Hotan Region

Hotan is known as a mysterious and ancient city. The town is named Yutian in the Chinese history books for its famous jade and it has always been an important city on the ancient Silk Road.  Nowadays the city is famous for its carpet, silk and jade production.  There are many historical places to visit and explore nearby, including Malike Awat (a former capital city in ancient times) and the Imam Asim Tomb (a holy place among local people in and around Hotan who usually visit every Thursday).  In May, thousands of people come here to worship and take part in traditional activities.  Hotan museum is also worth a visit to see two mummies there which have been amazingly preserved by the dry desert air.  Thousand-year-old walnut and fig tress on the cities outskirts add the mystery of this ancient city.

What to see in Hotan:

1. Old town:  This is one of the most interesting parts of the city tour as lifestyles remain largely traditional as the city modernizes elsewhere.  Here you can learn much about local Uyghurs and their ways.  

2. Jade river:  According to Hotan statistics, approximately 20% of Hotan city people pick up Jade from the river every year from August to May and the numbers are growing each year.

3. Carpet Factory: One of Hotan's primary exports abroad and especially famous throughout China.

4. Silk and Atlas Factory:  Silk production has a long established history in Hotan and we will visit a family who has been famously weaving the silk for many years. Atlas is a local cloth made by silk.  Uyghur ladies love to wear clothes made from this cloth, especially skirts. 

5. Jade factory:  Here you can find good quality Jade at very reasonable prices as this is the source.  There are many well carved Jade items, and whether large or small, all make great gifts to take home for family and friends.

6. Malike Awat Ancient city: This one time ancient capital sits 25 kms outside of Hotan and is important part of the areas local heritage.

7. Imam Asim Tomb: Lying 28kms from Hotan city, this is one of Hotan's most special historical and cultural sites and especially useful for learning about the unique customs of Hotan's people and her nearby villages.  In May, many people come from far and wide to pray at the tomb.  They regard it as a holy place as there are few tombs and large mosques in Xinjiang for locals to pray in.  The location of the tomb and the surrounding ambiance give the traveler a deeper understanding of the the beliefs of the people of this region.

8. Taklamakan Dessert: Hotan is one of the most popular places for desert trekking.  Whether an overnight desert trek camping under the stars or an extended trek up the Hotan River the beauty, size, and mystery of the largest continuous shifting sand desert in the world will amaze you.

Sample Tour: