Explore the mysterious Western Regions! A 3-day guide to playing in Hotan + desert essentials

1: Journey through an ancient kingdom! Adventure at the "Eastern Pompeii" Niya Ruins🏜️
📍 Location: 100 km north of Minfeng County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang (deep in the Taklamakan Desert)
🌟 The ruins of the Jingjue Kingdom:
Hidden deep in the vast Taklamakan Desert
Lies the mysterious "Eastern Pompeii"✨
Follow camel caravans across the desert
Touch the prosperous traces of the Silk Road from the Han and Jin dynasties
The remaining Buddhist pagodas and box-shaped building complexes tell stories of a thousand years
The most stunning discovery is the excavation site of national treasures like the "Five Stars Rising in the East, Benefiting China" brocade!

👉 Adventure essentials:
✔️ Best from April to June / September to November
✔️ Apply in advance for a visit permit from the Hotan Cultural Relics Bureau
✔️ Rent an off-road vehicle or ride a camel to enter
✔️ Sunscreen + drinking water + wind and sand mask (no signal in the desert)
✔️ Recommended to travel in groups

Day 2: Desert wonders! Visit the last Keriya people of Dariyabuyi🏡
📍 Location: Dariyabuyi Township, Yutian County, Hotan City
✨ Secret spot check-in:
The last primitive tribe of the Taklamakan!
The red willow mud houses where the Keriya people have lived for generations
A secluded nomadic lifestyle🌾
Ride camels through golden sand dunes
Magnificent sunset + starry sky whole lamb barbecue feast
Overnight at a desert camp counting stars✨
(Temperature difference is huge, down jacket is a must)

⚠️ Tips:
☑️ Be sure to book a 4WD off-road vehicle
☑️ Bring a car charger + emergency medicine
☑️ Respect local customs, ask for permission before taking photos

Day 3: Have fun in Hotan! Museum + Tuan City + Night Market food guide😋
📍 Hotan Museum address: No. 10 Beijing West Road, Hotan City
✨ Must-visit spots:
✔️ Tuan City ethnic style street: Southern Xinjiang vibes in "Pigeon Alley"
✔️ Hotan Museum: Must-see national treasure brocade unearthed from the Niya Ruins
✔️ Night market party! Grilled eggs + red willow grilled meat + stuffed tripe + Big Wusu beer🍺

🚗 Transportation tips:
Hotan Airport✈️ Urumqi (2h)
Crossing the G580 desert highway is super stunning
City attractions reachable by taxi or on foot

🏨 Accommodation recommendations:
Dariyabuyi Desert Starry Sky Camp
Yotgan Ancient City Western Region Style Homestay

🍴 Must-try foods:
Hotan grilled buns! Rose whole lamb roast! Yogurt zongzi!

📌 Notes:
1. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!
2. Dress code: long sleeves and pants (respect local culture)
3. Prepare power banks + cash (some places have no signal)

Hotan, a magical journey through time and space✨
Three days are not enough to see it all
But it already shakes the soul deeply...