The tourism of Kashi River mainly includes visits to the two major attractions of Yulong Kashi River and Karakash River.?
Yulong Kashi River:?
Location and Characteristics: Originating from the Kunlun Mountains, it flows into the Tarim Basin and converges with the Karakash River to form the Hotan River. The river is 325 kilometers long, with a drainage area of 14,500 square kilometers. The river is rich in white jade, green jade, and black jade. Since ancient times, it has been the main river producing jade in Hotan, hence it is also known as the White Jade River, and it is a famous scenic spot in the Hotan Prefecture.?
Travel Tips: Open all day throughout the year, no need to purchase tickets in advance, tickets can be purchased on-site. It is recommended to depart in the morning as this is a typical early-out-late-back scenic area, with the best time to visit being between 7-9 pm. You can travel by car or taxi, and it is recommended to allocate half a day for the visit. In addition, the local specialty foods such as grilled mutton kebabs and hand-grabbed rice are worth trying.?
Karakash River:?
Location and Characteristics: The Karakash River is the second-largest river in the Hotan Prefecture, originating from the northern slope of the Karakoram Mountains and flowing through the counties of Hotan, Pishan, and Moyu. It is a typical river replenished by meltwater from high mountains, taking an ‘S’ shape in the mountainous areas. When entering the plain, the riverbed widens and the flow rate slows down, providing a rich source of groundwater replenishment for the plain area. Additionally, the Karakash River Canal Head is built in the middle reaches of the river, undertaking important irrigation and water supply tasks.?
Scenery and Activities: The Karakash River not only boasts beautiful natural scenery but also has comprehensive functions such as water diversion, flood discharge, and sand drainage. Tourists can enjoy the magnificent valley scenery here and experience water activities such as rafting (Note: Specific rafting activities need to be arranged according to local conditions and seasons).?
In summary, the tourism of Kashi River focuses on the Yulong Kashi River and Karakash River as the main attractions, both of which have their own unique characteristics, providing tourists with abundant natural landscapes and cultural experiences.?