About
Khotan is an oasis city in the far west of China, in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of Asia. It lies on the old Silk Road, and its name also appears as 和田 in Chinese and خوتەن in Uyghur script.
The city is known above all for jade, and for silk production, two trades that have shaped its character for a long time. Visitors who come here often do so to see the stone and textiles at close quarters, and to watch how they are worked and sold.
What a visit offers
- Jade: the city's best-known product, sold in many forms in its markets and workshops.
- Silk: a long-standing local craft, linked to the oasis's place on the Silk Road.
- Uyghur handicrafts and culture: traditional work and everyday life that reflect the local Uyghur community.
Planning the trip
Khotan suits travellers interested in craft, trade and cultural life more than in large monuments. Time spent in its markets and craft settings gives the best sense of what the city is about. Because it is an oasis town in a remote part of China, it is worth planning your route in advance and checking the current travel arrangements for the region before you go.