City in Xinjiang, China
Is Kashgar safe?
Little street crime, but one of China's most heavily policed regions: frequent ID checks, X-ray gates and photo limits.
Is Kashgar safe?
Little street crime, but one of China's most heavily policed regions: frequent ID checks, X-ray gates and photo limits. Not every hotel accepts foreigners.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel (varies by region), updated 2026-09-03.
- Homicide rate in China: 0.5 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in China: 17.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 110 · Ambulance 120 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 12301.
Safety in Kashgar at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Petty theft is rare. The main friction is security: bag and phone checks, ID scans at gates and checkpoints, and occasional restrictions on movement. |
| At night | The center is quiet after dark, with police posts at many corners. Many places close early; avoid walking alone in unlit alleys. |
| Solo women | Generally safe for solo women, with respectful locals. Dress modestly, and expect to be followed by curious stares rather than harassment. |
| Other risks | Extreme heat in summer and cold in winter; Spring dust storms; Karakoram Highway landslides and closures |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxi drivers or touts quoting high fares near the Old City
- Bazaar sellers charging tourist prices for carpets and knives
Take care
- Photographing police, checkpoints or security sites: can mean detention
- Discussing politics, religion or Xinjiang policy with locals
- Travel outside the city without a permit or on closed roads
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Staying in a private home, register with local police within 24 hours; hotels do it for you.
- Drug use abroad can be prosecuted after a positive test in China.
- Don't photograph military sites or bring political or religious material to distribute.
How Kashgar compares in China
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Beijing | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Shanghai | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Xi'an | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Chengdu | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guilin | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Chongqing | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Shenzhen | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guangzhou | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Hangzhou | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Zhangjiajie | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Yangshuo | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lijiang | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Suzhou | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Harbin | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Sanya | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Xiamen | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dali | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Huangshan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Kunming | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Qingdao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Nanjing | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Shangri-La | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jiuzhaigou | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Changsha | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Pingyao | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Dunhuang | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Wuhan | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Tianjin | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Lhasa | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Kashgar | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Kashgar safe for solo female travelers?
Generally safe for solo women, with respectful locals. Dress modestly, and expect to be followed by curious stares rather than harassment.
Is Kashgar safe at night?
The center is quiet after dark, with police posts at many corners. Many places close early; avoid walking alone in unlit alleys.
What is the crime rate in Kashgar?
Petty theft is rare. The main friction is security: bag and phone checks, ID scans at gates and checkpoints, and occasional restrictions on movement. Nationally, China records 0.5 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2020).
What number do I call in an emergency in Kashgar?
Police 110 · Ambulance 120 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 12301.
More about Kashgar
Going to Kashgar solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- China Railway 12306
- National Immigration Administration
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.