Southern Xinjiang’s vast landscapes and ancient civilizations have nurtured some of the most culturally layered cities in China. Travelers seeking history, desert scenery, ethnic traditions, and Silk Road mysteries often find their richest experiences in Hotan, Aksu, and Kuqa. Each city carries centuries of legend, hardship, resilience, and cultural fusion — shaping the unique character of the Tarim Basin.
Hotan: The Pearl of the Taklamakan
Situated on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, Hotan (Hetian) has been a vital oasis since ancient Silk Road times. Historically part of the ancient Yutian Kingdom, it is best known for its world-famous Hotan jade, silk production, and desert civilizations.
Walking through Hotan feels like entering a living museum. The bustling Hotan Night Market showcases Uyghur food culture — from roasted lamb to handmade noodles — while the Jiya Jade River still draws locals searching for precious stones. Travelers can explore The Melikawat Ruins, an archaeological site believed to be over 2,000 years old, revealing remnants of Buddhist stupas and palaces swallowed by sand.
Hotan’s desert scenery is equally compelling. The Hotan–Tazhong Desert Highway, lined with grass-planted sand protection belts, offers a surreal drive through the endless golden sea of the Taklamakan.
Hotan
Aksu: Where Mountains, Gorges, and Legends Meet
Aksu sits where desert meets mountains — a gateway to some of Xinjiang’s most dramatic natural wonders. The region was an essential stop on the northern Silk Road route and carries a rich blend of Uyghur, Han, and Central Asian cultural influences.
Aksu
The city is famous for its apple orchards, producing some of China’s sweetest apples, and its deep historical roots reflected in local crafts, music, and architecture. Beyond the city center, Aksu’s landscapes offer incredible variety:
Must-visit highlights include:
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Kucha Grand Canyon (Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon) – A maze of red sandstone walls sculpted by wind and water.
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Wensu Grand Canyon – Towering cliffs and narrow corridors, ideal for photography and hiking.
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Aksu River Valley – A peaceful riverside escape that contrasts sharply with the desert surroundings.
Aksu’s large-scale natural formations are not just scenic wonders — they tell geological stories millennia old.
Kuqa: Ancient Kingdom on the Silk Road
Once the capital of the ancient Kucha Kingdom, Kuqa (Kuche) is one of the most historically significant places in Xinjiang. In ancient times, Kuqa was a Buddhist cultural center rivaling Dunhuang, and many Western scholars traveled here for archaeological expeditions.
Kuche Royal Palace
Today, the city still keeps its spiritual and cultural essence alive.
What Makes Kuqa Special
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Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves
One of the earliest Buddhist grottoes in China, featuring luminous murals influenced by Central Asian art. -
Subashi Buddhist Ruins
Remnants of a once-flourishing monastic city from the 3rd–8th centuries. -
Kuqa Grand Mosque
One of Xinjiang’s largest and most architecturally distinctive mosques, blending Islamic and Central Asian design. -
The Duku Highway
One of China’s most spectacular roads, linking Kuqa to northern Xinjiang through snow mountains, canyons, and alpine meadows.
Kuqa combines history, architecture, religion, and breathtaking landscapes — making it a must-visit stop in Southern Xinjiang.
Conclusion
Hotan, Aksu, and Kuqa each represent a different chapter of Southern Xinjiang’s story: Hotan with its jade and desert kingdoms, Aksu with its epic landscapes and oasis culture, and Kuqa with its deep Buddhist heritage and Silk Road significance. For travelers looking to go beyond mainstream destinations, these cities offer authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable journeys through the heart of the Tarim Basin.
