Hotan Travel Guide

With Kunlun Mountains on the south and Taxkorgan Desert on the north, Hotan is an oasis lying in the southwest of Xinjiang, China. Covering an area of 247,800km², the area is inhabited by 1,500,000 people among whom Uygur takes 97%.
 

History

Hotan is strategically located at the southern branch of the famous Silk Road which connects China and West. It was called Yutian in ancient times. In 68BC, it was officially under the command of Han Dynasty central government. Before 11 century, Buddhism was main religion governed here. After that, Muslim took the charge. In 1883, Hetian prefecture was established to be supervised directly by the Qing court.
 

Attractions

You can see great sand dunes from Hotan, and can go in by camel and camp out overnight. As an important stop on ancient Silk Road, Hotan has many ruins of historical cultural relics and other attractions such as Ancient City of Niya, Ruins of Rewake Buddha Temple, Grape Corridor and Hotan Museum.

Ancient City of Niya was once a major commercial center on the southern branch of the Silk Road but now there is only relic without people. Numerous ancient archaeological artifacts have been uncovered at the site. Ruins of Rewake Buddha Temple is a well-known Buddhism culture relic in the vast desert. The Grape Corridor in Hotan is about 1,480 kilometers. Hotan Museum has one floor of artifacts including two 2500 year old mummies.
 

Transportation

Khotan Airport is located 12 km south of the city center and can be accessed by taxi. There are 6 daily flights to Urumqi. Inquiry: 0903-2026724. Ticket office: No.3 Urumqi South Road.

Train service in Hotan is limited, with only one train per day to Urumqi.

The Long Distance Bus Station is at No.80 He Mo Road, north of the city center on the main highway. There are regular daily buses from Hetian to Yining, Kashgar, Aksu, Kolar, Turpan, Urumqi, etc.

Most scenic spots in Hotan are located in Takelamagan desert. The most convenient way is to rent a car, cross country Jeep is recommended.
 

Weather and Climate

Dominated by a dry continental desert climate, Hotan is hot in summer and not too cold in winter. Temperature differs greatly between day and night. It has an average annual temperature of 12°C with little rain.
 

Food and Restaurants

Hotan is one of the best places to taste Xinjiang Cuisine. Famous local food includes Roast Lamb, Baked Mutton Kebabs, Uighur Rice and Nang. 

Recommended Restaurants
Lokman Restaurant: provides Uyghur food with a menu in English, Uyghur and Chinese.
Address: Nawage Road, Hotan, Xinjiang, China
Phone: +86 0903 202 9744

Night Market of Hetian: a variety of delicious foods and snacks and fruits.
Address: south of Unity Square.

Marco's Dream Café: awesome local travel information and affordable western and Malay food options, coffee and desserts
Address: YouYiLu, southeast of the Public Square
Phone: +86 152 9266 1017
 

Shopping

Hotan is famous for three local products silk, jade and carpet. Silk made Hotan an important commercial center on the ancient Silk Road. Hotan jade has a history of at least 7000 years and the carpet gets the reputation for excellent resilience, bright color and durability.

Hotan Bazaar: local specialties and souvenirs
Address: northeast of Hotan city, near the 315 National Highway.

Hotan Jade-culture Commercial Street: jade
Address: downtown area of Hotan city.
 

Nightlife and Entertainment

You can enjoy the Uyghur traditional music and dance performed in Xinyu theatre by the singing and dancing group. There is also performance every Sunday in Hotan Bazaar which is located beside the No.315 national road in northeast corner of the city.
 

Accommodation

Recommended hotels in Hotan
Traffic Hotel
Address: at the main bus station
Price: CNY100-120 for a private double room with attached bathroom

Happy Hotel
Address: 500 meters to the right from the main bus station
Price: CNY 80 for a Double
 

Travel Tips

1. June to October is the best time for visiting.
2. Bring enough water with you.
3. Rent a car with GPS if you decided to drive in the desert.