Introduction of Hotan

The ancient name of Hotan is Yutian. It is located at the very southern
end of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Hotan was one of the important
places on the ancient Silk Road. From early years up till now Hotan
was the economical and cultural center for the exchanges between China and
the western countries. It was also a famous business and tourist
city. Travelling traders came and went unceasingly.
Hotan was a very famous city among the four towns in the Western
Region. In the early times of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, ancient ~utian
was the main place of exchanging goods and materials with the Central
Plains. In the 3rd century B. C. Hotan was a famous"Jade Road" or"Silk
Road" oasis which became an important pathway to other countries. From
mainland China they carried silk to Central Asia, Middle East, Africa and
Europe and their trade goods got exchanged here.
Through time and history, various cultures entered and influenced the
area and created the dazzling ancient culture, including the Kunlun mythol-
ogy. Therefore many ancient cultural ruins, relics and excavated articles can
be found in Hotan district, e.g. Niya ancient city, Melikawat ancient city,
Rawak temple, Yotkan ancient city, etc. These sites are all well known in the
world because of their passing on of written proofs of ancient cultures and
historical events. To research the Western Region' s history, many excavated
articles, wood cuts, pieces of silk carpets, Buddha figures with golden orna-
ments, mummies, ancient coins and many other relics can be found which are
associated with the ancient civilizations of this area.
Ancient Yutian was the earliest center for Buddhism in the Western
Region. Strong investigations showed that more than 100 places have histor-
ical and cultural ruins. One of them is under the preservation of the State and
10 of them are under the protection of the Autonomous Regional Preservation
of Cultural Relics.
In early times some of the famous Buddhist monks set foot in Hotan,
e. g. Fa Xian from Eastern Jin Dynasty, Song Yun from Northern Dynasty and
Xuan Zang from Tang Dynasty. Also the Italian Marco Polo as well as Aurel
Stein, Sven Hedin, Huang Wen Bi and other archeologists and explorers from
abroad and China visited Hotan.
Hotan' s climate is dry and warm. The area is rich on products and the
people are honest. Hotan is famous for its natural resources and therefore
called "the country of jade and gold" . It' s also a storehouse for grain and
cotton, the home of many delicious fruits and beautiful carpets as well as silk
and other traditional local products which are famous abroad and in Chi-
na. The surrounding Taklimakan is the world's second largest desert, but for
its moving of sand it ranges as number one. In many places the dunes look
very pretty but the local people struggle against the pressure of nature which
wants to overrun the oasis. Thousands of kilometers of grape corridors en-
rich the environment of Hotan. The best season for sight - seeing is between
May and October every year.
Hotan warmly welcomes the guests from abroad and at home to visit and
tour our area.
II Main Tourist Sites
( I)Ancient Cultural Ruins
1. Ancient City of Niya
It is located north of Niya in the middle of the Taklimakan desert, about
150kms away from Niya county. In 1962 the ancient site of Niya was desig-
nated as a major cultural site under the preservation of the Autonomous Re-
gion of Xinjiang. In 1996 the ancient city of Niya became a state - protected
cultural relic site. It is considered that it was the capital of the Jing Jue
country.
The northern, eastern and western sides of the old city are surrounded
by high sand dunes, the southern side is located lower than the rest. The
length of the ancient site from the north to the south is 20kms, from west to
east it' s about 10kms wide. The area can be divided in at least six different
parts. Some of the ancient buildings are fairly well preserved. At present the
main preserved ones are the temple, some houses which are half visible and
half underground, a single wooden bridge and so on. Also the ancient river, an
ancient water canal and some streets are still visibe.
At the ancient site of Niya there have been excavated a large number of
cultural relics. Most of them are old wooden articles, iron and copper items,
pottery, stone articles and woolen fabrics. Ancient copper coins of the East
Hun Dynasty were discovered as well as a large number of wooden slates
mostly written in the Sanskrit language. Some of the slates were also written
in the old Hotan and Chinese languages. At one site there was an iron re-
finery with burned articles found. In one of the graves of the Hun Dynasty a
male mummy was found on which the following Chinese Characters were
imprinted on the fabric: "Everything turns out as you wish". In October 1995
a piece of silk fabric was excavated with following words imprinted: "Five
stars rising from the East, is an auspicious symbol for China".
The first excavators to arrive, across the Karakorum from India, was the
young Swedish explorer named Sven Hedin and the formidable oriental
scholar Aurel Stein, an English Hungarian. Later Huang Wen Bi and other
famous archeologists came to the old Niya site in the beginning of the 20th
century.
2. Andir Ancient City
In ancient times the Andir ancient city was named"Tang Lan Cheng". It
is located in the middle of the desert in Niya county, west of Andir village
which is about 20kms away. It is 500kms away from Hotan city. The ancient
city belongs to the Hah and Jin period. It is a sister city of Niya ancient
city. The ancient city is round shaped. There is an open gate in the east. The
city gate is 3.4ms wide and has two door wings. The city wall is 2 - 3ms,
thick. The diameter of the inner city is about 200ms. The inner city was
tightly built, but most of it is destroyed now. Inside of it some cotton bolls,
ears of the wheat, cotton fabrics and so on were found.
3. Kara Dung(Black Hill)
The Kara Dung ancient city is located in the middle of the northern part
of the Taklimakan desert at the lower end of the Keriya river. It' s about
240kms away from Keriya county and 440kms away from Hotan city. The
word Kara Dung is Uygur and means"Black Hill" . This ancient city is
stretched out over 60ms and its clay and mud walls are 8ms high. The width
of the foundation is 20ms and the top part of the wall 8ms. The wall is made
up of a layer of tree branches and a layer of clay mixed with mud. This kind
of construction is wind resistant. Up to now there have been found pottery and
felt pieces, copper coins of the Han Dynasty, blue and white printed fabrics,
knives, metal arrow - heads and so on. Looking at the findings, this place can
be assigned to the Han, North and South Dynasties. It is also one of the ten
"small cities"which existed during the period of the Yutian country.
4. The Ruins of Dandan Oylik Buddhist City
This place is located at the joining parts of the Yorunkash and Keriya
river and is about 360kms away from Hotan city. The ancient city belongs to
the Han and Tang Dynasties. The area from north to south is 2kms long and
lkm wide. Most of the buildings were Buddhist temples and built in a wide
scale. Aurel Stein carried out an excavation in 1901. He found the famous
wooden slate on which a human body with a mouse head was por-
trayed. Another slate he found was about the princess who passed on silk-
worm eggs to Yutian. Professor Huang Wen Bi who is a very famous arche-
ologist of our country also inspected and excavated this place in 1929. He
found writings in Chinese, Yutian(old Hotan language), Karoshti and Brah-
man languages and also a large number of ancient coins and other relics. The
ruins of the Dandan Buddhist city are world famous although they are covered
by sand now. They still have a great value for archeologists, explorers and
tourists.
5. Aksepil Ancient City
It is located at the northern part of the desert outside Lop county,
54kms away from Hotan city. The earliest time when the wall was built was
around 2nd century B. C. The Uygur word Aksepil means"white city wall"
The city wall' s diameter is 7 - 8 kms. Now the greater part of the wall is
covered by drifted sand or damaged by wind so that only 93.6 ms are left.
The wall is 5 ms high, the foundation is 2.5 ms wide and the top of the wall
is 1.5 ms wide. There are rifle - pits on top of the wall. Among the exca-
vated relics there are ancient coins, Pottery, small golden Buddha Statues,
etc. Also some writings in Karoshti and Brahman languages were found.
Aurel Stein inspected and excavated this place twice, once in 1901 and then
again in 1906. He carried off large numbers of relics. Huang Wen Bi, an
archeology professor, found a coin of a Yutian horse in 1929. This is the
only horse coin existing in our country. The Aksepil ancient city is under
the Autonomous Regional preservation of Cultural Relics since 1957.
6. The Ruins of Rawak Temple
It is located in the desert north - west of Jiya township, Lop county and
is 70 kms away from Hotan city. It is the only temple which has a gandara
style(similar form as an Indian temple) which is quite well preserved in
Hotan district. It prospered and declined from the 2nd to the 10th centu-
ry. The Uygur word"rawak" means "pavilion" . The Buddhist temple was in
the center of a group of Buddhist pagodas. The temple was surrounded by a
courtyard wall. Outside and inside the courtyard there were large numbers of
frescos, clay sculptures and Buddha figures scattered around. Also some wall
paintings were found. On them some stories about Buddhism were painted
such as a map of Samsara. The clay sculptures and Buddha figures were at-
tached on two sides of the wall. Inside and outside of the temple a large
number of red and grey pottery pieces and some broken pieces of Buddha
figures were scattered around. Aurel Stein inspected and excavated this place
twice, once in 1901 and then again in 1906. He carried off large numbers of
precious relics. Professor Huang Wen Bi also inspected the place in 1929 and
found Buddha figures, frescos and also Wu Zhu coins, Buddhist pearls and
different kinds of pottery pieces, etc. The Rawak temple is under the preser-
vation of the Autonomous Regional Cultural Relics Unit.
7. Imam Asim Ancient Tomb
It is situated at the northern part of Lop county, 10 kms outside the Jiya
township. From Hotan city it' s 23 kms away. The tomb is in a place where
farming land and the desert meet. It is said that the tomb belongs to a Muslim
missionary who was also a military officer in the 1 lth century. Around the
grave is a wooden fence, followed by a wall plastered with clay and
mud. Nearby is also a mosque for Muslims which is quite impressive. This
tomb' s influence is very strong among the local Muslisms. Every May more
than I0, 000 people visit this tomb local to worship. Many barren Uygur
women go there to pray for a baby. Nearby are also two big"toghrak' (a kind
of poplar tree) under which ladies are pinning needles into the tree trunk. If
some liquid or resin comes out it means that their prayers have been an-
swered. This is one of the worship places of Islam believers.' Tourists also like
this place because it' s good for sight- seeing and enjoying the boundless
desert scenery.
8. Melikawat Ancient City Ruins
It is located at the west bank of Yorungkash river and southeast of
Hotan city which is 27 kms away. It belongs to the Hah and Tang Dynas-
ties. It has been under the Autonomous Regional Preservation of Cultural
Relics since 1957. The ruins are from north to south 10 kms long and from
west to east 2 kms wide. The west part of the ruins is surrounded by small
dunes. The Kunlun mountains loom in the south and peak out through the
clouds. The Yorungkash river in the east winds its way through the desert. Not
far away in the north you can see a village with houses surrounded by green
trees. Inside the ruins there are leftovers of houses and ancient tombs. On the
western side behind a sand hill there exist 3 mystical caves. So far some
bronze Buddha figures, jade articles, clay Buddha sculptures, ancient Uygur
styled wall decorations, fresco pieces, potteries and a large amount, of old
coins have been unearthed. Among the coins some are "Wu Zhu"coins which
belong to the Hah Dynasty and others are "Jian Lun" coins belonging to the
Wei, Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties. Some others are called "Kai Yun
Tong Bao" belonging to the Tang Dynasty.
Aurel Stein inspected and excavated this place twice, once in 1901 and
then again in 1906. He collected a large number of articles belonging to the
Han and Tang Dynasties. Chinese professor Huang Wen Bi has also inspected
this place twice, once in 1929 and then again in 1957. He considered that it
was the capital of the Yutian country. Some other scholars say that Me-
likawat's ruins were once temples.
9. Yotkan Ancient City Ruins
They are located at Baghqi township in Yotkan village which today is
called Alnama. They are 13 kms away from Hotan city. These Buddhist ruins
belong to the Hah and Song Dynasties. It is under the Autonomous Regional
Preservation of cultural Relics. The Yotkan city ruins cover an area of 10
square kms. Most of the cultural relics are about 3 - 6ms in the ground.
Among the excavated cuhrual relics mostly jade articles, golden Buddha
figures and a large amount of old coins have been unearthed which were used
during a long period of time. The earliest coins called "Wu Zhu" belong to
the Han dynasty. The coin of the Wang Mang' s period bave on two sides of
the coins letters imprinted in Han and Sanskrit languages. The latest dated
coins belong to the Karahan Dynasty while Mohammad Arslanhan ruled. The
Chinese Cultural Relics Department excavated a golden duck during their
investigations. They also found one coin called "Qian Yuan Huang Bao" and
collected some pottery pieces with human patterns and animals on it.
' Fa Xian from the Eastern Jin Dynasty and Xuan Zang from the Tang
Dynasty set their feet on this place. Swen Hedin excavated some relics from
Yotkan in 1896. Aurel Stein had twice excavated relics from here, once in
October 1901 and then again in April 1906. Professor Huang Wen Bi in-
spected the place in 1929 and recorded his roundings.
10. Kokmarim Rock Cave (Zanmu Miao)
The Kokmarim Rock Cave is situated near Layka township, about 34
kms southwest of Hotan city at the east bank of the Karakash river. The cave
is located half way up the mountains, about 80 ms above the river bank. The
word Kokmarim is Persian and means "snake mountain" . It is a two -floor
cave which is connected by stairs and a ladder. The cave is at the foot of a
hill and beside a river. It has a beautiful scenery and below the cave the
roaring Karakash river is flowing. On the opposite side of the river there are
green fields, trees and some villages. The river from above looks like the
shape of a dragon, its source springs from the Kunlun mountains. Walking to
the rock cave and then standing on top of the cave looking into the distance
you can enjoy a beautiful scenery of mountains and the river.
According to historical records the rock cave was found by the great
master Fa Xian when passing through in 401 B.C. Therefore the cave was
called "Zanmu Miao". in his book "The note of Buddha countries'he men-
tions that there are three caves at the western part of the rock cave. As they
are very deep you cannot see the end of the cave. Historical facts indicate
that these three caves were used as a storage place for army officers.
11. Hasa and Hasha Ancient Castles
The Hasa and Hasha ancient castles can also be called stone- wall
castles. They are located in the south of Qira county. Passing through the
Qakar village which is 180 kms away from Hotan city, it' s about 12 kms
outside Qakar towards the west. The main castle is on top of the Hasha
mountain bordering the Hasha village which is only 1 km away. On one side
is a semi -desert and on the other three sides are mountains. The walls in
the east and west weren' t built because there is a river protecting it. The
stone walls are made from stone pieces and clay. In the llth century there
was a 24- year war between the Yutian country and the Karahan imperial
kingdom. The Yutian people believed in Buddhism and the Karahan in Is-
lam. This religious war got won by the Karahan imperial kingdom and
therefore fighting stopped. Two of the Yutian army commanders, one was
named Qohtirishit and the other Nohtirishit, led the army back to Qakar and
built these two castles. They hoped that one day they would stride across the
Kunlun mountains and move into Tibet. Because of pursuing troops which
approached quickly as well as bad weather and freezing temperatures all of
them died in a battle in the winter of 1006. The castles got left behind and
remind us of a tragic history.
12. Halalbagh Buddhist Temple
It is located at Tusalla township in the Halalbagh village about 11 kms
south of Hotan city. It covers an area of 1 square km. The temple was built
more than 20 ms high on clay soil. It is well preserved. Nearby many pottery
pieces were found and also a large number of human bones which were piled
up. Among the excavated articles are copper coins, pottery pieces and
pearls, etc. It is said that the temple was built by the king of the Yutian
country to commemorate the princess of the Eastern Country who carried
some silkworm eggs to the Yutian country.
13. Sanju Rock Painting
The Sanju Rock Painting is located on a rock in Urqi village which is
180 kms away from Hotan city. Urqi belongs to the Sanju township in Guma
county. The painting is on the opposite side of a river. The length of the
painting is 3.3 meters and its height is 1.3 meters. On the painting there are
figure paintings, animals and other paintings whose meanings are not known
yet. It is assumed that the ancient people spent their life with hunting. This
place stands under the preservation of historical relics by the Autonomous
Region since 1962.
14. Hotan Museum
The museum is located in the center of Hotan city. In the exhibition
room there are on display many kinds of cultural relics unearthed from vari-
ous Hotan areas. These cultural items reflect the long history of Hotan for
more than 2, 000 years. They are proof of the areas' splendid culture, eco-
nomical conditions, political situations, life and customs. These relics reflect
the "Silk Road" which effected the historical and cultural exchanges as well
as trade between China, its nationalities and Central Asia and Western
countries.

15,people "tears coming out of crying eyes". It is located at the edge of the Kizil
village which belongs to the Qakar township, Qira county. It' s 20 kms away
from Qakar. The cool spring lays in the middle of the boundless semi-
desert. The water flows unceasingly throughout the whole year. Traditions tell
that the water of the cool spring was the tears of a holy man called "Imam
Mahdi Ahir Zaman". The red mountain slope behind it means the red color of
the holy man' s face. If people wash their face in the spring water, their eyes
become bright and their face pretty. Under the mountain slope there are two
poplar trees leaning on each other. They are so tall that they almost reach the
clouds. The cool spring water irrigates the surrounding land so that flowers
and grass can grow. All the visitors appreciate and like to enter this won-
derful place.
2. Natural Scenery along the River
In Uygur it is called "Darya boyi" which means "along the river". This
place is located in the middle of the Taklimakan desert, about 220 kms north
of Keriya county where there is also a village with the same name. From
Hotan it' s about 420 kms. If you leave Keriya county and go along the Keriya
river to the north, you will enter a vast sea of sanddunes which rise and fall
swiftly. The view from the desert is amazing and takes your breath. After 100
kms you can see some oasis and a whole belt of poplar trees which are called
"toghrak". They spread out over a vast area. The poplar belt is more than 200
kms long from the south to the north and several kilometers wide. In fall the
leaves turn into a beautiful red and yellow and that will surely stir up your
interest. On the way you can also see some wild animals.
3. The King of Fig Trees anti the Orchard with Hundreds of Fruits
The orchard is located at the southern part of Hotan city, in the Layka
township at the government garden. It' s 22 kms away from Hotan city. The fig
tree has a history of over 400 years. The age of this old fig tree can' t obvi-
ously be seen. It still has large branches, many leaves and is as rich on fruits
as ever. Every year new branches are growing. It covers an area of one alu
(666 square meters). Such an old fig tree is not only seldom in Xinjiang but
in all of China. Therefore this tree is called"the king of fig trees".
There is a fine legend about the king of fig trees. It is said that there
was once a king of Yutian country. He had no son even at the age of 70. The
king was afraid to be without any male offspring. The people were afraid that
the king's sovereignty would stop. So the peoply went and explored how they
could find an elixir to extent the life of the king, but they couldn' t find
anything. One day a mother of a Western country king was passing through
the area. She met a farmer who was walking around looking for some-
thing. She asked him for the reason and was told that he was looking for an
elixir to extend the life of the king. She was deeply moved and gave him a
branch of a tree. The farmer put the branch into the ground in front of his
house. On the second day he saw that the branch got many leaves and other
branches. It was also bearing fruits without having blossomed. When the king
ate of these figs, sure enough it was effective and he lived to be 100 years
old.
In the orchard of the King of Fig tress there is a Uygur styled reception
center which makes up 300 square meters. Tourists can taste many delicious
dishes and fruits, stay over night, enjoy amusement and other activities.
4. The King of Walnut Trees
This walnut tree with its 500 years of age is also called "the god of
longevity of the trees" . It is situated in Baghqi township, 7 kms south of
Hotan city. The king of the walnut trees has a long trunk, its height is about
20 ms and the crown of the tree is very large. It covers an area of about one
mu(666 square meters) . The trunk is so big that it takes five people
stretched out holding hands to go around it. Every year the walnut tree still
produces 5 - 6, 000 thin - shelled walnuts of high quality. Hotan' s walnuts
ripe early and are big, the shell is thin and cracks easily. Their nutritive value
is very high. They are not only one of the best nuts but also rich in protein.
5. Yorungkash River(White Jade River)
The Yorungkash river lies in the east 4 kms away from Rotan city. This
river is one of the two branches of the river which makes up the Hotan river.
Its source is southeast of the Muz Tagh (ice mountain) under the snow -
capped peaks of the northern Tibetan highlands. Glacier water forms the fiver
as the snow on top of the mountains melts. The length of the Yorungkash river
is 513 kms. Every year from June to September it's the flood season and the
fiver is full. Every year from October to next May, the water level is
low. During this time it' s the good season for people to look for and even-
tually pick up jade. In history the Yorungkash river was also called the "Jade
river" or "White Jade River" . The White jade and especially the world' s
most famous sheep- fat colored jade with its highest grade of quality have
been found here for centuries.
6. Karakash River
The Karakash river is called in Chinese the "Black Jade River" . In
Uygur the word means "black river banks". It is one of the two arms of rivers
which make up the Hotan river. Its source is in the Kunlun mountains near
the Karakorum Peak. The total length of the river is 808 kms. Every year
from June to September it is the flood season. From October to next May it is
the dry season. The Karakash river is famous for the black jade known by
many customers at home and abroad.
7. Grape corridors
These grape corridors are located in the countryside of Hotan coun-
ty. Hardworking Uygur farmers economize their land and plant along roads
and paths corridors of grapes as a protection against sandstorms. They put up
wooden frames which cover the roads like a tunnel. The corridors length is
more than 1, 480 kms. This is the same length as the road which goes from
Beijing to Qangsha in Hunan Province. Such an occurrence is hardly found in
the world. Premier minister Jiang Zemin came to Hotan in August 1990 to
oversee the work of the government. After be got driven along the grape
corridors he was totally surprised and with admiration he wrote the following
four characters: "A world sensational wonder",
8. Yengi Erik Desert and Reservoir
This word means in Uygur"new water channel", It is located 22 kms in
the northwest of Hotan city. This place is located in the very far southern
corner of the Taklimakan desert which is the second largest desert in the
world but ranges as number one with its moving of sand. The sanddunes are
very majestic and they go as far as the eye reaches. The scenery is quite
breath - taking and magnificent. Just behind the sanddunes in the south there
is the Yengi Erik reservoir. Some farmers are also fishing in the reser-
voir. Tourists can swim in the warm water or also take a ride in a rowing
boat. Nearby there are some neat cultivated rice fields and a forestry
belt, Towards the northwest the oasis and desert meet and this makes beau-
tiful scenery. Experiencing a sunrise or sunset is a special attraction nobody
should miss.
( IB ) Folk Customs
1. Keriya's Women Cap
These ladies of Uygur nationality who have settled down in Keriya since
a long time wear a special head cover. Mainly middle - aged and older Uygur
ladies wear on their head this kind of cap which is unknown in other places of
the world. It has the form of a tea - bowl and its diameter is 10 cms. It is
only used as a decoration and makes ladies more beautiful. The Uygur people
call this cap"talpak". This cap is special that it has become famous all over
the world . A silk fabric covers the top of the cap. Underneath they use lamb
skin. The handicraft is quite particular. The ladies use a needle to fix the
cap on the right side of their white scarf. Looking at the cap from close by,
it looks like a cap, but looking from further away it appears to be a bowl or
a flower bud. Its form has its own speciality. This small Keriya (cap for
women is so special that it has been entered into the Guiness Record Book as
the world's smallest women head cover.
2. Hotan Bazaar
Hotan' s great bazaar is located in the northeastern corner of Hotan
city. it is one of the biggest market in southern Xinjiang. It has 14 special
market areas which get flooded by hundreds and thousands of people every
Sunday. Often there are more than 100, 000 people shopping on a Sunday in
the bazaar. All kinds of special local Hotan products can be bought. In the
bazaar beautiful styled dresses can be seen or bought and many sweet fruits
and delicious dishes as well as snacks can be tasted.
Minority Products and Souvenirs
1. Atlas Cloth
The word Atlas means in Uygur language "tie - dyed silk fabric". Atlas
is one of the traditional products of Hotan. It has a history of over 2, 000
years. The texture of Atlas is soft, light and graceful. The Atlas silk has
bright colors, the patterns are rich, changeable and have strong local Hotan
characteristics. In Jiya township there is a traditional Atlas producing family
which retained the ancient technics of silk dying, silk spinning and weaving
on wooden looms. Local Uygur girls and ladies like the Atlas silk cloth very
much. At the same time many tourists like to buy it as a souvenir.
2. Mulberry Paper
The mulberry paper is a traditional handicraft of the Uygur nationality.
At present there is only one family in Hotan district who still produces such
paper. The family lives in Hotan city. The art of this handicraft has a history
of more than 2, 000 years. According to historical facts the technic of the
paper making handicraft was here more than 100 years earlier than Ceylon's
invention of the paper. The raw material for the paper consists of the bark of
nmlberry branches. For making paper pulp, they use the ashes of tamarisk
and "toghrak" a kind of a Chinese poplar and boil it together with the bark.
The whole work is done by hand. Tourists can obtain such paper as sou-
venirs.
3. Hotan Carpet
The history of Hotan carpets is as long as 2, 000 years old. The Hotan
carpets belong to the oriental style of handicraft and are soht to over ten
countries in Europe, America, Australia and also in Asia. The main reason
why the Hotan carpets are famous in domestic and foreign market is because
of the raw lnateria] used and the precise weaving. The yarn which gets spun
by locals comes from the wool of Hotan sheep which has a perfect thickness,
is strong and elastic as well. It is shiny and feels soft when touching and
these carpets last many years.
In 1992 the Hotan carpet factm'y has woven a carpet for the Great Hall
of the People in Beijing called "Tianshan Song" (praise the Tianshan moun-
tains). This large carpet is 12.5 ms long and 4.5 ms wide. This is one of the
largest fine art carpets of the world at present. Therefore it became an un
art treasure. In June 1997 the government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous
Region has given a large sized tapestry souvenir named "Tianshan Huan Ge"
(happy song of Tianshan mountain) commemorating the founding of
HongKong' s special administrative area. It was also woven in Hotan by the
"Foreign Trade Carpet Factory".
4. Hotan Jade
Hotan is the main jade production center of the world for 2, 000 years.
The Hotan white jade is in big demand among the jade products of the world.
Since early years the Hotan jade has been transported to mainland China and
Eurasian markets in a steady stream. It has become a rare treasure for the
nobles in authority. All the seven counties and one city of Hotan district can
naturally produce jade, but it is mostly produced from the Yorungkash and
Karakash rivers. Every year about 200- 300kgs white jade gets pro-
duced. There are too many rare carved treasures from the Hotan jade to
mention them individually. The 5,300kgs heavy jade carving called "Da Yu
Zhi Shui Yu Shah" which is exhibited in the Beijing Palace Museum is made
of Hotan jade. The 3, 473kgs heavy jade carving called "Da Qian Fo Guo
Tu" is also a carving from Hotan jade. In 1992 the Hotan Jade Carving
Factory carved a big jade screen called "Shou Gu Wu" (tambourine dance)
for the Beijing People' s Hall. This gave rise to a big sensation throughout
the world.
Modern medicine research found out that there are some special trace
elements in the Hotan jade. This has a good effect on the human body. If
worn for a long 6me it will bring good health, long life and a controlling
effect for hypertension, old age as well as venereal diseases.
IV Longevity of Old People in Hotan
Xinjiang is one of the four big longevity areas in the world as pub-
lished by the International Medical Science Institute in 1985. In Xinjiang,
Hotan has a high concentrated area of longevity people. Through the results
of the 4th census taken in China, it became clear that there are more than
140 old people in Hotan district. This situation on longevity has led the
world to attach great importance to nutrition.
In 1995 the Japanese West TV Station came especially to Hotan to
make a TV film about the longevity people. The Hotan district is dry and has
almost no rain and big sandstorms blown by the wind. Why do Hotan people
have longevity? It should be researched and analyzed on the sociological,
environmental, psychological and nutritious aspect.
Hotan is at the edge of the desert, but its environment in the oasis is
good. Even though there is little rain and snowfall hut the massive snow
storage melting from the Kunlun Mountains irrigates the farmland. The irri
gation channels all across the fields provide sufficient water for the plants.
The Hotan people have a good traditions that they plant a lot of trees. Trees
break the wind coming from the desert and this is beneficial for the health of
the people. The water is the life of the oasis and therefore also the life of the
people all over our area. The drinking water for the Hotan people is the
melted snow water and the quality of the water is excellent. Testing showed
that in the drinking water there is magnesium, mangance, iron, zinc and other
trace elements which are healthy to you. Among them mangance is an anti -
age element which gives longevity. These old people are basically living in
the countryside. The one thing they have in common is that they work hard
every day. Moreover, they have the habit of going barefeet. Medicine proves
that there are many acupoints on the sole of the foot. Daily massage is very
healthy. Going barefeet is actually a daily massage. All the longevity people
have another common good habit: They sleep early at night and get up early
in the morning. It is favorable for health when old people live a regular life
and be moderate in eating as well as drinking. Every day for breakfast they
eat mainly nang(a kind of flat toast bread), herbal tea and rose -petal jam.
Usually they eat fresh vegetables, dried and fresh fruits along with grain,
flour and rice. They don' t smoke at all. Having a bright and cheerful dis-
position is also a common speciality among the longevity people. They are
usually happy, gentle, keeping a good relationship with their neighbors,
having close relationships among the family members and also have a happy
marriage history. Husband and wife respect each other. This kind of open
mind is beneficial ilar health.
Hotan is a traditional district for Uygur medicine and treatment. Uygur
medicine has done deep research on keeping good health. The Uy
gur traditional medicine has a regulating effect on the human body. This is
also one of the reasons why the Hotau people are so healthy and have
longevity. Tile longevity people are a walking dictionary for the history and
life of this area. They are also the witness of history because time brings
great changes to Hotan.
V Hotels
1. Hotan Hotel
It is a two -star hotel and serves mainly the fbreign guests. It started
business in 1988 and is located at the Bostan South Road in Hotan city. it
has 66 rooms, 138 beds, a big and a small banquet hall, a bar, a singing and
dancing hall, a barber shop anti a tourist shop with special products. They
guarantee high quality service to the guest from home and abroad. They can
also supply for the guests performances with nationality singing and dancing.
At the same time they can hohl meetings for 300 people and provide fuod for
400 people. It is the best place for tourist having a rest.
2. Hotan Guesthouse(Merhaba Guesthouse)
The Hotan Guesthouse is allowed to serve foreign guests, issued by the
Autonomous Regional Tourist Bureau. It is located in the North Tanay Road
in Hotan city. it has 210 beds and the rooms are equipped with high and
middle class standard. It has two restaurants, one for Chinese and one for
Muslims. They can supply special local dishes to the guests. In 1995 the
Hotan district has invested 100, 000 yuan for renovating the hotel. With the
new appearance it warmly welcomes guests from home and abroad.
VI Tourist Shopping
There are five tourist shopping places in Hotan district. They can
supply all kinds of jade articles, silk cloth and carpets and other handicraft
articles and tourist souvenirs for the guests from home and abroad.
VII Travel Service)
Hotan International Travel Service(CITS) was founded in 1992. It is
the International Travel Service ratified by the State Tourist Bureau. It is
located on the Tambagh Road No. 23 in Hotan city.
At present they can supply English, Japanese, Russian, Chinese and
Uygur language guide services. According to the demands of the guests they
can organize desert exploration trips, Silk Road tour explorations, scientific
desert investigations, visits to many historical sites in the desert as well as
cultural relics and folk customs research tours. They will supply guides for
the whole journey and also supply the necessities for picnic and camping.
Ticket ordering for planes and buses for the guests will be done. They wel-
come visitors and see them off at the airport or bus station, make reservations
at hotels, etc.
According to the "Travel Service Management Regulations" and related
stipulations of the State Tourist Bureau, they reorganized and changed the
name of the Hotan Travel Service in the beginning of 1998. Its full name is
now "China Xinjiang Hotan International Travel Service" . Under the CITS
they set up the foreign liaison department, professional, finance, plan and
dispatch department and the tourist motorcade.

VIII Transportation
Hotan' s airport is quite big and located in the southern part of Hotan
city, 10 kms from the city center. All kinds of large civil aircraft can land
there. Every week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday an airplane is
flying to Urumqi. During the peak season a medium- sized airplane will
leave every day directly to Urumqi. From Urumqi customers can fly to every
big city all over the country and also all over the world. Daily there are also
many kinds of big sleeping - berth buses from Hotan to Urumqi.
Villi Special Touring Arrangements
(l) Desert Exploration
1. Silk Road along the South Route - 7 days tour
Hotan - Niya - Qarqan - Qarkilik - Mangai - Dun Huang
Program: Along the ancient trade caravan road we can visit the special
animals in the Ahun Tagh Natural Protected Area. The whole journey is
about 1,870kms long.
2. Silk Road - 5 days tour
Hotan - Niya - Qarqan - Qarkilik - Lop Nur - Korla
Program: We can enjoy the amorous feelings in the desert along the Silk
Road and also visit some families living in the desert, see oasises and new
cities growing in the desert. The whole journey is about 1,540 kms long.
( H)Scientific Investigations
1. Across the Taklimakan Desert - 5 - 6 days tour
Hotan -Koshlash (place where Yorungkash and Karakash rivers join) -
Maza Tagh(red and white mountain) -Alar- Aksu
Program: investigate valleys along the Hotan river with artificial, natural
and historical landscapes and its geographical conditions , etc. The whole
journey is about 640 kms long. This tour runs all year except in July, August
and September.
2. Niya Ancient City ruins(Jingjue Guo ancient sites)
Hotan - Lop - Qira - Keriya - Niya
The whole journey is about 480 kms long. We will camp and have
picnic along the way. This investigation program tour must beforehand be
admitted to the high level authorities for examination and approval.
3. Keriya Local Customs Survey - 4 days tour
Hotan - Keriya - Dariya boyi(Da He Yah)
Program: We will enjoy the Uygur people' s culture and research the
customs handed down from past generations to the Keriya people. We can
also see the rugged and beautiful natural scenery of the Keriya river. The
whole journey is about 420 kms.
X Tourist Amusement
The"New Jade Art Troupe" who is famous at home and abroad will be
available for service of high quality and great nationality songs and dances.
They also serve with special local folk songs and dancing styles, e.g.
"Mashrap"and songs played with dutar and other national instruments, etc.
Xl Tourist Supervision System
This supervision organization who guarantees service quality to tourists
has been established in July 1995.
Their address is : Hotan Tourist Administration Office
Tambagh Road 23,
Hotan 848000, Xinjiang
P. R. of China