2025 Hotan County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

**Northern Xinjiang｜Natural Scenery·Grasslands & Lakes** **⏰ Recommended Duration: 7-10 days** **🚗 Core Route** Ürümqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan (1 day) → Koktokay (1 day) → Kanas + Hemu (3 days) → Sayram Lake (1 day) → Ili Grasslands (2 days) → Nalati/Bayanbulak (2 days) ✨ **Highlights** - Kanas Three Bays🌲: Morning mist at Fairy Bay, hiking at Moon Bay - Stargazing in Hemu Village✨: Sunrise views from wooden cabins - Cycling around Sayram Lake🚴‍♀️: "The last tear of the Atlantic" - Ili Lavender Fields (June)💜 + Nalati "Sky Grasslands" --- **Southern Xinjiang｜Culture & Desert·Exotic Charm** **⏰ Recommended Duration: 8-12 days** **🚗 Core Route** Kashgar Old Town (2 days) → Tashkurgan (Pamir Plateau, 2 days) → Yarkant/Yecheng (1 day) → Hotan (1 day) → Desert Highway → Kuqa (3 days) → Korla (1 day) ✨ **Highlights** - Kashgar Old City Opening Ceremony🕌: Milk tea at century-old teahouses - Pamir Hidden Gems: Muztagh Ata Peak🏔️ + White Sand Lake - Taklamakan Desert Highway🚙: Cross the "Sea of Death" - Kuqa Grand Canyon + Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves🎨 --- **Cost Reference** - **Transport**: Northern Xinjiang private car 600-800 RMB/day (4-person share), Southern Xinjiang long-distance buses are cheaper - **Accommodation**: Budget 150-300 RMB/night (higher in Hemu/Tashkurgan) - **Tickets**: 100-200 RMB/day (50% off with student ID) - **Total Budget**: ~4000-6000 RMB for 7 days in Northern Xinjiang, ~5000-7000 RMB for 8 days in Southern Xinjiang --- **🌟Tips** 1️⃣ **Season**: Northern Xinjiang peaks in greenery June-Sept🍃, Southern Xinjiang's golden poplars shine in Oct🍂 2️⃣ **Border Permits**: Required for Tashkurgan (apply in Kashgar) & Baihaba (apply in Burqin) 3️⃣ **Food**: Northern Xinjiang lamb chops🐑 + Southern Xinjiang "gangzi" meat stew🍖 + year-round fruits🍇 > ✅ **In a Nutshell** > Northern Xinjiang for landscapes & photos📸, Southern Xinjiang for history & culture🕍! Short on time? Fly directly to Kashgar for a 5-day Southern Xinjiang highlights tour or loop Northern Xinjiang from Ürümqi in 7 days~

Ruoqiang: Ancient cities buried in the desert, the Loulan Museum showcasing Loulan's history and culture, and Loulan Cultural Park Hotan: The restored Yotkan Ancient City buried six meters underground, and the vibrant Moyu Old Town full of local life Shache: Well-preserved Yarkand Khan Mausoleum complex, the Musician Amannisa Khan Memorial, and the lively Kazanqi Old Street

#springitinerary Yotkan Ancient City (约特干古城), located near Hotan (Hetian) in southern Xinjiang, China, is the archaeological site of an ancient capital of the Kingdom of Khotan—a major center of culture, trade, and Buddhism on the southern Silk Road. Once a flourishing oasis city, Yotkan thrived for centuries before being gradually buried by sand and time.

The ancient city of Yotgan is a "living fossil" of Hotan's history and culture. It was the capital of the ancient country of Khotan, carrying thousands of years of changes and cultural precipitation. Every brick and stone seems to be telling the ancient story of Hotan, witnessing the historical inheritance of Hotan from an important town in the ancient Western Regions to the modern era. The ancient city is an important carrier of Hotan's cultural heritage. Through the architectural style, folk display, intangible cultural heritage skills, etc. in the city, the excellent culture of ancient Khotan is revitalized and carried forward, so that the traditional culture of Hotan can be continued and inherited, so that people can intuitively feel the unique charm of Hotan culture. The ancient city of Yotgan is also a new model for the integration of Hotan culture and modernity. It combines ancient culture with modern tourism with innovative models such as "culture and tourism + performing arts" and "culture and tourism + technology", which not only retains the core of traditional culture, but also gives it new vitality, allowing Hotan City #Hetian City culture to shine with new brilliance in the new era, attracting more people to understand and love Hotan.

#Honghe Rice The Honghe Hani Rice Terraces, located in Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province, China, are a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their breathtaking beauty and intricate agricultural system developed over 1,300 years by the Hani ethnic minority. Why They Sparkle The terraces are often said to “sparkle” — this refers to the mesmerizing reflections of sunlight or moonlight on the water-filled rice paddies, especially during the winter-to-spring season (typically December to March). During this time, the terraces are irrigated in preparation for the rice-growing season, creating mirror-like surfaces that: • Reflect the sky, clouds, sunrise, and sunset, resulting in magical, colorful views. • Glow and shimmer at dawn and dusk, particularly at popular viewpoints like Laohuzui (Tiger Mouth) and Duoyishu. Cultural and Agricultural Significance • The Hani people transformed steep mountain slopes into layered rice terraces, integrating farming, water management, and community life into a sustainable system. • Their approach includes forest, village, terrace, and river as a harmonious ecosystem — an outstanding example of human-environment interaction. UNESCO Recognition • Inscribed in 2013 for their cultural landscape and sustainable land-use system. • Recognized for demonstrating traditional knowledge, innovation, and resilience. Day 1: Day 2: Day 3: [Must-Visit Attractions] 1. Attraction Name + Highlights 2. Attraction Name + Highlights 3. Attraction Name + Highlights [Must-Try Food] 1. Restaurant + Must-Try Dish 2. Restaurant + Must-Try Dish 3. Restaurant + Must-Try Dish [Accommodation ] Recommended Area for Accommodation Hotel Name Hotel Address [Photo Spots] 1. Photo Spot + Description 2. Photo Spot + Description 3. Photo Spot + Description [Tips]

【Introduction】: Xinjiang, an autonomous region in northwest China, is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and rich ethnic culture. It is divided into Northern Xinjiang and Southern Xinjiang, each offering unique scenery and attractions. Below is an introduction to the landscapes of Northern and Southern Xinjiang, along with travel tips: 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Home - Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi - Tianchi Lake (Heavenly Lake) - Fuyun Day 3: Fuyun - Koktokay - Altay Day 4: Altay - Ahe Highway - Hemu Yunxiao Peak - Hemu Village Day 5: Hemu Village - Kanas Three Bays - Guanyu Pavilion - Five-Colored Beach - Burqin Day 6: Burqin - Ghost City - Kuytun Day 7: Kuytun - Sayram Lake (Lake Loop) - Jinghe Day 8: Jinghe - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Duku Highway - Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery - Xinyuan Day 9: Xinyuan - Nalati Grassland - Bayinbuluk - Bayin Day 10: Bayin - Small and Large Dragon Pools - Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves - Kuqa Day 11: Kuqa - Wensu Grand Canyon - Aksu Day 12: Aksu - Kashgar Old Town - Century-Old Tea House - Kashgar Day 13: Kashgar - White Sand Lake - Karakul Lake - Golden Grassland - Stone City - Tashkurgan Day 14: Tashkurgan - Panlong Ancient Road - Bandier Blue Lake - Muztagh Ata Peak - Kashgar Day 15: Kashgar - Shache Royal Palace - Yotkan Ancient City - Hotan Day 16: Hotan - Desert Highway - Dolan Tribe - Aral Day 17: Aral - Tarim Poplar Forest - Korla Day 18: Korla - Lop Nur Village - Korla Day 19: Korla - Bosten Lake - Urumqi Day 20: Urumqi - Home Northern Xinjiang Highlights: 1. Kanas Lake: Located in Altay, it is known as "a paradise on earth." The lake is crystal clear, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and forests. In autumn, the vibrant colors make it a haven for photographers. 2. Tianchi Lake: Near Urumqi, this alpine lake boasts azure waters and is encircled by snow-capped mountains, offering breathtaking views. 3. Sayram Lake: Situated in Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, the lake's blue waters are surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains, earning it the nickname "the last tear of the Atlantic." 4. Hemu Village: A typical Tuva village, surrounded by golden birch forests in autumn, resembling a fairy tale world. Southern Xinjiang Highlights: 1. Kashgar Old Town: The cultural center of Southern Xinjiang, featuring ancient mosques and traditional residences, rich in Uyghur ethnic charm. 2. Taklamakan Desert: China's largest desert, offering thrilling desert adventures and camel rides. 3. Pamir Plateau: Known as "the roof of the world," the plateau features a stunning mix of snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grasslands. 🍩【Must-Try Cuisine】: Roasted buns + Whole roasted lamb + Lamb skewers + Big plate chicken + Hand-grabbed rice 🏨【Accommodation Tips】: Ctrip Four-Diamond Hotels + Classic Inns + Century-Old Wooden Houses 🚌【Transportation Tips】: Seven-seater business vehicles or luxury seven-seater business vehicles 🧡【Travel Tips】: 1. Climate and Clothing: Xinjiang has significant temperature differences between day and night, especially in Northern Xinjiang. Summers are hot during the day and cool at night, while winters are extremely cold. Pack appropriate clothing such as windproof jackets and warm layers. 2. Altitude Sickness: The Pamir Plateau in Southern Xinjiang has high altitudes, and some travelers may experience altitude sickness. Prepare in advance by bringing anti-altitude sickness medication and avoiding strenuous activities. 3. Food: Xinjiang cuisine is primarily based on lamb and wheat-based dishes, with strong flavors that some travelers may find unfamiliar. 4. Language and Communication: Xinjiang has a diverse ethnic population, especially in Southern Xinjiang, where some locals may not speak Mandarin. Learn basic Uyghur or Kazakh phrases or use translation apps. 5. Safety and Etiquette: Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region, and respecting local customs and religious beliefs is crucial. Follow rules when entering religious sites, such as removing shoes and dressing modestly. Key Attractions: Tianchi Lake, Koktokay Scenic Area, Hemu Scenic Area, Kanas Scenic Area, Five-Colored Beach, Ghost City, Sayram Lake, Duku Highway, Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Tangbula Grassland, Nalati Scenic Area, Bayinbuluk Scenic Area, Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves, Tianshan Tomur Scenic Area (Grand Canyon), Kashgar Old Town, White Sand Mountain - White Sand Lake Scenic Area, Karakul Lake Scenic Area, Panlong Ancient Road, Bandier Blue Lake, Yotkan Ancient City, Tarim Poplar Forest Park, Bosten Lake, Lop Nur Village.

Looking for a unique travel experience during the Qingming Festival? This nine-day tour of Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture and other areas will take you on a journey through the autumnal hues of the Tarim Populus euphratica forest, the mystical landscapes of the Pamir Plateau, the thrilling Panlong Ancient Road and the Khunjerab Pass, and the awe-inspiring desert highway and Karakoram Highway. Embark on your in-depth exploration now! -- 🚗Itinerary: Day 1: Set off for Korla, the starting point of your Xinjiang adventure! Day 2-3: Visit the Lop Nur Village, admire the autumn foliage of the Tarim Populus euphratica forest🍂, explore the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, trek through the Wensu Grand Canyon, and arrive in Alar. Day 4: Cross the Taklamakan Desert🏜️ via the desert highway, arrive in Hotan, and visit the Yotegan Ancient City. Day 5-6: On the way to Kashgar, choose to visit the small village of Yengisar or the Zepu Golden Populus euphratica National Forest Park. Continue to explore Bosten Lake, Karakul Lake, and Muztagh Ata Glacier Park🏔️, and stay overnight in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County. Day 7: Venture into the Pamir Plateau, challenge the Panlong Ancient Road🛣️, discover the beauty of Bandi'er Lake, and return to Kashgar. Day 8: Enjoy a leisurely day in Kashgar, explore the old city at your own pace, and admire the majestic Id Kah Mosque (exterior view). Day 9: Conclude your wonderful journey and return home from Kashgar🏠. -- Travel Checklist: 🧳 Essentials for your Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture trip! 👚 Clothing: Pack short sleeves, sun-protective clothing, and a thick jacket to cope with the large temperature difference between day and night. Don't forget a hat and sunglasses for sun protection and style. 🎒 Accessories: Comfortable and durable sneakers are a must-have for protecting your ankles. Remember to bring a power bank and data cable to keep your phone charged! 📄 Documents: Bring your ID card, student ID, and other necessary documents for a worry-free and safe trip. 🧴 Other: Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are essential for protecting your skin. It's also a good idea to carry some cash for emergencies! -- Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture private tour: Immerse yourself in an unparalleled travel experience! Follow me to discover more hidden gems!

Hey guys! Here's a detailed guide to a 7-day tour of Kashgar, where you can experience the unique charm of southern Xinjiang. Save it now! 🌟 -- 🚩 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Kuqa and start your adventure! Day 2: Tianshan Grand Canyon - Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves Explore the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon and discover the ancient Buddhist art treasures. Day 3: Conquer the Desert Highway (Ahe Highway) Drive along the magnificent desert highway and feel the vastness and grandeur of the desert. Day 4: Yotkan Ruins - Kashgar Old Town Visit the ancient Yotkan Ruins and then stroll through Kashgar Old Town to experience the charm of Western culture. Day 5: Baisha Mountain - Baisha Lake Scenic Area - Karakul Lake Scenic Area - Tashkurgan Stone City - Aral National Wetland Park on the Pamir Plateau Visit multiple natural and cultural attractions in one day and enjoy the tranquility of the plateau lakes and the ancient city ruins. Day 6: Bandir Blue Lake Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of Bandir Blue Lake and enjoy the gifts of nature. Day 7: End your trip in Kashgar and look forward to meeting again End your pleasant journey in southern Xinjiang and leave Kashgar with fond memories and anticipation for the next reunion. 🛫 -- Must-visit attractions: - 🏞️ Tianshan Grand Canyon: Enter this red-brown mountain range and feel like you're in a sea of flames. The strange peaks and rocks are varied, and there is new scenery waiting for you to discover at every step. - 🏰 Kashgar Old Town: Wander through the exotic buildings and crisscrossing streets of this ancient city, and feel the echoes of history and the ancient and simple atmosphere. - 🌊 Karakul Lake Scenic Area: Under the Muztagh Ata, there is a clear and clean lake, which is Karakul Lake. Standing by the lake, feel the coolness of the water and the grandeur of the distant mountains, as if the whole world has quieted down. -- Travel essentials: 🎒 👕 Clothing: Down jacket, thermal underwear, and thick socks to keep warm in Kashgar. 🎩 Accessories: Hat, scarf, and gloves to keep warm and protect against the wind; sunglasses to protect against the sun and look cool. 🆔 Documents: ID card and border pass to travel freely in southern Xinjiang. Prepare in advance, travel easily, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kashgar! 🌄 -- Kashgar, a place full of exotic charm, is waiting for you to explore more unknown beauty and wonders!

On the land of Xinjiang, the culture and history of various ethnic groups are intertwined into a splendid picture, and the Hotan Yotgan Ancient City, as an important part of it, stands out with its unique charm and profound cultural heritage, and has been successfully selected as a tourist attraction in the autonomous region. Typical cases of promoting exchanges and integration of various ethnic groups. The ancient city of Hotan Yotgan carries thousands of years of historical memory and is an important inheritance site of ancient Khotan culture. With its unique architectural style, rich cultural connotation and vibrant folk activities, it vividly shows the beautiful scene of exchanges, exchanges and blending of various ethnic groups. Walking into the ancient city of Yotgan is like traveling through time and space, and the cultural context of ancient Khotan is slowly unfolding before your eyes. Here, tourists can not only appreciate the unique national culture, but also participate in colorful folk activities. Whether it is traditional ethnic song and dance performances or handicraft making experiences, everyone is immersed in a strong ethnic atmosphere. Tourists of all nationalities gather here to share the charm of culture and the joy of life.

Hotan, a city in southern Xinjiang, always exudes a unique charm. Every view and every dish here is unforgettable. On this trip, I was lucky enough to stay in a super unique homestay - Hotan Yotkan Ancient City Chunhua Commune Homestay. It not only allowed me to experience the local lifestyle, but also provided a relaxing journey for my soul. 🌸Step into "Chunhua" and Feel the Fusion of History and Modernity As soon as you step into the homestay, you can feel the strong historical and cultural atmosphere. The courtyard is decorated with locally made woven tapestries and woolen fabrics, and the walls are adorned with colorful handmade embroidery, as if each item is telling a story. The design of the entire space retains traditional elements while maintaining a modern feel, making you feel like you've traveled through time to an era full of stories. 📷Every Shot is a Blockbuster For someone who loves taking photos like me, this place is simply paradise! Whether it's the Aywan dome in the courtyard or the arched corridor, every corner can be an excellent background. Especially the three separate duplex homestays with small courtyards, looking out the window is like seeing vivid life paintings. Here, you don't need to deliberately find angles; just standing casually can result in a beautiful photo. 🏠Family Rooms as Cozy as Home If you're traveling with family, choosing this place is the right decision. The spacious family rooms are thoughtfully designed, providing enough private space while allowing for intimate family time. The room is equipped with all the daily necessities you need, and even has small toothbrushes and cups specially prepared for children! The most surprising thing is that you can enjoy authentic Xinjiang breakfast in the morning. The butler service is also very attentive, making you feel truly at home! 🎭Immersive Experience of Xinjiang Culture One of the highlights of staying at this homestay is the opportunity to watch the large-scale live performance "Wan Fang Le Zou You Yu Tian" up close. Every night, Yotkan Ancient City transforms into a huge stage, and through lights, music, and the wonderful performances of the actors, the audience is transported into a magical world. This is not just a performance, but a profound cultural experience.

In November, this year's trip to southern Xinjiang began From Shanghai, China - Urumqi, Xinjiang - Hotan City, Hotan Prefecture I thought the ancient city of Yotgan would be boring during the day. Everything is just right[Chin] [1:00]11:00 Yuxuanmen has an opening performance The whole process takes about 8 minutes Scenic spot tickets: (free on Mondays, no performances) Daytime: 20 yuan, opening hours 10:00-19:00, opening ceremony at 10:30, clearing at 19:00. After the opening ceremony, the little brothers and sisters had a welcome ceremony Then go right, folk cockfighting performance Later, the Ten Directions and Hundred Plays performance Although it is off-season, there are still performances March-November: Full price ticket 138 yuan, half price 69 yuan July-October: Full price ticket 268 yuan, half price 134 yuan The music of Khotan

#traveldiaries #myhiddengems #monsteronvacay A stopover at the Taklamakan Desert during a roadtrip with friends promises a fun and memorable adventure. As we step out of our 4x4, the vast golden dunes stretch out in every direction, inviting us to explore. Spending hours having fun, cracking jokes, posing and taking as many photos as possible with my travel buddies was such a valuable moment. The beauty of the desert is the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with friends before hitting the road again.

#traveldiaries #myhiddengems #monsteronvacay Travelling along the Tarim Desert Highway in Xinjiang is truly an unforgettable adventure. Also known as Taklamakan Desert Highway, it stretches over 552km through the heart of the vast Taklamakan Desert, the highway is a remarkable feat of engineering, connecting the towns of Luntai and Hotan. The journey offers breathtaking views of endless sand dunes and desolate landscapes, with stark contrast between the harsh desert environment and the occasional green patches of poplar trees irrigated along the route. Our journey along the highway while chasing the sunset was such a magical experience. As the sun begins to descent over the vast Taklamakan Desert, the endless sand dunes are bathed in warm, golden hues, creating a stunning contrast with the deepening blue sky. Watching the sun dissappear beyond the horizon while driving through one of the world's most remote regions evokes a sense of wonder and solitude. It's a peaceful, awe-inspiring moment that enhances the beauty of this unforgettable journey.

One of the highlights of our Xinjiang trip is passing through Taklamakan Desert. Imagine driving through almost 8 hours of desert road with no green trees surrounding the area. It is that big that it took us quite a few hours to pass by. It is quite unfortunate that during our drive in this area is that the weather is not quite favorable. There was a sandstorm during this time, as other parts of Xinjiang and China were experiencing rain. During this type of weather, it is advisable to wear long jacket, wear face mask and sun glasses. As small sands - these are very small and hardly seen but it may enter one's eyes, mouth and skin which would leave blisters. One of the supposed to be highlight is going to the Desert Gate Scenic Area. There are camel riding, 4x4 riding, tents for rent and other sand related activities available. Our plan was to ride the camel in this area. Unfortunately, due to the sand storm we decided to cancel the activity as it is quite dangerous as the wind is quite strong. I would still recommend this area a visit especially if you are in the area. Best to go around later in the afternoon where the sunlight is not that strong anymore. #chinatrip #100waysoftravel #desert #xinjiang

Exploring Hotan, this ancient and vibrant land, is a journey through time. Hotan is not only a shining pearl of Xinjiang but also a witness to history. 🏺 Hotan Jade, a treasure of millennia - The flowing Yurungkash River has nurtured the renowned Hotan Jade. Each piece of jade carries the spirit and stories of Hotan. 🏰 Hotan Tuan City, a blend of modern and classical - Stroll through the streets of Tuan City, feel the pulse of this city, and experience the sediment of history and the vitality of modernity. 📜 Hotan Museum, a treasury of history - Step into the museum and converse with the splendor of ancient Yutian, tracing the footsteps of historical figures like Zhang Qian, Ban Chao, and Xuanzang. 🌄 Ruins of the Rewak Buddhist Temple, a mark of Buddhist culture - Explore the well-preserved Buddhist temple ruins and feel the power of ancient beliefs. 🏜️ Taklamakan Desert, a natural wonder - Experience the resilience of life and the grandeur of nature in this vast desert. 🌅 Moyu Old Town, a tranquil haven - Stroll through Moyu Old Town and enjoy the tranquility and peace akin to a Mediterranean sunshine town. 🏡 Xiahelek Manor, echoes of history - Visit Xiahelek Manor, listen to those ancient stories, and feel the passage of time. 🏰 Ruins of Yotkan, a popular check-in spot - The beauty of Yotkan ruins under the afterglow of the sunset and the night performances make it an unforgettable place. 📍 Carefully planned route - From Hotan Museum to the Taklamakan Desert, then to Moyu Old Town and Yotkan ruins, each step is an in-depth experience of Hotan culture. 🎉 Experiences not to be missed - Coming to Hotan is not just a trip but a spiritual baptism. Are you ready? Let's set off together to explore this land full of surprises! 🔥 Hotan, a treasure waiting for you to discover 🔥

After finishing Kashgar, the next stop is Hetian, a region famous for its jade and the second-to-last stop in southern Xinjiang. This article records my travel itinerary in Hetian. If there are any shortcomings, family members are welcome to leave comments and add! The first stop is the Yotkan Ancient City, located in Hetian County, 10 kilometers away from Hetian City. Transportation is not very convenient. You can take a taxi for 30 yuan, or take bus No. 2 or No. 6 to Xiaorbage Township, then transfer to bus No. 302 to Yotkan Ancient City. The ancient city is not large, and it takes about half an hour to walk around. There are very characteristic buildings inside that you can check in. It is quite hot during the day, so it is recommended to find a cool place to stay and wait for the performance time. There are performances from time to time, so remember to listen to the broadcast. In the evening, there is a performance called 'Wan Fang Yue Zou You Yu Tian', so it is recommended to come in the evening! After leaving Yotkan Ancient City, the next stop is Tuancheng. This is a characteristic place where you can stroll around and check in. There is a place selling yellow noodles and shaved ice yogurt, which is very good and worth a try! After checking in at Tuancheng, you must visit the Hetian Old Night Market. It is known as the largest night market in Xinjiang, and it is indeed large. There are various snacks, so save some stomach space to try them one by one. Let's calculate today's expenses: Meals: 25 yuan Yotkan Ancient City ticket: 20 yuan Supper: 25 yuan Others: 18 yuan Total: 88 yuan

The Taklamakan Desert is a desert in Southwest Xinjiang in Northwest China. This is one of the largest sandy deserts in the world. The desert’s natural conditions are adverse, and there are serious hazards from wind-drift sand. The area is characterized by a dry climate, low rainfall, and high evaporation. There is little variation in colour and intensity across the area. Beautiful views of the sand dune. We took lots of pictures. Really like this place. Nice experience! #desert #travelfreak

✨A Journey Through Time and Space✨📸Let's go, my darlings! Together, let's explore the dazzling pearl of the Western Regions—【Jiaohe Ancient City】, a city of a thousand years of heritage hidden deep in the desert, waiting for us to unveil its mysterious veil.👣🏰Step into the ancient city, and it's as if you've stepped into the long river of history, with the glory of the ancient Kingdom of Khotan vividly before your eyes. Wandering among the meticulously restored white Aiwan residential buildings, every brick and stone tells a story of the past.🏰🍜As you move through the food district, don't forget to taste the authentic Hotan medicinal tea, letting its unique fragrance linger on your taste buds, warming your heart.🍵🔍On the workshop street, craftsmen are skillfully carving wooden bowls, inheriting ancient crafts, with every cut and stroke being a tribute to beauty.🎨Playground

Bagqi Walnut Culture and Tourism Town - Yutegan Ancient City, is a project developed by Xinjiang Fruit Industry Group Co., Ltd. after over 30 years of dedication in Hotan. The company established Xinjiang Fruit Travel Culture and Tourism Co., Ltd. to enter the cultural tourism industry. With an investment of 500 million yuan, in collaboration with Hotan County Committee and Hotan County Tourism Bureau, they have created Hotan's first folk culture and tourism project - Yutegan Ancient City, aiming to become a new landmark for cultural tourism in Hotan. Bagqi Walnut Culture and Tourism Town - Yutegan Ancient City, located 10 kilometers west of Hotan City in Bagqi Town, covers an area of 157 mu with a construction area of about 70,000 square meters. It features a layout that includes food streets, homestay hotels, handicraft workshops, and cultural exhibition halls. By deeply empowering the culture and employing modern technology for panoramic performances, the project strives to recreate the historical prosperity of the ancient Silk Road's Yutian for visitors, allowing them to experience the charm of the ancient Yutian culture and art that has been hidden in the desert for a thousand years.

The Jiaohe Ancient City is located around Hotan, and the district, which mimics the design of a traditional Western Region ancient city, is very well planned. I highly recommend the immersive experience available in the evening, including the light show and stunt performances. It's definitely worth staying for a night to experience the grandeur of the show. I recommend the Ancient City Homestay, where I stayed in Grandpa Gasha's room this time, facing the central stage, allowing me to watch the evening's performances from the balcony.

Yotkan Ancient City in Hotan is a place full of historical charm and natural scenery. The architectural complex of the ancient city is mainly white, and the buildings are scattered throughout the city, each filled with historical traces.

The hidden treasure of southern Xinjiang - Hotan Yotgan Ancient City🕌 Southern Xinjiang has a profound culture, and one of its super niche attractions, Hotan Yotegan Ancient City, is like Xinjiang people’s own Disney, exuding the light of a long history. In ancient times, Hotan was the Khotanese state on the Silk Road, where "all the music played in Khotan". The ancient city of Yotqian, with the ancient Khotanese state as its historical and cultural support, reproduces the prosperity of this western city-state thousands of years ago. No tickets are required to enter the Old City during the day, but when night falls, if you want to enjoy the wonderful performances, you need to purchase tickets💰. The ancient city is located in Bagqi Town, about 20 kilometers away from the city. You can choose to take a taxi to get there. Back in 2021, when I was working in Hotan, the project of Yotgan Ancient City had already been launched. Unexpectedly, this unique attraction has been built now. Although some supporting facilities are still being improved, I am very happy that Hotan has such a unique attraction! This city is like a time tunnel, taking tourists back to the prosperous scene thousands of years ago. 🕰️✨

🏰✨ The Hotan Jotkan Ancient City, like a castle rising from the desert, is built with sandstone, recreating the grandeur of the Silk Road. A city built by wind and sand, it carries the rich historical heritage of Hotan. 💰💼 With an investment of 500 million and an area of 70,000 square meters, Jotkan Ancient City is not only a tribute to history, but also a successful attempt at cultural and tourism integration. Through extensive research of ancient texts, the ancient city's architectural style is restored to the greatest extent, while modern design concepts are incorporated to enhance convenience and practicality. 🌍📜 The entire scenic area respects history and integrates local folk culture with modern aesthetic styles, displaying a unique cultural charm. Every piece of sandstone, every building, carries the deep affection of the people of Hotan for their homeland. 👀🌟 Wandering in Jotkan Ancient City, travelers seem to see the scenes of memories, while the old people can see the possibilities of the future. This castle is not only a witness to history, but also a testament to cultural inheritance and the convergence of eras. A fruitful learning journey allows people to feel the unique charm of the Silk Road.

The ancient city of Yotgan was built with reference to the ancient Khotan city style recorded in historical documents. It is a characteristic cultural tourism town integrating vacation, tourism, culture, commerce, leisure and other functions. The well-proportioned white houses, mainly traditional Ayiwang houses, ornately decorated roofs, blue doors and windows, and carved pillars, are full of mysterious and exotic style. The most anticipated thing is the two-hour live performance with the entire scenic spot as the stage. The history of the ancient Khotan Kingdom is combined with the local culture of Hotan, and modern scientific and technological means and innovative interpretation methods are used to reproduce the glorious scene of the ancient Khotan Kingdom thousands of years ago. ✅Tickets: 🍂Off season (March-June, November): full price 138 yuan, half price 70 yuan 🌱Peak season (July-October): Full price 268 yuan, half price 130 yuan ✂️Half-price range: Xinjiang aid cadres, teachers, medical staff, students, disabled people, family members of martyrs, etc. can purchase tickets at half price on-site with their IDs. 🎖️Free admission with veteran’s ID card (still charged at half price during the May Day holiday) ✅Transportation: 🚙It is 10 kilometers from Hotan City to Bagqi Town, and it takes about 15 minutes to drive 🚕For foreign tourists, it costs about 40 to take a taxi from the city, and it’s also available back home. (Parking in the ancient city is not very convenient) ✅Play recommendations: 1⃣️Traditional costume art photos: You can change into the traditional costumes of the ancient Khotanese culture in the dressing room, which can better integrate into the ancient city and look good when taking photos. 2⃣️Shopping in the Folklore Street: A dazzling array of special products such as hemp candies, spices, medicinal teas, etc. will make you feel like you have traveled to the ancient Khotan market. 3⃣️Food Street: Taste Hotan’s saltwater barbecue, watermelon barbecue, roasted whole lamb, pigeon soup and other specialties. 4⃣️The old city at night is reserved for "Music from all directions in Khotan", a global immersive super-sensory performance, and personally experience the wonderful scene of "people come from paintings". It starts at 10:30 p.m. and lasts about two hours. You can interact with the actors throughout the show. Because it is a newly opened scenic spot, the management of the ancient city is not very perfect and there are some minor flaws. However, this cultural and historical city integrates the legendary historical sculptures of the ancient Khotan Kingdom into modern street design elements. While visiting the ancient city of Yotgan, , you can feel the Tang style and Chinese charm that has been passed down for thousands of years in the ancient Khotan Kingdom.

Yotkan Old City is located in Baghqi Town, Hotan County, Xinjiang, about 10 kilometers away from Hotan City. It looks like a huge white castle, with traditional Ayiwang houses, white main color, with colorful eaves paintings, brick carvings, wood carvings and window lattice decorations, which are super suitable for taking pictures and have exotic charm. The charm of the ancient Yutian culture and art hidden for thousands of years is fully displayed here. Time has flowed for thousands of years, and the ethnic minorities wearing colorful clothes are dancing happily, leading us to travel back to the prosperous age a thousand years ago. Yotkan, in the local language of Xinjiang, means the hometown of the king. It was once the capital of the ancient Yutian country, one of the thirty-six countries in the ancient Western Regions. The ancient Yutian country is known as the longest vassal dynasty in Chinese history, ancient Hotan. The natural and humanistic deposits in the long time are an indispensable epic in Chinese civilization. The scattered white houses are mainly traditional Ayiwang houses, with gorgeous corridor ceilings, blue doors and windows, and carved corridor columns... Every place is full of mysterious ethnic characteristics. Let's take a stroll in the old city, meet every beautiful frame, and feel the most simple fireworks, and the amazing journey.