[2025 Hotan Attraction] Travel Guide for Hotan Night Market (Updated May)

Actually, Hotan has been experiencing sandstorm weather these days. Everything is covered in dust, and the sky is hazy gray. Trains to Ruoqiang sometimes get canceled too. But if you calm your mind, you can still capture some great photos. Tuanjie Square is the traditional city center; Yuquan Lake Park features artificial water landscapes surrounded by upscale residential communities built in recent years; the Yulong Kashgar River is where precious jade stones were once found, and even now, people still hope to discover treasures here. 📍Detailed address: Hotan City · Hotan Prefecture

🌈Recommended must-see attractions ✅Sayram Lake Highlights: The "blue tears" lake where the ice and snow first melt, and wild flowers dance with swans. Things to do: Self-drive around the lake📸, Kazakh milk tea breakfast☕, aerial photography of the lake's heart island with a drone! ✅Kanas Lake Highlights: Mysterious lake water covered by spring snow, and the misty village of Hemu. Things to do: Explore the lake by boat🚢, climb to the Fish Viewing Pavilion for a panoramic view⛰️, and experience the Tuva wooden houses🏠. ✅Nalati Grassland Highlights: The meadows are covered with corydalis, and the season for herdsmen to move their animals begins. Things to do: Ride a horse through the valley🐎, camp under the stars🌌, and visit a Kazakh family for mutton skewers🍖! ✅Tianshan Tianchi Highlights: Alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and green grass. Things to do: Take a cable car for a panoramic view Lift, hike and climb mountains⛰️, and pray at the Xiwangmu Temple. ✅Kashgar Old City Highlights: Earth-yellow buildings and bustling bazaars, full of Western Region customs. Things to do: Visit the mosque for worship Attendance, enjoy pilaf🍚, and try roasted eggs at the night market🍳. ✅Turpan 🍇 Highlights: The Flaming Mountains are scorching🔥, and the Grape Valley is lush and green. Things to do: Hike and explore Sahara, pick grapes🍇, and explore the karez underground water canals. Recommended itinerary 📍5-day deep tour of Northern Xinjiang 🚗 Day1-2: Urumqi → Sayram Lake🌊 → Guozigou Bridge → Qingshuihe Day3: Qingshuihe → Nalati Grassland🌿 → Yining Day4: Yining → Kazanqi Folk Village → Duku Highway (some sections open) Day5: Duku Highway → Tianshan Tianchi⛰️ → Return to Urumqi 📍5-day cultural tour of Southern Xinjiang 🌉 Day1-2: Urumqi → Bosten Lake → Yuli County Day3: Yuli → Lop Nur Village → Kizil Grottoes Day4: Hotan Night Market🍜 → Kashgar Old City🌆 → Baisha Lake Day5: Taxkorgan County → Panlong Ancient Road Mountain Road → Return to Urumqi III. Useful Tips Documents and Transportation 🚗⚠️ ID card is a must, and border pass should be obtained in advance! It is more convenient to charter a car in Northern Xinjiang, and you can drive yourself in Southern Xinjiang🚗. Accommodation Recommendations 🏠✨ Scenic Area Homestays: Hemu Village wooden houses🏠, Sayram Lake Mongolian yurt Mongolian yurt. City Hotels: Urumqi Youhao Business District, Yining Liuxing Street. Must-try delicacies 🍜🍖 Roasted buns, big plate chicken, pilaf🍚, Hotan Night Market roasted eggs🍳. Scenic area prices are high, it is recommended to eat in residential areas! Note ⚠️Sunscreen! There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Northern Xinjiang (5–25℃), so a windbreaker is a must! Southern Xinjiang is sunny☀️, so sunglasses + hat are essential

The wild games I found in southern Xinjiang were so exciting! An old man playing Rewap in the desert at 3 a.m., a glowing poplar forest, and making his first pottery jar with Kunlun Mountain mud... Here are some real experiences from the whole network: 👉Don’t just rush through Yingjisha Earthenware Village! I stayed in the Uighur grandfather's workshop for three hours, learning how to carve patterns on clay with a wooden knife. The clay was really mixed with broken jade from the Kunlun Mountains! The Yingjisha knife sharpened on site in the knife village next door can cut paper like cutting butter (can be mailed home) 🌌Dari Yabui is more shocking than you can imagine! At nine o'clock in the evening, the desert sunset burned the poplar forest into golden red. The villagers brought out Kumaiqi meat pie (desert version of roujiamo) with brick tea, and suddenly someone played dutar in the bonfire. The key point! ! You can see the Milky Way Arch Bridge here! Lying on the top of the sand dune in my sleeping bag in the early morning, there were so many shooting stars that I couldn't make enough wishes... 🚐The driver on the day we entered Taklimakan was Juye! I was drifting in the sand waves in an off-road vehicle, and suddenly the car stopped and let me touch the shady side of the sand dune - it was cold! Deep in the desert, there is a "singing" quicksand area. Stepping on it feels like stepping on an electronic synthesizer. 🏯The Ancient City of Jingjue gave me goosebumps! The 1,600-year-old glutinous rice dumpling in the Minfeng Museum still has teeth marks on it...The broken wooden door bolt still has woolen threads from the Western Han Dynasty stuck on it. The guide suddenly said, "You may be stepping on the back garden of the King of Jingjue." ⛰️The Kunlun Mountains are so beautiful that I am speechless! The water in the Grand Canyon is Tiffany blue! I was screaming in pain from the cold while wading in the water, and when I looked up I saw snow leopard footprints (the guide said they were fresh traces from three days ago). There is a herdsman's yogurt shop hidden at the bend of Tianlu. You can drink freshly squeezed camel milk by sprinkling some salt on it. 🍢Hotan Night Market! The 5-yuan yogurt rice dumpling is drizzled with honey, and the baked egg should be goose egg (with saffron + honey). The most amazing thing is that the uncle at the steamed bun stall saw me taking pictures, and suddenly broke open the bun and stuffed a piece of lamb tail fat inside - "It will look better if the pictures are juicy." 📸Photography locations: 1. Sand dunes on the east side of Dariyabuyi Ancient Village (the silhouette of poplar trees is beautiful at sunrise) 2. Red willow bushes outside the Niya Ruins (light penetrates the ruins at 4 pm) 3. Boundary marker No. 23 of Kunlun Sky Road (you can take photos of snow-capped mountains + canyons + winding mountain roads at the same time) ‼ ️Real complaints: ▫️The temperature in the desert will drop to 5℃ in the middle of the night, so bring a down liner ▫️The grandfather in the old teahouse in Shache will pull you to dance the Maixilaifu, so it is recommended to wear loose pants #

Hotan evenings are best enjoyed by strolling and savoring the vibrant night market scene. Capture stunning photos and indulge in the "night market eats." Savor the flavors of Xinjiang with countless food stalls offering unique delicacies, even surprising Xinjiang natives with their variety. Grilled lamb intestines are a must-try, featuring the aroma of cornmeal and a crispy, fragrant exterior seasoned with cumin and chili, encasing tender, juicy intestines. Lamb offal soup offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with crunchy heart tubes, tender tripe, and a spicy, garlicky broth that tantalizes the taste buds. Cheese + jam: Enjoy the ice cream-like texture of dried yogurt paired with fig, apricot, or strawberry jam for a delicate, sweet, and guilt-free treat. Hot and sour cold noodles: With its rich sauce, glistening noodles, and refreshing taste, this dish is a spicy and sour delight (even saltier than the century-old cold noodle shop in Kashgar). From 7pm to midnight, explore the night market and discover your own culinary adventures. After indulging your taste buds, prepare for a satisfied stomach as you embark on a nighttime exploration.

Friends, do you want to experience the exotic charm of Xinjiang? Come to Southern Xinjiang! Here, the best sights of Aksu and other areas await your exploration. Fly over Southern Xinjiang and experience the unique local customs and embark on an unforgettable journey! 🚗 Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Beijing and head to Kuqa, Xinjiang, to begin your Southern Xinjiang adventure! Days 2-3: Explore Kuqa in depth, discover the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, and marvel at the wonders of nature. Then, head to Shaya and travel across the magnificent desert highway. In the evening, savor authentic Xinjiang snacks at the Hotan night market. Days 4-5: Depart from Hotan and admire the autumn scenery of the Zepu Populus Euphratica Forest, then arrive in Kashgar. Next, visit the natural beauty of Bachu Lake and Karakul Lake, and finally arrive in Tashkurgan and experience the unique charm of this border town. Days 6-7: Challenge the winding Pamir Highway in Tashkurgan, and then return to Kashgar. Visit the western part of Kashgar and experience the local customs. Day 8: Stay in Kashgar, stroll through the historic Kashgar Old City, and then head to Aksu to experience the peace and beauty of this city. Day 9: Return to Kuqa from Aksu, stroll through the bustling Rexitan Street, and conclude this unforgettable Southern Xinjiang trip! Travel tips: 🍽️ Food: Aksu's Xinjiang cuisine has a unique flavor. We recommend trying the baked buns and naan pit roasted meat. Don't miss the local specialties! 🎁 Souvenir prices: When buying Xinjiang nut cake and paper-shell walnuts, remember to compare the prices and quality of different shops. ✈️ Airport transportation: Aksu Hongqipo Airport is easily accessible. Check flight information in advance and arrange your itinerary accordingly. 💡 Tips: The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so remember to bring a thick coat and sunscreen to maintain a comfortable travel experience! That's all for the Aksu trip. We hope this guide is helpful! For more exciting content, remember to follow me, and let's embark on our next journey together!

Don't miss out on this winter vacation trip! Embark on a nine-day tour of Aksu, exploring unique local customs and experiencing a different kind of winter warmth. Start your wonderful journey now! 🚗Itinerary: D1: Depart from Beijing and arrive in Kuqa, starting a mysterious Xinjiang journey. D2-D3: Visit the Tianshan Grand Canyon and the ancient Kizil Caves, then head to Shaya, cross the spectacular desert highway, and finally arrive at the Hotan night market to taste authentic local cuisine. D4-D5: Depart from Hotan, admire the beautiful scenery of Zepu Poplar Forest, and then head to Kashgar. Afterwards, visit Bachu and Karakul Lake, and finally arrive in Tashkurgan. D6-D7: Explore the Pamir Highway in Tashkurgan, then return to Kashgar, visiting Shipton's Arch on the way. D8: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural atmosphere of Kashgar Old City, and then head to Aksu. D9: Return to Kuqa from Aksu, visit the Restan Street, and conclude the pleasant journey. Must-Visit Attractions: 🏞️ Tianshan Grand Canyon: The reddish-brown mountain formations resemble burning flames, with grotesque rocks in various shapes and forms. 🏰 Kashgar Old City: The traditional buildings and crisscrossing streets within the old city make you feel like you've traveled through time. 🕌 Kuqa Royal Palace: Experience the rich Uyghur and Kucha cultures, with colorful scenery that will make you linger. 🌊 Karakul Lake Scenic Area: A holy lake at the foot of Muztagh Ata, with crystal-clear water, resembling a paradise on earth. 🛣️ Pamir Highway: The winding road resembles a coiling dragon, offering breathtaking and magnificent views from above. Travel Checklist: 👗 Clothing: A long down jacket with high fill power is essential to withstand the cold of Aksu. Thick thermal underwear is also necessary to keep your body warm. 🎒 Accessories: Windproof and warm hats, scarves, and gloves to prevent wind chill. Non-slip and waterproof snow boots are needed for snowy and slippery roads. 📖 Documents: Remember to bring your ID card, driver's license, and other necessary documents, as well as travel insurance policy, to ensure a worry-free trip. 💊 Health: Common medicines such as cold medicine, painkillers, and band-aids are essential, just in case. Moisturizers are also needed to prevent dry skin. 📸 Others: A portable camera to record beautiful moments, a power bank to ensure your devices stay charged, and a thermos to keep your water warm. The beautiful scenery of Aksu awaits you. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture every wonderful moment here! 📸✨Looking forward to your travel stories~

Hotan Night Market is a popular tourist destination in Xinjiang, attracting a large number of tourists with its unique geographical location, large scale, rich food, and free access. Whether you want to taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine or experience the strong ethnic customs, Hotan Night Market is a must-visit tourist destination. Hotan has two bustling night markets, and this night market near Renmin West Road is the old night market that everyone talks about! 🌈Highlights: ✅Hotan Night Market covers an area of 4,600 square meters, with 260 stalls, a total length of 272 meters, and a variety of foods that will dazzle you; the prices are clearly marked, so you can consume with confidence. ✅Here you can taste roast whole lamb (CNY 70/jin), roast lamb chops, roast lamb skewers (CNY 20), roast buns (CNY 5), and tripe with meat (CNY 15), chili chicken, yogurt zongzi, fig zongzi (CNY 8), naan with meat, braised lamb's feet, salty milk tea, oil tower (CNY 2), lamb offal soup (small CNY 15, large CNY 20), etc. The ingredients are real and sufficient, the taste is delicious, and you can eat until you are full. ✅Three eggs and one star: The signature dish here is made by mixing and roasting pigeon eggs, chicken eggs, and goose eggs. It has a unique taste and is rich in nutrition. Highly recommended! 📍Location: Renmin West Road, Hotan City ⏰Business hours: 20:00 to 2:00 the next day 🎫Ticket: CNY 0

| Food Guide (No one can leave hungry). Xinjiang's night markets truly ensure no one leaves hungry 😎 Hetian Night Market has two sections: the new night market and the old night market. However, the taxi driver recommended we go to the old night market, where there is more food. 📍For navigation to the old night market, just search for 'Hetian Night Market' (near Renmin Road). ⏱️Opening hours: Open: 20:00 (Remember this time, don't come too early) Close: Around 1:00 AM 📎Must-try foods: ✅Yogurt Rice Dumplings (5 yuan, 8 yuan with jam) Cut the rice dumplings into four pieces, spread yogurt, sweet sauce, and finally drizzle with jam. It's sweet and sour, very delicious (if you don't like it too sweet, you can use less sweet sauce). ✅Peppery Chicken (40 yuan) Spicy but not overwhelming, numbing but not paralyzing, crispy skin and tender meat, extremely tasty. ✅Pomegranate Juice (10 yuan) Pure pomegranate juice, perfect for cutting through the grease when eating skewers. ✅Yogurt (10 yuan) The yogurt here is very thick, but not as sour as in Tibetan areas. It's sweet, somewhat like the texture of Ambrosia, but not as sweet (many are fruit yogurts, if you want plain yogurt, just don't add fruit). ✅Kvass (8 yuan/cup) A unique Xinjiang drink, fermented with honey and wheat flowers. On a hot summer day, a cold bottle of Kvass is super refreshing. ✅Grilled Lamb Intestines (2 yuan per skewer) Sizzling with oil, not at all gamey, super fragrant. ✅Fruits (10/20/30 yuan) Watermelons and Hami melons are super sweet and delicious 😂 ✅Various meat skewers, lamb hooves Choose any, you can't go wrong, all are delicious.

Hotan·Two-day tour guide share🌟 🏨Accommodation·Chose Tuan City Hotel, 168💰. The off-season price is affordable, a newly opened hotel, the front door is the Tuan City scenic area, the room window is facing the Tuan City pedestrian street, it feels great when you open the curtain! 👏🏻See picture 2 🚖Travel·In Hotan City, taking a taxi is the most convenient way, the starting price is 8 yuan. Online car-hailing is not very popular in the southern Xinjiang region, especially it is more convenient to take a taxi on the roadside for tourism. 🛕Attractions·Main push Tuan City scenic area! Free to visit and take pictures, a bit like Kashgar Old City but quieter. There are many shops selling gold, fewer souvenirs, and the overall feeling is unique. Hotan Museum is also a good choice. 🦋About ethnic costume travel shooting: I didn't find it all around Tuan City, and the shop owner said that there were fewer tourists in winter. If you can't find it in Tuan City, you can try it in advance in 🦘Tuan. ❌Not recommended: Yotkan Ancient City, which is considered to be a more artificially constructed attraction, but it's okay to go at night if you want to watch ethnic song and dance performances. 🍽Food·Hotan Night Market is a paradise for food, the old night market is cheap and has many varieties. It is recommended to try local specialties such as barbecue, roast pigeon, roast fish, roast eggs, roast watermelon meat, sour milk zongzi, etc. 🍢 🌡Weather·The weather is quite pleasant, generally not lower than -10℃, no snow. It is recommended to bring sweaters, down jackets, and fleece-lined pants for warm travel. Finally: You can go to Hotan's jade trading market, but pay attention to the match between quality and price when purchasing. Jade can only say that the quality is directly proportional to the price, regardless of true or false, just like it, treat it as a unique souvenir.