Live Your Best Lives
The Niya Ruins are located at the tail end of the Niya River, 150 kilometers north of Minfeng County, in the heart of the Taklamakan Desert. They are the remains of the ancient Jingjue Kingdom from the Han and Jin dynasties. Centered around a pagoda, the ruins are spread over an area 25 kilometers long from north to south and 5 to 7 kilometers wide from east to west.
At the center of the site lies an earthen pagoda, dilapidated but still retaining its ancient charm. Remains of Buddhist temples, houses, and cemeteries are scattered among the site, while farmland, forest belts, canal systems, and smelting sites of the past are faintly visible. It appears that the inhabitants of the Jingjue Kingdom were divided into north and south districts, separated by the Niya River, which flows through the city. The southern district housed the wealthy, while the northern district housed the commoners. However, every household had an orchard, livestock pen, and pond. At the center of the site lies an earthen pagoda, dilapidated but still retaining its ancient charm.
The abandonment of Niya is a mystery. No signs of river diversion or war ravage the ancient city ruins, no trace of human activity within the houses and courtyards; a vast collection of official documents, recently sorted and yet to be transported; even their faithful dogs, forgotten, remain tethered to the gatepost. The people of Niya vanished in such haste, leaving behind only ruins buried in the sand and an unsolved mystery amidst the vast desert.
free
All day
Niya Ruins are the remains of an ancient Silk Road city in Hotan, Xinjiang, dating back over 2,000 years. They are significant for understanding the life, trade, and culture of the oasis civilization and its role in Silk Road commerce.
Located in the Niya region of Hotan, Xinjiang, the site is best accessed by taxi or private car from Hotan city. Walking is required within the site to explore the ruins.
Entrance fees are generally modest and can be purchased at the site. Online ticketing may be available through local travel platforms or tour operators.
Advance booking is not required for individual visits but recommended for group tours or during peak seasons, ideally 1–3 days ahead.
About 2–3 hours to cover the main ruins, archaeological areas, and museum exhibits.
Guided tours are typically available in Chinese. English-speaking guides may be arranged through local tour agencies.
Begin at the main entrance, visit residential and administrative ruins, proceed to temples and city walls, then finish at the museum and surrounding desert areas.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special tours may be organized with advance booking during cultural events.
The site is typically quiet, with the least crowded times being weekdays and off-peak seasons.
Most areas require walking on uneven terrain; elderly and children should be cautious. Wheelchair access is limited.
Cash is preferred for ticketing and small purchases; some vendors may accept mobile payments.
Restaurants are limited inside the site; Hotan city provides more dining options.
Halal options are common in Hotan; vegetarian and vegan choices are limited.
Hotels and guesthouses in Hotan city offer convenient access for visiting Niya Ruins.
Private car, taxi, or local tour buses are recommended for continuing to other Hotan area attractions or returning to the city.