Khotan

和田

A legendary Silk Road oasis city in southern Xinjiang celebrated for its jade workshops, traditional carpet weaving, and ancient history as a Buddhist center. The Khotan River and surrounding bazaars offer authentic glimpses of traditional Uyghur culture and craftsmanship.

Things to do

• Jade Carving Workshops — Visit active workshops in the old city where artisans hand-carve Khotan jade, one of China's most prized varieties, and purchase directly from craftspeople.
• Khotan Carpet Weaving Centers — Tour traditional carpet workshops where weavers create intricate silk and wool carpets using centuries-old Uyghur patterns and natural dyes.
• Khotan River — Walk along the river banks to observe the legendary jade-bearing waters and enjoy views of the desert oasis landscape that has sustained the city for millennia.
• Sunday Bazaar (Yekshanbe Bazaar) — Experience the bustling weekly market where Uyghur traders sell jade, carpets, dried fruits, spices, and traditional crafts in an authentic atmosphere.
• Melikawat Ancient Ruins — Explore the archaeological remains of an ancient Buddhist settlement and fortress from the Khotan Kingdom, offering insights into the city's pre-Islamic heritage.
• Khotan Museum — View artifacts from the Silk Road era, including Buddhist manuscripts, pottery, and historical objects that document Khotan's role as a major Buddhist center.

Food to try

• Nang (Uyghur Bread) — Sample the thick, round flatbread baked in traditional tandoor ovens, often topped with sesame seeds and served warm with every meal in Khotan.
• Laghman — Taste hand-pulled noodles served in a spiced meat and vegetable sauce, a beloved Uyghur comfort food throughout Xinjiang with local variations in Khotan.
• Khotan Pomegranate — Enjoy the region's famous sweet pomegranates, particularly in autumn, known for their exceptional sweetness and sold fresh or as juice in local bazaars.
• Kebab (Shashlik) — Try grilled meat skewers, typically lamb or beef, seasoned with cumin and chili, cooked over charcoal in bazaar stalls and street vendors throughout the city.
• Manti — Savor the Uyghur steamed dumplings filled with meat and onions, served with yogurt and often paired with a fragrant meat broth.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Islamic Customs — Khotan has a predominantly Muslim Uyghur population; dress modestly, avoid eating pork visibly, and show respect when passing mosques during prayer times.
• Haggling is Expected — In bazaars and with jade dealers, bargaining is a standard practice and part of the cultural exchange; polite negotiation is expected and appreciated.
• Learn Basic Uyghur Phrases — While Mandarin Chinese is spoken, learning simple greetings in Uyghur like 'Assalamu alaikum' (peace be upon you) shows respect and enhances local interactions.
• Plan Around Prayer Times and Holidays — Many businesses close or operate limited hours during the five daily prayers and during Islamic holidays like Eid; check local schedules before planning activities.