The Tomb of Yusup Khass Hajip is a revered mausoleum in Kashgar, dedicated to the 11th-century Uyghur poet, philosopher, and scholar Yusup Khass Hajip (1019–1085).
Basic Info
Location: No. 44 Tiyu Road, southern Kashgar (near People’s Park)
Status: Xinjiang Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit
Area: ~1,900 m² (cemetery: 825 m²)
Built: Originally 11th century; rebuilt 1987–1989 after destruction in the 1970s
Style: Traditional Uyghur-Islamic architecture with blue-and-white glazed tiles
Who Was Yusup Khass Hajip?
A Karakhanid Dynasty intellectual born in Balasagun (near modern Tokmak, Kyrgyzstan)
Author of Kutadgu Bilig (《福乐智慧》), the first major literary work in Muslim Turkic language (13,000+ lines, completed ~1070)
Died in Kashgar; his tomb became a symbol of Uyghur cultural heritage
What to See
Main Mausoleum: Square-based, domed chamber with a 19.6 m-high circular dome and small central tower
Glazed Tilework: Stunning blue-and-white floral mosaics covering walls, arches, and the dome
Minarets: Four tall, ornate minarets (up to 16.4 m) framing the entrance and corners
Courtyards & Mosque: A peaceful garden, a small mosque, and exhibition rooms displaying the poet’s life and work
Visiting Tips
Ticket: Free
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 daily
Best Time: Morning (quiet, soft light for photos)
Combine: Pair with Kashgar Old City and Id Kah Mosque for a full cultural day
Highlights
A masterpiece of Uyghur-Islamic architecture and a pilgrimage site for Central Asian culture lovers
A serene, less crowded alternative to Kashgar’s main bazaars and mosques
A tangible link to the Silk Road’s intellectual and literary legacy
