Imagine a place like this:
Where towering mountains meet the warmth of jade.
Where the vitality of oases blends with the romance of roses.
Where the ancient myths of Kunlun have endured for millennia.
Where two thousand years of Silk Road history continue to flourish.
It’s the Home of Jade, the Cashmere Capital, and the Home of Melons and Fruits.
It’s also one of China’s Top Ten Adventure Tourism Destinations.
Welcome to Hotan, Xinjiang, in the heart of Western China.
On December 24
China Media Group
In collaboration with the Cultural and Tourism Bureau of Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,
will launch A Bus Tour Across China, a large-scale multimedia project.
The journey will take viewers to Hotan in southern Xinjiang, where they’ll “hunt for treasures”
uncover the diverse and hidden facets of this captivating destination.
01.The Oasis Between Heaven and Earth
Located at the southern tip of Xinjiang, Hotan lies between the towering Kunlun Mountains to the south and the vast Taklimakan Desert, the world’s second-largest shifting desert, to the north. A river, fed by glaciers from the Kunlun Mountains, flows northward, creating a fertile oasis that makes Hotan an ideal place for life to thrive.
With endless dunes in front and towering peaks behind, Hotan, nestled between them, has long been a crucial transportation hub and a bridge for the exchange of Eastern and Western civilizations. Historically, it was not only a political, economic, military, and cultural center of the Western Regions but also the starting point of the ancient Jade Road and a key stop on the southern route of the Silk Road.
The beauty of Hotan lies in its abundant natural resources. The Kunlun Mountains, known as the “ancestor of all mountains,” nurture the essence of the sun and moon. The Yulong Kashi and Karakashi rivers converge to form the Hotan River, bringing life and fertility to the land on either side. Hotan’s beauty also lies in the harmony between nature and life. In the vast desert, tall poplar trees stand proudly, and at the edge of the wind and sand, an oasis appears as if by miracle.
The Hotan Oasis is one of the world’s most renowned rose-growing regions, where 56,200 acres of desert roses bloom proudly. When the sea of flowers meets the sea of sand, it adds a vibrant new hue to the lives of the people of Hotan.
Snow-capped mountains, deserts, wetlands, and grasslands… To the locals, Hotan is an outdoor paradise. With its pagodas, city walls, and murals, it stands as a cherished landmark of Western Region civilization in the eyes of explorers. Step onto the ancient and mysterious Silk Road, and Hotan, a city steeped in history and stories, will surprise you at every turn.
02.Crossing the River of Time: Encountering a Thousand-Year-Old City
Journey through the memories of millennia and dream of the camel bells ringing along the Silk Road. In ancient times, Hotan, known as Yutian, was celebrated as a land where “milk and honey flowed from the earth.” It was the first gateway for Buddhism to reach the Central Plains and Asia. Here, the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures gave rise to priceless cultural treasures and ushered in a golden era in Hotan’s history, leaving a legacy that endures to this day.
The Yotkan Ruins are a significant settlement site in the ancient Yutian region. According to The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, Yutian was renowned as a place where “music thrived, and people embraced singing and dancing.” The names of Yutian musicians who lived in Chang’an during the Tang Dynasty are documented in the Old Book of Tang. It’s no wonder the phrase “Jade flows from Kungang, and music resonates in all directions” has become a cultural and tourism symbol for Hotan.
Strolling through Tuancheng, the ancient town reveals a new charm. Centered around Āyīwàng-style architecture, the layout is thoughtfully designed to blend with the local environment. These structures not only protect against wind and sand but also reflect the rich cultural essence of traditional streets and alleys.
Etles silk, Hetian carpets, and Hetian jade, known as the “Three Treasures of Hetian,” are timeless legacies passed down through generations. Etles silk workshops preserve ancient techniques such as plant tie-dyeing and hand-crafted wooden silk weaving machines. Hetian handmade carpets, with their intricate textures, blend various weaving techniques, reflecting a distinct regional style. Hetian jade, originating from the Kunlun Mountains and reaching the Central Plains, represents Chinese jade at its finest. It embodies the essence of traditional Chinese jade culture, serving as a national treasure and symbol of the Chinese spirit.
03.Chasing the Eternal Bloodline and Soul
In 1995, a brocade arm guard inscribed with the phrase “Five Stars Rising from the East, Benefiting China” was unearthed from an ancient tomb at the Niya Ruins in Minfeng County, Hotan. The combination of the text and design on the brocade symbolizes auspiciousness and the thought of the five elements, which was common in the Han brocade. This arm guard is the earliest cultural relic bearing the word “China” discovered in Xinjiang to date, and it stands as one of the most significant archaeological finds in China during the 20th century.
Archaeological surveys and excavations reveal that Niya was the capital of the “Jingjue Kingdom,” one of the 36 states of the Western Regions, located in the southern part of the ancient Silk Road. The discovery of the brocade serves as indirect evidence of the two-thousand-year history of exchanges between this region and the Western Han Dynasty.
The five colors of “blue, red, yellow, white, and green” represent the five elements of “water, fire, wood, gold, and earth.” In a single square inch, history is captured, and civilization flourishes. This precious artifact, from the Central Plains to the city-states of the Western Regions, embodies the blend of different cultures along the Silk Road, showcasing the diversity, unity, and enduring strength of Chinese culture.
Gaze toward the east, and you’ll see the five stars shining brightly. The endless yellow sands have preserved the past within the crumbling walls while giving rise to a new home worth protecting today.
04.Savoring the Delicacies of the Silk Road
What to Eat in Hotan? At night, the Hotan Night Market is the most popular spot for tourists.
The Hotan Night Market is among the most famous in southern Xinjiang, alive with energy under the glow of curling smoke and flickering lights. The air is filled with the tempting aromas of fragrant barbecued meats, tender roasted pigeons, crispy lamb intestines, and the uniquely trendy watermelon barbecue. A glance at the menu reveals why this Silk Road barbecue town is so renowned, as authentic ingredients meet natural spices to create flavors that are simply irresistible. After indulging, top it off with some yogurt Zongzi or a refreshing glass of local pomegranate juice. All you can say is—Yaxshi!
From authentic kömech to freshly baked buns, the outdoor “sand pit” has evolved into the indoor “naan pit,” yet the flavors that have lasted for thousands of years still delight everyone who tastes them. If you pass the roasted egg stall, don’t miss the signature snack, Three Eggs and One Star! The blend of goose eggs, pigeon eggs, and chicken eggs, combined with Chinese medicinal ingredients like honey and saffron, slowly transforms as they roast in charcoal ash—creating a truly unforgettable experience. To savor the city’s essence, a visit to the Hotan Night Market is a must in a lifetime.
A Bus Tour Across China reveals the diverse beauty of Hotan. From the towering Kunlun Mountains and the serene Hotan River to the vast Taklimakan Desert, the ancient Yotgan ruins, the allure of Hotan Tuancheng, and the brilliance of Etles silk – this journey immerses you in the stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural history of Hotan. It’s an opportunity for people to experience the magic and depth of Hotan’s natural landscape and historical heritage.
Program Poster
A Bus Tour Across China
Hotan : A Hidden Gem with Many Faces
Countless Encounters Await
Hotan, Xinjiang
An ancient, mysterious, and vibrant land
A cultural destination that invites thoughtful appreciation and quiet exploration
Come uncover
its many layers of beauty.
Program broadcast link : https://www.yspapp.cn/2Xx5
Program promotional video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvHrvOAvvdc