New City of Kashgar held by Ma Zhancang. Later, in retaliation for the Kizil massacre of Hui people by East Turkestan forces, between 2,000 and 8,000 Uyghur civilians in the Old City of Kashgar were killed by Hui troops. On March 16, several British citizens at the British consulate were killed or injured by the 36th Division. On April 7, Ma Zhongying, the leader of the Ma clique, arrived in Kashgar and delivered a speech at the Id Kah Mosque, demanding Uyghur loyalty to the Republic of China government in Nanjing. The First East Turkestan Republic was declared defunct.

In the 31st year of the Republic of China (1942), the three counties of Shache, Zepu, and Markit, along with Yecheng County from the Hotan District, were separated to establish the Tenth Administrative District of Xinjiang (Shache District), administering the four counties of Shache, Zepu, Markit, and Yecheng.

1949: The Kashgar Special District was established under Xinjiang Province.

1952: The People's Republic of China established Kashgar City, separated from Shule County.

1955: The Kashgar Special District was abolished, and its counties were placed under the direct jurisdiction of the Southern Xinjiang Administrative Office.

1956: The Kashgar Special District was restored, and the four counties of Shache, Zepu, Yecheng, and Markit, originally under the Shache Special District, were also incorporated into the Kashgar Special District.

January 11, 1971: The Kashgar Special District was renamed the Kashgar Prefecture.

October 31, 1981: Unrest in Kashgar resulted in three deaths.

1992: Camels traversing the Silk Road.

Kashgar Prefecture Administrative Office

In 1986, Kashgar was designated as a National Historical and Cultural City of China. It currently serves as the seat of the Kashgar Prefecture Administrative Office.

In May 2010, the Central Xinjiang Work Conference formally approved the establishment of the Kashgar Special Economic Zone, making it the sixth special economic zone in China, enjoying special support policies in industry, taxation, finance, land, foreign trade, and other areas.

August 4, 2008: The 2008 Kashgar attack occurred, resulting in at least 16 deaths and 16 injuries.

July 2014: An attack took place at the Id Kah Mosque, resulting in the death of Grand Imam Juma Tayir.

4. Geography

Kashgar Prefecture is located in the central part of the Eurasian continent, in the northwest of the People's Republic of China, and the southwest of Xinjiang. It lies between longitudes 71°39′E to 79°52′E and latitudes 35°28′N to 40°16′N. It borders the Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture of Kizilsu to the northwest, Aksu Prefecture to the east, Hotan Prefecture to the southeast, and Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to the west. The total area of the prefecture is 162,000 square kilometers, with a width of about 750 kilometers from east to west and a length of 535 kilometers from north to south. Kashgar Prefecture is surrounded by mountains on three sides: the southern range of the Tianshan Mountains to the north, the Pamir Plateau to the west, the Karakoram Mountains to the south, and the Taklamakan Desert to the east. The alluvial plains of the Yarkand River and the Kashgar River are embedded within. The overall terrain slopes from southwest to northeast. Moist air currents from the Indian Ocean struggle to reach the area, and cold air currents from the Arctic Ocean also find it difficult to penetrate, resulting in an arid, hot, and warm-temperate desert landscape in Kashgar Prefecture. However, the meltwater from snow and ice in the mountainous regions has created conditions for oasis development, forming two major famous oases: the Kashgar River and the Yarkand River.

The highest point in Kashgar Prefecture is K2 (Qogir Feng), with an elevation of 8,611 meters, while the lowest point is the Taklamakan Desert at 1,100 meters. The average elevation of the urban area of Kashgar City is 1,289 meters. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with long sunlight hours, significant annual and daily temperature variations, minimal precipitation, and high evaporation rates. Summers are hot but with a short extreme heat period; winters are not severely cold but have a long period of low temperatures. Spring and summer often experience strong winds, sandstorms, and floating dust. Due to the complex terrain and significant climatic differences, the area can generally be divided into five zones: the Kashgar Plain climate zone, the desert climate zone, the mountainous and hilly climate zone, the Pamir Plateau climate zone, and the Kunlun Mountains climate zone. The water systems in Kashgar Prefecture originate from glaciers and snow belts in the mountains, with noticeable seasonal fluctuations in river flow due to the melting and freezing of mountain moisture. All rivers are primarily fed by meltwater. The prefecture has five major rivers and three short rivers. The dynamic reserves of groundwater in Kashgar Prefecture are approximately 5 to 6 billion cubic meters (including perched water). The main recharge areas for groundwater are alluvial and proluvial fans. Significant leakage occurs in the gravelly proluvial deposits after the major rivers exit the mountain passes, accounting for over 30% of the river water, which is the primary source of groundwater runoff in the plain areas. The movement of groundwater primarily forms recharge areas in the upstream fan-shaped regions, while downstream areas are dominated by evaporation and depletion.

Meteorological Data for Kashgar City (1981–2010)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |-----------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|--------------------|---------------------| | Record high °C (°F) | 18.9 (66.0) | 19.8 (67.6) | 29.2 (84.6) | 34.1 (93.4) | 34.5 (94.1) | 38.2 (100.8) | 38.2 (100.8) | 39.2 (102.6) | 35.0 (95.0) | 30.6 (87.1) | 25.2 (77.4) | 19.2 (66.6) | 39.2 (102.6) | | Average high °C (°F) | 0.6 (33.1) | 6.1 (43.0) | 14.5 (58.1) | 22.4 (72.3) | 26.7 (80.1) | 30.3 (86.5) | 32.0 (89.6) | 30.9 (87.6) | 26.6 (79.9) | 20.0 (68.0) | 11.2 (52.2) | 2.3 (36.1) | 18.6 (65.5) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | −4.8 (23.4) | 0.4 (32.7) | 8.5 (47.3) | 15.7 (60.3) | 20.1 (68.2) | 23.8 (74.8) | 25.6 (78.1) | 24.4 (75.9) | 19.6 (67.3) | 12.5 (54.5) | 4.4 (39.9) | −2.8 (27.0) | 12.3 (54.1) | | Average low °C (°F) | −9.6 (14.7) | −4.9 (23.2) | 2.6 (36.7) | 8.9 (48.0) | 13.4 (56.1) | 16.8 (62.2) | 18.8 (65.8) | 17.6 (63.7) | 12.5 (54.5) | 5.4 (41.7) | −1.4 (29.5) | −7.0 (19.4) | 6.1 (43.0) | | Record low °C (°F) | −22.3 (−8.1) | −21.8 (−7.2) | −10 (14) | −3.6 (25.5) | 3.7 (38.7) | 6.8 (44.2) | 7.9 (46.2) | 9.4 (48.9) | 3.2 (37.8) | −3.8 (25.2) | −11.1 (12.0) | −21.4 (−6.5) | −22.3 (−8.1) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 2.7 (0.11) | 3.7 (0.15) | 7.2 (0.28) | 5.1 (0.20) | 11.2 (0.44) | 9.1 (0.36) | 9.2 (0.36) | 7.7 (0.30) | 6.3 (0.25) | 5.5 (0.22) | 2.1 (0.08) | 1.6 (0.06) | 71.4 (2.81) | | Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 2.2 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 2.9 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 1.7 | 27. |9 | | Average relative humidity (%) | 66 | 56 | 45 | 38 | 40 | 40 | 43 | 48 | 53 | 56 | 60 | 69 | 51 | | Monthly sunshine hours | 154.9 | 160.1 | 184.5 | 213.7 | 255.6 | 304.3 | 312.2 | 287.5 | 259.4 | 239.9 | 196.2 | 158.0 | 2,726.3 | | Percentage of possible sunshine | 52 | 53 | 50 | 54 | 58 | 68 | 69 | 68 | 70 | 69 | 65 | 54 | 61.5 |

Data source: China Meteorological Administration (precipitation days and sunshine data from 1971–2000)

5. Administrative Divisions

Kashgar Prefecture administers 1 county-level city, 10 counties, and 1 autonomous county.

County-level city: Kashgar City Counties: Shufu County, Shule County, Yengisar County, Zepu County, Yarkant County, Yecheng County, Markit County, Yopurga County, Payzawat County, Maralbexi County Autonomous county: Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County The Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County and the southern part of Yecheng County constitute the Trans-Karakoram Tract under the Sino-Pakistan Boundary Agreement.

Administrative Divisions Map of Kashgar Prefecture

| Division Code | Division Name | Uyghur Script | Hanyu Pinyin | Latin Transliteration | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Township-level Divisions | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Including: Ethnic Townships | Border Management Area Scope | |-------------------|---------------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------|---------------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------------------|------------------|-----------|---------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------| | 653100 | Kashgar Prefecture | قەشقەر ۋىلايىتى | Kāshí Dìqū | Qeshqer Wilayiti | 111,398.39 | 4,496,377 | Kashgar City | 844000 | | 13 | 50 | 119 | 3 | Parts within the territory | | 653101 | Kashgar City | قەشقەر شەھىرى | Kāshí Shì | Qeshqer Shehiri | 1,003.39 | 782,662 | Ostangboyi Subdistrict | 844000 | | 8 | 2 | 9 | | None | | 653121 | Shufu County | كونا شەھەر ناھىيىسى | Shūfù Xiàn | Kona Sheher Nahiyisi | 2,709.47 | 263,014 | Tokkuzak Town | 844100 | | | 4 | 6 | | None | | 653122 | Shule County | يېڭىشەھەر ناھىيىسى | Shūlè Xiàn | Yéngisheher Nahiyisi | 2,159.31 | 355,544 | Shule Town | 844200 | | | 3 | 12 | | None | | 653123 | Yengisar County | يېڭىسار ناھىيىسى | Yīngjíshā Xiàn | Yéngisar Nahiyisi | 3,424.87 | 276,641 | Yengisar Town | 844500 | | | 4 | 10 | | None | | 653124 | Zepu County | پوسكام ناھىيىسى | Zépǔ Xiàn | Poskam Nahiyisi | 987.97 | 214,543 | Zepu Town | 844800 | | | 2 | 11 | 1 | None | | 653125 | Yarkant County | يەكەن ناھىيىسى | Shāchē Xiàn | Yeken Nahiyisi | 8,956.69 | 860,800 | Yarkant Subdistrict | 844700 | 5 | | 14 | 15 | 1 | None | | 653126 | Yecheng County | قاغىلىق ناھىيىسى | Yèchéng Xiàn | Qaghiliq Nahiyisi | 28,558.89 | 525,436 | Kagilik Town | 844900 | | | 3 | 17 | | Entire territory | | 653127 | Markit County | مەكىت ناھىيىسى | Màigàití Xiàn | Mekit Nahiyisi | 10,882.99 | 224,154 | Markit Town | 844600 | | | 2 | 8 | | None | | 653128 | Yopurga County | يۇپۇرغا ناھىيىسى | Yuèpǔhú Xiàn | Yopurgha Nahiyisi | 3,128.09 | 162,675 | Yuepuhu Town | 844400 | | | 4 | 5 | | None | | 653129 | Jiashi County | پەيزىۋات ناھىيىسى | Jiāshī Xiàn | Peyzivat Nahiyisi | 6,527.68 | 424,821 | Baren Town | 844300 | | | 6 | 7 | | None | | 653130 | Bachu County | مارالبېشى ناھىيىسى | Bāchǔ Xiàn | Maralbeshi Nahiyisi | 18,376.89 | 366,141 | Bachu Town | 843800 | | | 4 | 8 | | None | | 653131 | Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County | تاشقۇرقان تاجىك ئاپتونوم ناھىيىسى | Tǎshíkù'ěrgān Tǎjíkè Zìzhìxiàn | Tashqurqan Tajik Aptonom Nahiyisi | 24,682.15 | 39,946 | Taxkorgan Town | 845200 | | | 2 | 11 | 1 | Entire Area |

6. Economy

In early 2010, the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China issued the "Notice on the Progress of Western Development in 2009 and Work Arrangements for 2010," stating that 2010 would promote the establishment of border economic zones in Dongxing City of Guangxi, Ruili City of Yunnan, the Kashgar region of Xinjiang, and Manzhouli City of Inner Mongolia. In May 2010, the Xinjiang Work Symposium was held in Beijing, designating the Kashgar Economic Zone and pioneering resource tax reforms in Xinjiang. It was projected that the per capita GDP of the region would reach the national average within five years.

In 2023, the Kashgar region achieved a gross domestic product (GDP) of 150.835 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.4%. This included: primary industry added value of 49.314 billion yuan, secondary industry added value of 29.934 billion yuan, and tertiary industry added value of 71.587 billion yuan, with year-on-year growth rates of 6.5%, 7.6%, and 5.8%, respectively. The region's industrial added value above designated size reached 6.111 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 21%; fixed asset investment amounted to 72.023 billion yuan, up 7.4% year-on-year; total retail sales of consumer goods above the designated limit were 12.039 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 26.8%. General public budget revenue reached 8.643 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 16.1%. The total value of foreign trade imports and exports was 83.677 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 71.2%.

7. Transportation

The Kashgar region is located in the southwestern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. It is an important node on the ancient Silk Road and a significant gateway for China's opening-up to the west. The transportation network in the Kashgar region is relatively well-developed, encompassing various modes of transport such as highways, railways, and aviation, providing strong support for regional economic development and external exchanges.

7.1 Highway Transportation

• Expressways: The Kashgar region is connected to cities like Urumqi and Lanzhou via the Lianyungang–Khorgas Expressway (G30), making it a vital transportation artery in southern Xinjiang.
• National and Provincial Highways: Several national and provincial highways, such as National Highway G314 and G315, traverse the entire Kashgar region, linking surrounding counties and cities as well as neighboring countries like Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
• Rural Roads: The Kashgar region actively promotes the construction of rural roads, achieving the goal of connecting townships and administrative villages with paved roads, thereby improving transportation conditions in rural areas.

7.2 Railway Transportation

• Kashgar Railway Station: Kashgar Railway Station is a key hub of the Southern Xinjiang Railway, connecting Urumqi, Hotan, and other areas. It serves as an important channel linking the Kashgar region with the outside world.
• China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway: The planned China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway will connect Kashgar, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, further promoting economic and trade cooperation between the Kashgar region and Central Asian countries.
• Kashgar–Hotan Railway: The railway from Kashgar to Hotan began operations in 2022, further enhancing the railway transportation capacity in southern Xinjiang.

7.3 Aviation Transportation

• Kashgar Airport: Kashgar Airport is the second-largest airport in Xinjiang, offering flights to major domestic cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Urumqi, as well as international routes to cities like Islamabad and Bishkek.
• Tashkurgan Khunjerab Airport: Located in the Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, it is the westernmost airport in China, further boosting the aviation transportation capacity of the Kashgar region.

7.4 Port Transportation

• Khunjerab Pass: Located in the Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, it is an important land port between China and Pakistan and a key node of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor.
• Irkeshtam Port: Located in Wuqia County, it is a significant land port between China and Kyrgyzstan, facilitating economic and trade exchanges between the Kashgar region and Central Asian countries.

7.5 Urban Transportation

• Kashgar City: Kashgar City is the transportation hub of the Kashgar region. Its urban public transportation system is relatively well-developed, including buses and taxis, making it convenient for residents and tourists to travel.
• Shared Bicycles and Electric Vehicles: In recent years, Kashgar City has introduced shared bicycles and electric vehicles, further diversifying urban transportation options.

Summary

The transportation network in the Kashgar region primarily consists of highways, railways, aviation, and port transportation, forming a comprehensive, multi-dimensional transportation system. With the advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative, the transportation advantages of the Kashgar region will become even more prominent, providing more convenient conditions for regional economic development and external exchanges.

8. Education

Kashgar Prefecture, located in the southwestern part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, is a multi-ethnic area where education has achieved significant development. The prefecture currently has a comprehensive education system comprising various types and levels of schools, including universities, secondary vocational schools, regular high schools, and kindergartens.

Higher Education:
Kashgar Prefecture is home to one undergraduate institution—Kashgar University. Its predecessor, Kashgar Normal School, was established in 1954. The university offers a wide range of disciplines and majors, providing abundant educational resources. Additionally, there are vocational institutions such as Kashgar Vocational and Technical College.

Secondary Vocational Education:
Secondary vocational schools in Kashgar Prefecture focus on cultivating high-quality skilled talents. They offer multiple majors and collaborate with enterprises to integrate industry and education.

Basic Education:
Basic education in Kashgar Prefecture covers primary, junior high, and high schools, with a high enrollment rate. In recent years, bilingual education has been vigorously promoted.

Preschool Education:
Kashgar Prefecture places great emphasis on the development of preschool education. A large number of bilingual kindergartens have been established, achieving full coverage of two-year bilingual preschool education.

Health Education:
Kashgar Prefecture Health School is a secondary vocational health institution that integrates teaching, medical care, and scientific research. It has trained a significant number of healthcare professionals.

Educational Investment and Facilities:
The Kashgar Prefecture government has increased investment in education, improved school facilities, enhanced teacher compensation, and attracted excellent educators to contribute to the field.

The education system in Kashgar Prefecture spans all stages from preschool to higher education, aiming to cultivate talents that meet societal needs and provide strong human resource support for local economic and social development.

9. Population

At the end of 2022, the region's permanent resident population was 4.5069 million, of which 1.4925 million were urban permanent residents. Throughout the year, there were 34,400 births, with a birth rate of 7.64‰; 25,500 deaths, with a mortality rate of 5.66‰; resulting in a natural growth rate of 1.98‰.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the region's permanent resident population was 4,496,377. Compared with the 3,979,321 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was an increase of 517,056 people over the ten years, a growth of 12.99%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.23%. Among them, the male population was 2,244,305, accounting for 49.91% of the total population; the female population was 2,252,072, accounting for 50.09% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 99.66. The population aged 0-14 was 1,398,715, accounting for 31.11% of the total population; the population aged 15-59 was 2,715,590, accounting for 60.4% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 382,072, accounting for 8.5% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 257,122, accounting for 5.72% of the total population. The population living in urban areas was 1,418,444, accounting for 31.55% of the total population; the population living in rural areas was 3,077,933, accounting for 68.45% of the total population.

9.1. Ethnic Groups

As of 2010, the total population of the region was 3.9794 million, comprising 31 ethnic groups including Uyghur, Han, Tajik, Hui, Kirgiz, Uzbek, Mongolian, and others.

Ethnic Composition of the Kashgar Region (November 2010)

| Ethnic Group | Uyghur | Han | Tajik | Kirgiz | Hui | Uzbek | Kazakh | Mongolian | Zhuang | Tibetan | Other Ethnic Groups | |------------------|------------|-----------|-----------|------------|---------|-----------|------------|---------------|------------|-------------|-------------------------| | Population | 3,606,779 | 318,281 | 40,111 | 5,528 | 4,816 | 2,050 | 306 | 234 | 234 | 158 | 824 | | Percentage of Total Population (%) | 90.64 | 8.00 | 1.01 | 0.14 | 0.12 | 0.05 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.02 | | Percentage of Minority Population (%) | 98.52 | --- | 1.10 | 0.15 | 0.13 | 0.06 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.01 | 0.00 | 0.02 |

10. Religion

The Kashgar region is a significant part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with a long history and diverse religious culture. The region primarily practices Islam and is one of the important birthplaces of Islam in China, boasting a large number of mosques, accounting for 42% of the total mosques in Xinjiang. Additionally, Buddhism has a long history in Kashgar and was the dominant religion in the region before the 10th century.

The religious culture of the Kashgar region is not only reflected in its architecture but also deeply influences the local people's customs and social structure. For example, the Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in Xinjiang and serves as a central hub for Islamic activities. At the same time, the religious diversity of the Kashgar region is also evident in the historical presence of other religions such as Nestorianism and Zoroastrianism.

In recent years, with the processes of economic modernization and religious secularization, the religious and cultural landscape of the Kashgar region has undergone changes. The government respects and protects the freedom of religious belief and has improved the conditions of religious venues. These measures have promoted harmonious coexistence between religion and society, making the Kashgar region a multicultural convergence point where religious cultures blend.

11. Culture

The Kashgar region is located in the southwestern part of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It serves as the political, cultural, and transportation hub of southern Xinjiang and is also a significant node on the ancient Silk Road. With a history spanning over 2,100 years, Kashgar is a convergence point for multiple ethnicities and religions. It is predominantly characterized by Uygur culture while also integrating cultural features of the Han, Tajik, Hui, and other ethnic groups.

The Kashgar region is renowned for its unique geographical location and multicultural heritage. Its architectural style blends various cultural elements, including Islamic, Persian, Greek, and ancient Roman influences, forming a distinctive Western Regions architectural art. The Ancient City of Kashgar is one of the most representative cultural heritage sites in the region, famous for its well-preserved raw earth architecture and rich folk customs.

The Kashgar region also boasts abundant intangible cultural heritage, including the Azilaf Mosque, the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine, and traditional Tajik handicrafts. These heritages showcase the unique charm of Kashgar as a multicultural crossroads.

Kashgar's folk culture is rich and diverse, encompassing traditional Uygur dance, music, and handicrafts. Various folk festivals and celebrations are held annually, such as the Eid al-Fitr festival, attracting a large number of tourists to experience the local culture. Additionally, Kashgar's cuisine is highly distinctive, featuring dishes like roasted whole lamb, big plate chicken, and baked naan, which are beloved by visitors.

Kashgar is not only a city of historical and cultural significance but also a vibrant and captivating tourist destination. Its multicultural integration and unique natural landscapes make it a sought-after destination for both domestic and international travelers.

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