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Home > Travel China > China Destinations > Hetian
Hetian
China is located in Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam. It has an extremely diverse climate, tropical in south to subarctic in north. It is world's fourth largest country after Russia, Canada, and US. Beijing is the capital of China. It has 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities.
Hetian is now called Hotan. Hotan is an oasis town in Khotan Prefecture and its capital as well, population 114,000 in 2006. An important station on the southern route of the historic Silk Road, it has always depended on two strong rivers the Karakash River and the Yurungkash River to provide the water needed to survive on the southwestern edge of the vast Taklamakan, the world's second largest desert.
It is located in the south of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in western China, this ancient city has a rich history and was long famous for its silk, jade, and pottery products.
Today this remote town, populated almost exclusively by Uyghurs, is a minor agricultural center. The town lies just west of the Yurungkash River or White Jade River, named for the white jade recovered from its alluvial deposits. Most of the jade is now gone, but an occasional piece may still be found. The river still provides water and irrigation for the town and region.
Hotan is recently famous for the discovery of caucasoid mummies, which are evidence of long term inhabitation of the area by the Tocharians. The desert atmosphere has preserved perishable items such as wood and fabric, attracting archaeologists. The area is rich in archaeological sites that are buried beneath the desert sand.
Hotan was also the source of most of the early nephrite jade used in China. For several hundred years, until they were defeated by the Xiongnu in 176 BCE, Before Christ Era, the trade of Hotanese jade into China was controlled by the nomadic Yuezhi.
Hotan is also known as the town of best geographical environment and has traced its origins back to prehistoric times. Today, one can also learn about its history, from its earliest times and can also enjoy its natural beauty concealed by the beautiful landscapes.
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