When talking about Hetian, first-time visitors may get confused about Hetian Prefecture, Hetian City, and Hetian County. Even foreigners who have worked and lived here for several years may find it difficult to understand. Hetian Prefecture is headquartered in Hetian City, but Hetian City is only a county-level city under Hetian Prefecture. Hetian County, like Hetian City, is also part of Hetian Prefecture and is closely connected to Hetian City without a clear boundary. Therefore, some people say that Hetian County has a county name but no county seat.
The Hetian Prefecture is part of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and is located in the southern corner of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It governs one city (Hetian City) and seven counties (Hetian County, Pishan County, Moyu County, Luopu County, Cele County, Yutian County, and Minfeng County). It borders Kunlun Mountains in the south and Tibet Autonomous Region, the Taklamakan Desert in the north and Aksu Prefecture, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture in the east, and Kashgar Prefecture in the west. It borders Kashmir in the southwest with the Karakoram Mountains as the boundary. It stretches about 700 kilometers east to west and 600 kilometers north to south, with over 200 kilometers of borderlines.
Hetian is rich in tourism resources. Historically known as Yutian, it is located at a strategic point on the Southern Silk Road and was an essential land route between China and the West in ancient times. It boasts thousands of years of ancient civilization, numerous human heritage sites, ancient landscapes, and Buddhist cultural sites that are eye-catching. Its magnificent man-made landscapes and diverse tourism products attract a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.
Hetian jade is a business card of Hetian, and it is not an exaggeration to say that it is world-renowned. Hetian jade is also known as nephrite or genuine jade, with a Mohs hardness of approximately 6.5. From a scientific perspective, any jade with a tremolite component of over 98% is considered Hetian jade. In the past, Hetian jade was not valuable. However, after all the gold-inlaid jade medals used in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games came from Hetian and featured excellent-quality Hetian jade, the price of Hetian jade soared overnight, and it has increased manyfold since then. It is said that in the past, Hetian jade was sold by weight, but now, not only is it impossible to find genuine Hetian jade on the market, it can only be admired from afar and not touched.
If you come to Hotan, you must visit the famous King of Walnut Tree. The tree is located in Bagqi Township, 17 kilometers southwest of Hotan City. Walnut trees are everywhere here. The King of Walnut Tree occupies about one mu of land, with a height of over 16 meters and a crown diameter of about 20 meters. The circumference of the trunk is nearly seven meters, with a crown span of about 20 meters east-west and 10 meters north-south. The tree shape roughly resembles a "Y". The entire trunk of the tree is so large that it can be embraced by five people with room to spare. Due to its old age, the middle of the trunk is hollow, forming a "fairy cave" that connects up and down. The bottom of the cave can accommodate four people standing. The entrance diameter is nearly one meter, and the exit diameter is half a meter, allowing visitors to enter from the entrance and crawl out from the upper end of the trunk. Looking closely at the bark color of the trunk, it is rough and deep, magnificent and ancient, resembling the solemn and vigorous colors drawn by a painter. The shape is unique, and the momentum is magnificent.
After visiting the King of Walnut, it’s time to see the reservoir. The Uruwati Reservoir has been developed into a national 4A scenic area. The Uruwati scenic area is located at the upstream of the Karakash River at the southern foot of the Kunlun Mountains and within the territory of Langru Township, Hotan County, 71 kilometers away from Hotan City. Here, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of a lake emerging from the plateau desert, giving you a unique experience. Looking up, you see the distant barren mountains and deserts, while looking down, you see the lake in front of you, creating a sense of detachment and a refreshing feeling. There are several small islands at the southern end of the reservoir area, where many plants grow and are a paradise for cranes, ducks, wild geese, and other birds. The reservoir area is surrounded by dry and eroded low mountains, which are tall, steep, and strangely shaped. From a distance, you can see the majestic appearance of the Kunlun Mountains covered in silver snow. Up close, the clear blue lake water is calm, with reflections of the lake scenery, creating a very beautiful scene. It is the only scenic area in China with the characteristics of "green water and barren mountains". The surrounding environment of the reservoir is beautiful, making it a great destination for summer cooling, swimming, fishing, boating, and sightseeing.
The locally famous King of Fig Tree is also a worthwhile destination. The King of Fig Tree is located in Layika Township, Hotan County, about 15 kilometers away from Hotan City. With an age of over 400 years, it continuously sprouts new branches every year, covering the sky and blocking out the sunlight. It is rare not only in Xinjiang but also nationwide, truly deserving the title of King of Fig Trees. The crown of the King of Fig Tree resembles a huge and unique green umbrella, covering nearly two acres of land. The new branches around are intertwined and intricately knotted, spreading out in all directions. Although the King of Fig Tree is old, it still has luxuriant branches and abundant fruits. The fruits are large, fresh, and bright yellow in color. They are not only sweet and refreshing, leaving a lasting impression, but also have the effects of strengthening the body, nourishing the brain, and prolonging life. They are praised as the "fairy fruit" of the world.
When visiting Hotan, you cannot miss the Unity Square in Hotan City. The square features bronze statues of Chairman Mao, the great leader, and Uncle Kurban. It is located right in the city center, surrounded by shopping streets. Among them, the underground street is quite famous in Hotan, offering a rich variety of goods and lively trading. Another must-visit place in Hotan is Kunlun Lake Park. Inside, it is sparkling with waves and surrounded by green trees, presenting a unique charm. Especially in midsummer, when the heat is unbearable, Kunlun Lake Park is refreshingly cool, making it a great destination for summer cooling.
Xinjiang Tourism Consultation: (Same) 0991-8585456