Cashgar, The Principality of, forms the extreme eastern frontier of the Chinese empire, and reaches on the N. to the chain of snowy mountains. Marco Polo, who visited it towards the close of the thirteenth century, describes the country as fertile, and covered with towns, but the Chinese, who conquered it in 1759, describe the soil as poor. The inhabitants are covetous and frugal in their mode of living, amounting to 60,000 families, and inhabiting 17 towns, and 1600 villages and hamlets. It is now considered a fertile country, producing corn, wine, fruits, flax, hemp, and cotton.

The town of Kashgar, in the above, on a river of the same name, is the most westerly place of importance in the Chinese empire. It is situated in N. Lat. 39° 28', and E. Long. 79° 55', 140 miles N.W. of Yarkand, and 2300 W. of Pekin. The town, which is built of brick, is surrounded with an earthen wall pierced by four gates. The citadel is strongly garrisoned with Chinese troops. The part of the town not held by the Chinese is occupied by Mohammedans, and a few Nestorians. A considerable trade is carried on between Kashgar and Bokhara, the former affording silks, porcelain, rhubarb, and tea; while from the latter are imported woollen cloths, cloth of gold, velvet, mirrors, ploughshares, and various other articles of merchandise. The merchants of Kashgar are described as rich and luxurious, while the artisans are skilful in their various works and manufactures.

In ancient times Kashgar was called Sule, and is mentioned as having been an important commercial city before the Christian era. After being the residence of an independent prince, it fell into the hands of the Karakitycan khans, then of the Jagatayan khans, and was captured by the Eluths towards the close of the seventeenth century. In 1759 it was taken by the Chinese, and during the first quarter of the present century it contained 10,000 houses, while its trade was estimated at upwards of 700 camel loads annually. But both its importance and its trade were diminished by the rebellion which broke out in 1826. Pop. 16,000, exclusive of the Chinese garrison of 8000.