Hotan Travel Guide: The Ancient Jade Capital and the Heart of the Silk Road

1.Introduction: The Jade Capital on the Edge of the "Sea of Death" Hotan, historically known as Khotan (Yutian), is a prefecture-level city located in the southernmost part of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It sits at the northern foot of the majestic Kunlun Mountains and on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, often referred to as the "Sea of Death". This unique geographical position creates a dramatic contrast: to the south lie the snow-capped peaks that are the source of the region's lifeblood, and to the north stretches the boundless, arid sand sea. Hotan is an oasis city formed by the alluvial fans of the Yurungkax (White Jade) and Karakax (Black Jade) rivers, which flow from the Kunlun Mountains deep into the desert.

For millennia, Hotan has been famous not just as a trading post, but as the source of the finest nephrite jade in China. As historical records suggest, the "Jade Road" actually predated the Silk Road, serving as the earliest conduit for cultural and material exchange between the Central Plains and the Western Regions. The white jade found in the riverbeds here has been prized by Chinese emperors and artisans for thousands of years, embedding Hotan deeply into the cultural psyche of China.

2.History: A Millennium of Civilization and Cultural Fusion Hotan has a profound history that is both glorious and complex. In ancient times, it was one of the "Thirty-Six Kingdoms of the Western Regions," known as the Kingdom of Yutian. It was a major center for Buddhism on the Southern Silk Road before the region's Islamization.

• 3.The Buddhist Legacy: Historical texts and archaeological findings indicate that Hotan was once a flourishing Buddhist kingdom. The famous Chinese monk Xuanzang visited here during his journey to the West, noting the devotion of the local people. Although the region is now predominantly Muslim, traces of this Buddhist past can still be found. For instance, the Hotan Museum houses artifacts that display a unique blend of cultures, including Gandharian-style Buddhist art, reflecting the city's role as a melting pot of Indian, Greek, Persian, and Chinese civilizations.
• 4.Ancient Cities: The desert sands around Hotan hide numerous secrets of lost civilizations. Ancient cities like Malikawat and Niya (located in Minfeng County, under Hotan's administration) are famous archaeological sites. These ruins, often buried by shifting sands, reveal a time when this area was a lush and bustling hub of commerce. The discovery of artifacts such as the "Five Stars Rise in the East Benefit China" armguard in the Niya ruins highlights the deep political and cultural ties the region had with the Han Dynasty.

5.Geography and Climate: Living with the Sand Hotan's environment is characterized by its extreme aridity and frequent sandstorms. It is often called a "Sand Capital" due to the floating dust that can hang in the air, creating a mysterious, hazy atmosphere. The climate is a typical continental desert climate: hot in summer, cold in winter, with a large temperature difference between day and night. Despite the harsh conditions, the oasis agriculture here is a miracle of human perseverance. The locals have developed a unique architectural style known as "Aywang" (or Aiyiwang) to adapt to the environment. These houses typically feature a central hall with a skylight (the Aywang) that provides ventilation and light while keeping out the sand and heat. The thick walls insulate against the scorching sun and freezing winter nights, creating a comfortable microclimate indoors. Water is the source of life here. The Hotan River, formed by the convergence of the White Jade and Black Jade rivers, is the only river in Xinjiang that flows across the Taklamakan Desert during the flood season. It creates a "Green Corridor" that prevents the desert from merging and sustains the vibrant poplar (Populus euphratica) forests along its banks.

6.The Three Treasures of Hotan: Hotan is famous throughout China for its "Three Treasures": Jade, Carpets, and Silk.

• 7.Hotan Jade: This is the city's most famous calling card. For centuries, jade pickers have combed the riverbeds of the Yurungkax River for "seed jade" (pebbles of jade polished by the river). Today, the jade market in Hotan is a bustling spectacle where fortunes can be made on a single stone. The fascination with jade here borders on obsession, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation for this stone that symbolizes purity and moral integrity.
• 8.Handmade Carpets: Hotan carpets are renowned for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and durability. The wool used is of high quality, sourced from the local sheep adapted to the semi-arid pastures. The craft has been passed down for generations, often featuring patterns that mix local Uyghur motifs with influences from Persian and Oriental art.
• 9.Atlas Silk: "Atlas" means "tie-dyed" in Uyghur. This silk is famous for its bold, shifting patterns and bright colors. It is produced using ancient techniques where the threads are dyed before weaving, creating a unique, shimmering effect. Hotan is the center of Atlas silk production, and seeing the women of Hotan wearing these colorful dresses is one of the most beautiful sights in the city.

10.Agriculture: The Land of Fruits Beyond its mineral wealth, Hotan is an agricultural powerhouse. It is known for its massive, thin-skinned walnuts, sweet red dates (jujubes), and grapes. The long hours of sunshine and the temperature difference facilitate the accumulation of sugar in fruits, making them exceptionally sweet. Visiting a local vineyard or orchard, where grape trellises often span over courtyards and roads, offers a glimpse into the idyllic side of oasis life. The "Walnut King" tree in Hotan County is said to be over 500 years old, symbolizing the longevity and fertility of the land.

11.Modern Hotan: A City of Hope Today, Hotan is undergoing rapid modernization. It serves as a crucial transport hub connecting Xinjiang with Tibet via the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (G219), one of the highest and most rugged roads in the world. The city is expanding, with modern infrastructure rising alongside traditional bazaars. It is a city of contrasts—donkey carts sharing the road with modern SUVs, ancient craft workshops operating next to modern processing plants. It represents the resilience of the Uyghur people who have not only survived but thrived on the edge of the world's second-largest shifting sand desert.