Things To Do
in Hotan
Hotan (Hetian) is an oasis city in southwestern Xinjiang on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert and along the ancient southern Silk Road. It is famed for its centuries-old Uyghur culture, jade (Hetian jade), handwoven carpets and silk, and lively bazaars where local crafts and food are sold. The landscape around Hotan contrasts starkly: desert dunes to the north and the snow-capped Kunlun Mountains to the south, giving opportunities for both cultural and desert excursions.
Hotan feels remote compared with China’s major metropolises, offering an immersive local experience but with more limited tourist infrastructure.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Hotan Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region. Spend your morning marveling at ancient artifacts and learning about the Silk Road's significance in this area. Afterward, stroll through the nearby historic streets, admiring the traditional Uyghur architecture and vibrant bazaars.
Indulge in a sumptuous lunch at a local Uyghur restaurant, trying dishes like polo (pilaf) and hand-pulled noodles. In the afternoon, visit the famous Hotan Carpet Factory to witness the intricate craftsmanship and vibrant colors of traditional Uyghur carpets. Engage with artisans as they demonstrate their weaving techniques, providing you with a deeper understanding of this age-old art form.
As evening approaches, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Hotan River, enjoying the serene atmosphere and the reflections of the setting sun. Find a cozy spot in a local café to sip on sweet milk tea while savoring some freshly baked naan. End your day by exploring the night market, where you can sample street food delicacies and shop for unique handicrafts.
Begin your day with a visit to the ancient city of Yarkand, just a short drive from Hotan, a key hub of the Silk Road. Explore the fascinating ruins and the beautiful Tomb of the King of Yarkand, where you can learn about the region's significance in history. Don’t miss the local market, filled with spices, silk, and traditional goods, setting the tone for a day of rich cultural exploration.
After lunch at a local eatery, dive deeper into the Silk Road's history at the Yarkand Silk Factory. Here, you can see how silk is produced from the cocoon stage to the finished textile, and purchase exquisite silk products to take home. Spend the afternoon wandering through Yarkand's bustling streets, interacting with locals and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Return to Hotan in the evening and treat yourself to a traditional Uyghur dinner, possibly sampling lamb skewers cooked over an open flame. After dinner, visit the local bazaar to shop for souvenirs, from beautiful textiles to handcrafted pottery. Conclude your day by enjoying a cultural performance featuring traditional Uyghur music and dance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a teahouse | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
| 💧Bottled water / soft drink | $0.5-1.5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich, authentic Uyghur culture and lively bazaars
- Unique crafts: Hetian jade, carpets and silk
- Striking desert and mountain landscapes in close proximity
- Less touristy than major Chinese cities—more immersive local experience
- Limited tourist infrastructure and English signage
- Heightened security presence and travel sensitivities
- Long distances to other attractions—overland travel can be slow
- Limited international payment acceptance; bring cash
- "Salam" - Hello (Uyghur)
- "Rahmat" - Thank you (Uyghur)
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello (Mandarin)
- "多少钱？(Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost? (Mandarin)
- "请问洗手间在哪里？(Qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom? (Mandarin)
- "بىر پىسەك (Bir pisäk)" - One please / I would like one (Uyghur - useful when ordering)
Places to Visit in Hotan
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful market scenes, textile stalls, crowded alleyways and lively bargaining create rich documentary photo opportunities—best in morning and late afternoon light.
Displays of Hetian jade and Silk Road artifacts offer detail shots and context—but ask about photography rules inside the museum.
Panoramic shots of the snow-capped Kunlun Mountains against orchard and oasis foregrounds are spectacular at sunrise or sunset.
Dramatic dunescapes at the desert’s edge provide classic desert photography—use early morning or late afternoon for best light and cooler temperatures.
Ancient ruins and mudbrick structural remains illustrate Silk Road history and make evocative landscape and cultural photos—be respectful and check access permissions.
Close-up shots of jade pieces, craftsmen at work, and the textures of stone and wood reveal local craft traditions—ask for permission before photographing individuals.
Food in Hotan
Hotan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fragrant rice cooked with carrots, lamb, and spices—Hotan’s version is hearty and often served at celebrations; commonly found in local restaurants and banquet halls.
Must-Try!
Skewered, grilled lamb or mutton pieces seasoned with cumin and chili; widely available at street stalls and small restaurants near the bazaars.
Thick, oven-baked flatbreads (naan) and triangular meat-filled pastries (samsa) sold at bakeries and markets—perfect for a quick, inexpensive meal.
Chewy noodles served in a savory lamb and vegetable broth or stir-fried; a common, warming dish in local eateries.
Green tea and salty or sweet milk tea, plus yogurt-based accompaniments and regional sweets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The city’s main market for food, crafts and textiles; try kebabs, naan, samsa, and street sweets while wandering stalls selling spices, dried fruits, and nuts.
Around the jade markets you’ll find small stalls selling tea, quick breads, and snacks—good for sampling small bites while shopping.
Local periodic markets are vibrant with food vendors selling fresh produce, dairy, and prepared dishes—great for trying seasonal fruits and street snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Hotan is predominantly Muslim—dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), be respectful around mosques (remove shoes, follow signs), and be aware of Ramadan practices if visiting during that month.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially women and older people; many locals appreciate being asked first.
A simple 'Salam' (Uyghur) or 'Nǐ hǎo' (Mandarin) is a good opener—use both hands when offering/receiving items if in a formal setting and accept food or tea with gratitude.
Avoid political or sensitive topics; focus on culture, food, crafts and daily life in conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Hotan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local contexts and is often unnecessary; small tips may be appreciated for exceptional private guides or drivers but are not expected in restaurants or taxis.
Cash (RMB) is widely used and advisable for markets and small vendors; mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are ubiquitous in larger shops but often not accessible for foreign cards without setup. International credit cards have limited acceptance—carry enough cash and use ATM withdrawals where available.
Bargaining is common at bazaars and markets—start lower and be polite; fixed-price shops will clearly display prices.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (Mar–May) brings warming temperatures and blossom in oasis areas but can include strong winds and occasional sandstorms; pack windproof layers and sunglasses.
Summers (Jun–Aug) are hot and dry with daytime temperatures often high—stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor desert activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Autumn (Sep–Nov) is often the most pleasant time with cooler days and crisp air, ideal for exploring bazaars and hiking in surrounding foothills; bring light layers for cool evenings.
Winters (Dec–Feb) are cold and dry, with freezing nights and possible snow in higher elevations; heating in buildings is usually available but outdoor activities require warm clothing.
Hotan at Night
Hiking in Hotan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short day hikes on the northern slopes of the Kunlun range offer mountain views, orchards and opportunities to see traditional villages—best in late spring and autumn.
Guided walks on the outer dunes near Hotan allow for exploration of desert terrain and photography—avoid midday heat and hire an experienced guide.
Low-elevation treks and walks along the Keriya (or other nearby oasis river valleys) pass farmland and small settlements, giving insight into local agricultural life.
Walking around archaeological sites and ancient ruin formations yields evocative landscapes and a sense of the Silk Road’s historical footprint; check local access rules.
Airports
How to reach Hotan by plane.
The local airport with flights connecting to regional hubs (e.g., Urumqi and occasionally Kashgar); the closest and most convenient air option for visitors to Hotan.
A larger regional airport west of Hotan; reachable by flight or long-distance road/train travel and used as a gateway for western Xinjiang attractions.
Xinjiang’s main aviation hub (farther to the northeast); many travelers fly here then connect domestically to Hotan or Kashgar by air.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Hotan, Uyghur people are predominantly Muslim, speak the Uyghur language, and maintain distinctive cuisine, music, dress and cultural practices.
Han residents live and work in the city and surrounding areas; Mandarin is widely used in official contexts and interethnic communication.
Smaller numbers of other groups (e.g., Kazakhs, Tajiks and others) live across Xinjiang’s oases and contribute to the region’s cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is a popular modern sport among youth and communities, with informal games in schoolyards and local fields.
Traditional equestrian games, horse racing and other festival sports appear at local celebrations or county fairs, reflecting Central Asian cultural traditions.
Traditional wrestling and strength contests feature at some local cultural events and are part of heritage festivities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hotan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (noodle dishes with vegetables, breads, dairy, and vegetable pilafs), but many restaurants center dishes on lamb—ask clearly for vegetable-only dishes and check for meat broths.
Most local restaurants serve halal food consistent with local Muslim customs; pork is uncommon in local cuisine.
Special dietary needs can be harder to communicate—carry key phrases written in Mandarin and Uyghur, and bring snacks or specialty items if you have strict requirements.