Hotan

About 1980 km southwest of Urumqi by road, Hotan is one of the most isolated parts in Xinjiang, sitting at the southern boundary of the Taklamakan Desert. It is connected only to Kashgar and, via the new Desert Highway, to Korla. Brought to life by the Karakash (Black Jade) and Yorungkash (White Jade) Rivers, this town has long been a spiritual and commercial center on the Southern Silk Road. City ruins and Buddhist temples like Yurturgan Ruins and Malikurwatur Ruins stand amidst the gorgeous desert scenery. Hotan’s flourishing silk and carpet industry is an impressive reminder of the city’s brilliant history.

Highlights:

Yuturgan Ruins - 13 km west of the town, it was discovered in 3-6m deep mud. In 1896, the famous Swedish explorer Sven Hedin has been here research.
Melikawat Ruins - 25km south of the town, an old town built on the west bank of Yulong Kashi River about 1500-1600 years ago.
Hotan Carpet Factory - a perfect place to see the amazing process of carpet weaving.
Niya Ruins - 150km north of Minfeng County, an ancient capital of a pre-Islamic kingdom dating from the 3rd to 8th century AD.