Things to do in Kunyu

No. 5 of Night Attractions in Xinjiang

Yotkan Ancient City

Yotkan Ancient CityThe Ancient Khotan Art Gallery of the Western Regions Yotkan Ancient City is a large-scale immersive historical and cultural attraction centered around the ancient Khotan culture of China's Western Regions, integrating representative artistic elements from the region. It showcases both the Buddhist art that flourished during the Western Regions period and the Central Plains Tang Dynasty culture admired by ancient Khotan, along with the brilliant cultural treasures accumulated throughout Hotan's long history. Using modern culture and technology, it recreates the prosperous scenes of China's Western Regions era. The attraction is located in Bagqi Town, Hotan County, Xinjiang. Hotan, anciently known as Khotan, was a key town on the southern route of the ancient Silk Road and has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times. Nestled against the Kunlun Mountains to the south and the vast desert to the north, it marks the starting point of China's Jade Road, the origin of the Kunlun myth of the Queen Mother of the West, and the first stop of Buddhism's eastward spread into China. Here, the world's four great civilizations collided and blended, gradually forming a unique regional culture that scholars have dubbed the "Oriental Pearl" of the Western Regions. YotkanLegend has it that this was the capital of the ancient Khotan Kingdom during the Han and Tang dynasties. It is now located in Ailaman Village, Bagqi Town, Hotan County. According to legend, in the 1860s...Karakash RiverThe river changed its course, carving out a long, deep trench that revealed a wealth of historical artifacts from the Han to Song dynasties—this is the mysterious Yotkan Ruins. In 2020, the Yotkan Ancient City cultural tourism project grandly launched, reviving the millennia-old cultural heritage. Rooted in ancient Khotan culture and inspired by historical records of royal cityscapes, it blends cultural essence with architectural aesthetics. Featuring square layouts, red walls, and white structures across its 156-acre site, the project meticulously integrates diverse spaces: food streets, artisan workshops, folk culture zones, jade treasure markets, royal promenades, bar districts, boutique homestays, poverty alleviation product displays, and five cultural exhibition halls. This revitalizes Hotan's tourism landscape while crafting a distinctive regional identity. Yotkan,Legend has it that this was the capital of ancient Khotan during the Han and Tang dynasties. In the local language, it carries two meanings: "Land of Kings" and "Quilt," symbolizing the precious civilizations buried beneath this land. The architectural aesthetics of the Western Regions Royal City Scenic area overallThe architectural design adopts square fortifications, red walls, and white structures as its primary elements. Inspired by a 10th-century mural of the Khotan Kingdom's capital preserved in Dunhuang's Cave 454, the layout reveals a square royal city with two gates, corner towers at each wall, a surrounding moat, and inner governmental offices and temples. The restoration of Yotkan Ancient City also draws from historical records describing the ancient western ruins of Khotan—the Akspili Ancient City (meaning "White City"). Additionally, influenced by "Sand-Buried Khotan," the outer walls feature sand mounds to recreate the historical appearance of the ancient city. Inside the attractionThe layout is well-arranged, with most buildings featuring the Xinjiang "Ayiwan" residential style. "Ayiwan" is a Uyghur term meaning "bright dwelling," characterized by intricate wood carvings of animals, figures, and flowers, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. This architectural style dates back 300–400 years, with its prototype emerging as early as the late Han to Tang dynasties. The *Travel Notes of Song Yun* records that Khotan had "houses and markets everywhere, with city walls and flowers resembling Luoyang, distinguished only by its flat-roofed buildings." All nations rejoice with Khotan Awakening a dream that has slept for a thousand years, Yotkan Ancient City collaborates with Beijing Wuwei Vision, a renowned domestic cultural tourism performance team, to create Xinjiang's first immersive sensory performance, "The Harmonious Music of Khotan." This experience offers "two cultures in one city, unique charm on every street," presenting daytime "performances from all directions" and nighttime "tales of the ancient city," vividly recounting the epic historical saga of ancient Khotan. Daytime tour "Ten Directions, Hundred Performances" revives the ancient Khotan marketplace atmosphere Yotkan Ancient City gathers the rustic charm of millennia, hiding more daytime stories in every corner of the ancient town, waiting to be discovered. By day, beneath the exotic white architecture, as the drum signals echo from the watchtowers, the ancient Jade Gate of Khotan slowly opens. Sogdian merchants, caravan traders, and street vendors weave through bustling alleys brimming with distinctive Central Asian character. These figures from across the centuries, carrying their wares, gather together with joyful hospitality, extending warm Xinjiang-style ceremonial welcomes to all visitors... Night tour of "Ancient City Tales" - immerse yourself in millennia of history When exotic architecture meets nighttime performances, Yotkan's story gains another chapter. Stepping into the ancient city at dusk isn't time travel—it's a return to a thousand years ago. As the theme song "Millennium" plays, savor street food at the bazaar and share drinks with veterans while exchanging life stories... The splendid fusion of Eastern and Western cultures unfolds like a vibrant scroll, revealing the prosperity of ancient Khotan frame by frame. Visitors become fully immersed in Khotan's rich history, experiencing a magnificent ancient city that never sleeps. Highlights summary: "Phoenix Song at the City Opening", "Welcome Dance", "Market Scenes of Khotan", "Music and Dance of Khotan", "Silk Road Phantom", "Silk Road Cultural Exchange", "Desert Warriors", "Dreamlike Sacred Realm", "Boiling Ancient City" "Phoenix Song Welcomes Guests" Opening Dance Performance "With the phoenix's cry brushing its feathers, spring graces all lands," the stunning light show heralds the city's grand opening with the call of the phoenix! Mythical beasts roar as golden-armored warriors escort the royal procession of King Yuchi and Queen Yuchi, proclaiming a warm welcome to honored guests from afar. The gates of Vaisravana swing open amid exuberant welcome dances, creating a spectacle of wonder. Camel-mounted musical floats glide in, ushering in a jubilant celebration. ② "Market Life in Khotan" Step back in time to experience the bustling bazaars of ancient Western Regions. Immerse yourself in the vibrant commerce of a millennium ago, with merchants coming and going, street vendors calling out their wares, and breathtaking acrobatic performances. Through the lively chaos, savor the simple charm of everyday life. ③ "Music and Dance of Khotan" The white neighborhood instantly transforms into a kaleidoscopic world of joy, accompanied by the lively and passionate "Jilara," showcasing the enchanting musical and dance charm of the "Land of Song and Dance" where "all melodies converge in Khotan." ④ "The Silk Enchantment" The Phantom of Silk Transmission draws inspiration from the description of the "Silk Princess" of Khotan in Xuanzang's "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions"Dandan Oilik RuinsThe woodblock print of "The Silk Princess" discovered in China was adapted from historical records. The heroic princess stands tall on her white horse, accompanied by female soldiers in blue armor protecting her. With stunning 3D effects and acrobatic wirework, the performance creates a visual feast of "women holding up half the sky," delivering a breathtaking and dazzling spectacle. ⑤ "Silk Road: Mutual Learning" In the dazzling spectacle of the royal city, the elegant music of the Tang Dynasty blends harmoniously with the mesmerizing dance of the Western Regions, painting a breathtaking picture of cultural fusion between Central Plains and the West. This grand performance unfolds an epic ode to the Silk Road that stirs the soul. ⑥ "Desert Warriors" Ban Chao abandoned his writing brush to join the military and was sent on a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions for 31 years, successfully bringing over 50 oasis city-states under allegiance. The king of Khotan even dispatched troops to assist him. Ban Chao's story epitomizes how the ancient kingdom of Khotan guarded China's frontiers across dynasties. With passionate battlefield declarations and unyielding loyalty, the Lion Gate now stages heroic tales of Ban Chao and veteran border defenders protecting their homeland. ⑦ Dreamlike Wonderland Zhang Qian's diplomatic missions to the Western Regions pioneered the Silk Road; Ban Chao safeguarded these territories, expanding their reach. From the westward journeys of Faxian and Xuanzang to the Khotan kings and queens of the Yuchi clan who yearned for Central Plains unity, these figures wrote brilliant chapters in Chinese history—unifying the nation, fostering ethnic solidarity, and celebrating cultural integration. 8. "Boiling Ancient City: Carnival of the Past" According to historical records, the Garuda is a divine bird in Buddhism, with wings as bright as gold that radiate countless golden rays under the sunlight. Illuminated by the bonfire, the Garuda spreads its wings and soars toward the highest point of Sumi Castle, cutting through the long night. A lively Mesirep dance celebrates prosperity, making the ancient city shimmer with vibrant life.

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The memorial hall was built in 1999 and underwent renovation and expansion in 2013. The exhibition hall has two floors. The first floor features exhibition areas for the March to Hotan and Reclamation and Border Defense, while the second floor houses the exhibition area for the 719th Regiment of the 359th Brigade and office areas. The memorial hall covers an area of 1,500 m², with a total exhibition area of 2,544.45 m².

Turdi Aji Manor

Turdi Aji Manor is located in Avati Village of Pishan Farm, on a sand beam about 13 meters high. The main building of the manor is in the shape of a palace, which is spectacular and generous. There are 14 existing living rooms, bedrooms, passages, kitchens, warehouses, etc., including courtyards, covering an area of about 6,660 square meters and a courtyard area of 200 square meters. The roof is made of wood, and the walls of the living room and bedroom are exquisite murals of Uyghur and Han customs. There are 4 ancient willows in front of the courtyard, and 11 thick ancient willows about 20 meters to the southeast surround the waterlogging dam, and there are earth walls around it. now destroyed. There is a large mulberry garden 50 meters in front of the courtyard, and the mulberry forest is lush. It is said that at the beginning of this century, a religious person named Maitiniyazi Aimu brought people here to build a dam to block water and repair ponds, open up wasteland and cultivate land, and gradually became populated. After his death, it was transferred to Turdiage and the estate was built in 1916.

Lalikun National Wetland Park

Xinjiang Lalikun National Wetland Park is located 20 km northwest of Moyu County. There are 103 species of higher plants from 24 families in and Souvenir the wetland, 25 species of mammals, 96 species of birds, 1 species of amphibians, 19 species of reptiles, and 6 species of fish. Among them, there are two national first-level key protected wild animals, black storks and black-necked cranes, and two national second-level key protected wild animals, goitered gazelles, Tarim rabbits,There are 15 species including the whooper swan, hooded crane, kite, goshawk, sparrowhawk, and kestrel.

No. 13 of Night Attractions in Xinjiang

Hotan Night Market

Hotan Night Marketis a famous food landmark in Hotan city and what many locals call the "old night market," known for its authentic, bustling atmosphere. The entire food street is enclosed in a long, narrow canopy: the aisles, stretching over 200 m, are lined with more than 200 stalls, with hundreds of snacks available from one end to the other. Hearty barbecue staples like lamb skewers, red willow lamb skewers, naan pit roasted meat, rack meat, roasted lamb chops, and liver wrapped in fat are available everywhere. Unique Southern Xinjiang delicacies like watermelon roasted meat and watermelon roasted pigeon are hard to find elsewhere, and yogurt zongzi and meat-stuffed tripe are also worth saving room for. The market also typically incorporates specialty goods, creative cultural products, and local handicrafts, making it a great place to stroll, browse, and enjoy a relaxed evening.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Hotan Prefecture

Yurungqash River

玉龙喀什河It originates from the glaciers on the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains, flows north through the urban area of Hotan, and spans over 500 km. Downstream, it merges with the Karakash River—known for its abundance of black jade—to form the Hotan River, which then flows deep into the Taklamakan Desert. The river's fame comes from Hotan jade: jade materials that have fallen from the mountains are washed and polished by the river for years, turning into smooth, lustrous pebbles that settle in the riverbed. This is why the nickname "White Jade River" has been used for thousands of years. The riverbank is a window into understanding Hotan's natural environment and local culture. Visitors can stroll along the riverbank to enjoy the scenery of the river, oases, and distant mountains, while also experiencing the local lifestyle of residents living along the river.

Kunyu Times Square

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Shache

Armanisa Royal Memorial Mausoleum

The Armanisa Royal Memorial Mausoleum is a memorial building constructed to commemorate Amanisha Khan, the collector and compiler of the Uyghur classical music "Twelve Muqam". The Armanisa Royal Memorial Mausoleum covers an area of ​​1,050 square meters, with the main building reaching a height of 22 meters. The mausoleum's overall layout is divided into three levels: the base level, the main body level, and the vault level. The mausoleum is built on a square base 2 meters high, 10 meters wide, and 10 meters long, surrounded by 14 steps. The first level is the main mausoleum structure, surrounded by a circular corridor and 20 carved cement pillars, symbolizing Amanisha Khan's 20-year journey in organizing Muqam. The second and third levels are primarily vault (domed) structures, used for offerings and veneration. The mausoleum is exquisitely decorated, with patterned tiles adorning the walls and floors. At the center lies the coffin of Amanisha Khan, above which, beneath a portrait, are inscribed in both Chinese and Uyghur: "The Twelve Muqam are like twelve brilliant stars." The interior space is meticulously laid out, using interplay of light and shadow to create a solemn and dignified atmosphere for posterity to pay their respects and remember her.

No. 7 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Xinjiang

Xin Jiang Jin Hu Yang

Xin Jiang Jin Hu Yang is located west of Zepu County in Kashgar, Xinjiang, nestled along the Yarkant River. This stunning desert oasis features thousands of acres of natural poplar forests and beautifully landscaped lakeside gardens. With its picturesque scenery, it ranks among Kashgar's top attractions—perfect for admiring poplar trees and enjoying the serene garden views. The scenic area is quite large, divided mainly into two sections: the area near the main entrance and the poplar forest area, connected by shuttle buses. Exploring the entire attraction typically takes around 3–4 hours. Upon entering, visitors will first encounter the Golden Lock Bridge, a large suspension bridge over the lake that sways amusingly as you walk across. Beyond the bridge, you'll find stunning lakeside scenery, including a vast lotus pond that blooms beautifully in summer—a rare and precious sight in the arid Kashgar region. In addition to the lotus pond, the area features a fishing garden and an ecological swimming pool, offering plenty of recreational activities. Take the shuttle bus to reach the poplar forest area deep in the attraction. This vast forest spans over 10,000 acres, showcasing poplar trees in various forms at different growth stages. Fall is the ideal time to visit when the leaves turn golden yellow. A unique feature here is that the poplars grow along the water's edge, allowing you to capture stunning photos of their reflections on the calm surface. The attraction also features jujube forests and farmhouse dining areas for additional exploration and meals. A hotel has recently been built within the park.——Jinhu Yangderui Resort Hotel is a great choice for those planning to enjoy a 2-day or longer vacation within the park.

Tuancheng Scenic Area

Tuancheng Scenic Area is a living district transformed from old city alleys. The old city alleys radiate from the center in concentric circles, resembling a round shape, and residents still live there today. Wood-carved doors and windows, arched skylights, mosaic brick walls, and earthy brown bricks and tiles continue the style of traditional dwellings. The door and window patterns and courtyard details vary from house to house, and grapevines from many courtyards reach over the walls, forming a green canopy above the alleys. Shops along the street feature traditional Hotan handicrafts such as Atlas silk, handmade wool carpets, copperware, and wood carvings. The area also hosts specialty shops, dining, and cultural exhibition spaces. Compared to a typical ancient architectural attraction, it feels more like a living district that is still in use, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll to appreciate the architectural details and experience the authentic local atmosphere.