Hetian Travel Guide

Many people know about Hetian and travel there because of the famous Hetianese jade. Hetian (Yutian/Hotan) lies in the southern part of Sinkiang, and it was called "Yutian" in ancient times, which means "place of jades" in Tibetan language. Hetian is one of the important towns in the southern route of the Silk Road. At the beginning of Qing Dynasty, the city changed its name from "yutian" to "hetian". In 1959, it got its present name. It boasts of wonderful view of the world's second largest desert, the site of the Silk Road with a history of two thousand years, and other humanic views such as the oasis as a result of the struggle between mankind and the nature, and the thousand miles long grape belt.

Anciently, the city was an important commercial and cultural center where not only goods, but also technology, religion and art met and influenced each other. The city has a population of some 140 thousand, 90 percent of which are from the Uygur ethnic group. They usually wear a little embroidered hat to distinguish themselves from the Uygur people of other places. Almost every family here grows grapes. And the area under the grape trellises in each courtyard is where locals gather to chat, play chess and embroider garments. The local people are proud that Hetian is the home of the music and dance of the Uygur People.

Hetian is strongly influenced by Islamic culture. As a minor agriculture center, it is famous overseas for its three specialties: high quality of Hetian jade, the carpets and the silk. Hetian has an abundance of historic relics, unique geographical features and various specialties that appeal to thousands of visitors from home and abroad each year. There are several ancient cities' ruins left from Hetian's tempestuous history, with a large number of precious historical relics and artifacts. Welcome to check out our other pages for more travel guide to Hetian or other famous cities in China. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you plan to travel to Hetian. We will provide the professional advice, individual itinerary and excellent travel service.