Hotan Region Travel

Xinjiang Hotan — the capital of jade, the mysterious realm of Kunlun. Explore the thousand-year jade culture, experience desert oasis life, and feel the purest southern Xinjiang charm.

2000 Years
Jade Mining History
4
National Intangible Cultural Heritage Items
3000m+
Average Altitude
24
Ethnic Groups

Hotan Travel by District/County

Hotan Region 5-Day 4-Night Highlight Tour

Search for jade along the jade river, explore old town alleys, traverse the Kunlun canyon

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Main Destinations
Yurungkash River, Moyu Old Town, Kunlun Mountains
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, adventure seekers
Budget per Person
¥1800-¥2500
01
Jade Exploration
Yurungkash River · Hotan Grand Bazaar · Id Kah Mosque
Highlights

Arrive in Hotan City, head to the Yurungkash River to experience the fun of searching for jade, visit the Hotan Grand Bazaar in the afternoon, and tour the Id Kah Mosque in the evening.

Attractions
Yurungkash River
The world-famous origin of Hotan jade, with high-quality pebbles embedded in the riverbed. Visitors can experience the fun of "jade searching".
Hotan Grand Bazaar
One of the largest markets in southern Xinjiang, famous for jade trading, gathering a variety of ethnic handicrafts and specialty products.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotan Hotel
  • Yu Capital Hotel
  • Characteristic Homestay
Food Recommendations
  • Roasted Whole Lamb
  • Hotan Jujube
  • Kumeqi Bread
Travel Tips
  • Go jade searching early in the morning
  • Bargaining is possible at the bazaar
  • Respect religious customs
02
Old Town Exploration
Moyu Old Town · Mulberry Paper Workshop · Kuiya Knife Village
Highlights

Head to Moyu County to explore the well-preserved Uyghur old town, visit the traditional mulberry paper making process, and experience knife forging craftsmanship.

Attractions
Moyu Old Town
A well-preserved traditional Uyghur residential community, with labyrinthine alleys filled with strong ethnic life atmosphere.
Mulberry Paper Workshop
A national intangible cultural heritage project, completely preserving the Tang Dynasty papermaking process. You can watch the entire process from mulberry bark to paper.
Practical Info
Featured Experiences
  • Mulberry Paper Making
  • Knife Forging Observation
  • Old Town Photography
Important Notes
  • Do not disturb residents in the old town
  • Handicrafts are fragile
  • Knives must be checked in as luggage
03
Kunlun Mysterious Realm
Kunlun Grand Canyon · Pulu Volcano · Pasture Experience
Highlights

Journey deep into the Kunlun Mountains, explore the magnificent grand canyon landscape, visit the rare Pulu volcano ruins, and experience highland pasture life.

Attractions
Kunlun Grand Canyon
A magnificent canyon landscape on the northern slope of the Kunlun Mountains, where red rock formations contrast with snowy peaks, known as a "geological textbook".
Pulu Volcano
China's youngest active volcano remnant, with a well-preserved crater and unique geothermal landscapes surrounding it.
Practical Info
Highland Tips
  • Altitude: 3000-4500 meters
  • Prepare oxygen bottles
  • Keep warm
Photography Suggestions
  • Best light at dawn and dusk
  • Wide-angle lens essential
  • Drone requires prior approval
04
Desert Adventure
Daliyabuyi · Taklamakan Desert
Highlights

Head to Daliyabuyi Township in Yutian County, visit the Keriya people's village deep in the desert, and experience the scenery of the Taklamakan Desert.

Attractions
Daliyabuyi
An ancient village deep in the Taklamakan Desert, inhabited by the mysterious Keriya people who maintain a primitive way of life.
Taklamakan Desert
The world's second-largest shifting desert, with vast sand seas contrasting with oases — an excellent destination for adventure and photography.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • 4WD vehicle required
  • Approximately 6 hours total
  • Local guide recommended
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Daliyabuyi Homestay
  • Desert Camping
  • Yutian County Hotel
Important Notes
  • Bring sufficient drinking water
  • Sun and sand protection gear
  • Respect local customs
05
Cultural Retrospect
Hotan Museum · Atlas Silk Workshop · Departure
Highlights

Visit the Hotan Museum in the morning to learn about jade culture, experience Atlas silk weaving in the afternoon, and depart in the evening according to flight/train schedule.

Attractions
Hotan Museum
A comprehensive museum showcasing the history, culture and unearthed artifacts of the Hotan region, with the jade culture exhibition area being particularly distinctive.
Atlas Silk Workshop
A national intangible cultural heritage site, where you can observe traditional silk tie-dyeing techniques and experience Uyghur textile craftsmanship.
Practical Info
Shopping Recommendations
  • Hotan Jade Jewelry
  • Atlas Silk
  • Handwoven Carpet
  • Dried Fruit Specialties
Departure Tips
  • Arrive at airport 2 hours early
  • Jade must be checked in
  • Allow sufficient time
Travel Tips
  • Photography prohibited in the museum
  • Handicrafts are negotiable
  • Keep souvenir receipts

Must-Try Foods in Hotan City

Kumeqi Bread

A Hotan specialty bread, a large pie baked in a special earthen pit — crispy on the outside and soft inside, can be eaten with various meats and vegetables.

Roasted Whole Lamb

The highest etiquette for Uyghur hospitality, using local Hotan lamb, traditionally roasted with crispy skin and tender meat, offering a unique flavor.

Hotan Jujube

A national geographical indication product, with plump fruits, high sweetness, rich nutrition — an excellent choice for nourishing health.

Hotan City Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • May-June: Kunlun Mountain flower season
  • September-October: Fruit harvest season
  • Avoid July-August high temperatures
Must-Try Experiences
  • Jade Searching at Yurungkash River
  • Old Town Alley Exploration
  • Kunlun Canyon Hiking
  • Mulberry Paper Making Experience
Jade Buying Guide
  • Choose reputable merchants
  • Request authentication certificate
  • Avoid roadside stalls near scenic spots
  • Bargain reasonably
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How high is Kunlun Mountain? → Average over 4000m
  • How to access the desert highway? → Hotan to Minfeng section
  • Essential items? → Sunscreen, comfortable shoes
  • Can jade be taken on flights? → Must be checked in