What are the must-do things in Lop County?

Don't miss these attractions in Lop County: Hotan Night Market, Hotan Museum, and Yotkan Ancient City. If you like Travel photography, try Lop County trip moments[On-site photography and videography services including family-friendly and couple photos, short videos, promotional videos, portraits, wedding photos with all raw images provided]. If you enjoy SIM card, try Mainland China 5G eSIM | Day Pass/Total Data Package | ChatGPT Available | 24-Hour Billing | 1-365 Days | QR Code.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Lop County 2026

No. 19 of Night Attractions in Xinjiang

Hotan Night Market

5.5

4.7/5

44 reviews

Hotan Night Marketis a famous food landmark in Hotan city and what many locals call the "old night market," known for its authentic, bustling atmosphere. The entire food street is enclosed in a long, narrow canopy: the aisles, stretching over 200 m, are lined with more than 200 stalls, with hundreds of snacks available from one end to the other. Hearty barbecue staples like lamb skewers, red willow lamb skewers, naan pit roasted meat, rack meat, roasted lamb chops, and liver wrapped in fat are available everywhere. Unique Southern Xinjiang delicacies like watermelon roasted meat and watermelon roasted pigeon are hard to find elsewhere, and yogurt zongzi and meat-stuffed tripe are also worth saving room for. The market also typically incorporates specialty goods, creative cultural products, and local handicrafts, making it a great place to stroll, browse, and enjoy a relaxed evening.Hotan City · 24.3 km from Lop County

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No. 4 of Night Attractions in Hotan Prefecture

Hotan Museum

5.2

4.8/5

39 reviews

Hotan Museum is a comprehensive museum dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of Hotan. It houses over 10,000 artifacts, most of which were unearthed from archaeological excavations across Hotan. The museum's star exhibits are quite specific: a palm-sized Tang Dynasty white jade monkey, featuring a large monkey holding a smaller one with another riding on its shoulder, symbolizing "successive generations of nobility," with a warm and delicate jade texture; the "Yuanhe First Year" brocade pouch unearthed from the Niya Site is exceptionally precious due to its Eastern Han Dynasty dating inscription; and wooden tablets with Kharosthi script recording land sales and other daily affairs, offering a fascinating read of archival documents from nearly 2,000 years ago. The Buddhist art section is also worth a close look. The clay Buddha head unearthed from the Rawak Buddhist Temple Ruins bears a distinct Gandhara style, the murals from the Damagou Buddhist Temple Ruins recreate the appearance of the peak period of Khotan Buddhism, and the copied fragments of the "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion Collection" unearthed from Mazatage reveal traces of Central Plains calligraphy reaching the Western Regions. The museum also features a special exhibition hall for the Niya Site titled "People of the Han and Jin Dynasties" and a cultural and creative experience hall, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of its unique cultural charm.Hotan City · 23.3 km from Lop County

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No. 7 of Night Attractions in Xinjiang

Yotkan Ancient City

6.3

4.0/5

333 reviews

Yotkan Ancient CityThe Ancient Khotan Art Gallery of the Western Regions Yotkan Ancient City is a large-scale immersive historical and cultural attraction centered around the ancient Khotan culture of China's Western Regions, integrating representative artistic elements from the region. It showcases both the Buddhist art that flourished during the Western Regions period and the Central Plains Tang Dynasty culture admired by ancient Khotan, along with the brilliant cultural treasures accumulated throughout Hotan's long history. Using modern culture and technology, it recreates the prosperous scenes of China's Western Regions era. The attraction is located in Bagqi Town, Hotan County, Xinjiang. Hotan, anciently known as Khotan, was a key town on the southern route of the ancient Silk Road and has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times. Nestled against the Kunlun Mountains to the south and the vast desert to the north, it marks the starting point of China's Jade Road, the origin of the Kunlun myth of the Queen Mother of the West, and the first stop of Buddhism's eastward spread into China. Here, the world's four great civilizations collided and blended, gradually forming a unique regional culture that scholars have dubbed the "Oriental Pearl" of the Western Regions. YotkanLegend has it that this was the capital of the ancient Khotan Kingdom during the Han and Tang dynasties. It is now located in Ailaman Village, Bagqi Town, Hotan County. According to legend, in the 1860s...Karakash RiverThe river changed its course, carving out a long, deep trench that revealed a wealth of historical artifacts from the Han to Song dynasties—this is the mysterious Yotkan Ruins. In 2020, the Yotkan Ancient City cultural tourism project grandly launched, reviving the millennia-old cultural heritage. Rooted in ancient Khotan culture and inspired by historical records of royal cityscapes, it blends cultural essence with architectural aesthetics. Featuring square layouts, red walls, and white structures across its 156-acre site, the project meticulously integrates diverse spaces: food streets, artisan workshops, folk culture zones, jade treasure markets, royal promenades, bar districts, boutique homestays, poverty alleviation product displays, and five cultural exhibition halls. This revitalizes Hotan's tourism landscape while crafting a distinctive regional identity. Yotkan,Legend has it that this was the capital of ancient Khotan during the Han and Tang dynasties. In the local language, it carries two meanings: "Land of Kings" and "Quilt," symbolizing the precious civilizations buried beneath this land. The architectural aesthetics of the Western Regions Royal City Scenic area overallThe architectural design adopts square fortifications, red walls, and white structures as its primary elements. Inspired by a 10th-century mural of the Khotan Kingdom's capital preserved in Dunhuang's Cave 454, the layout reveals a square royal city with two gates, corner towers at each wall, a surrounding moat, and inner governmental offices and temples. The restoration of Yotkan Ancient City also draws from historical records describing the ancient western ruins of Khotan—the Akspili Ancient City (meaning "White City"). Additionally, influenced by "Sand-Buried Khotan," the outer walls feature sand mounds to recreate the historical appearance of the ancient city. Inside the attractionThe layout is well-arranged, with most buildings featuring the Xinjiang "Ayiwan" residential style. "Ayiwan" is a Uyghur term meaning "bright dwelling," characterized by intricate wood carvings of animals, figures, and flowers, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. This architectural style dates back 300–400 years, with its prototype emerging as early as the late Han to Tang dynasties. The *Travel Notes of Song Yun* records that Khotan had "houses and markets everywhere, with city walls and flowers resembling Luoyang, distinguished only by its flat-roofed buildings." All nations rejoice with Khotan Awakening a dream that has slept for a thousand years, Yotkan Ancient City collaborates with Beijing Wuwei Vision, a renowned domestic cultural tourism performance team, to create Xinjiang's first immersive sensory performance, "The Harmonious Music of Khotan." This experience offers "two cultures in one city, unique charm on every street," presenting daytime "performances from all directions" and nighttime "tales of the ancient city," vividly recounting the epic historical saga of ancient Khotan. Daytime tour "Ten Directions, Hundred Performances" revives the ancient Khotan marketplace atmosphere Yotkan Ancient City gathers the rustic charm of millennia, hiding more daytime stories in every corner of the ancient town, waiting to be discovered. By day, beneath the exotic white architecture, as the drum signals echo from the watchtowers, the ancient Jade Gate of Khotan slowly opens. Sogdian merchants, caravan traders, and street vendors weave through bustling alleys brimming with distinctive Central Asian character. These figures from across the centuries, carrying their wares, gather together with joyful hospitality, extending warm Xinjiang-style ceremonial welcomes to all visitors... Night tour of "Ancient City Tales" - immerse yourself in millennia of history When exotic architecture meets nighttime performances, Yotkan's story gains another chapter. Stepping into the ancient city at dusk isn't time travel—it's a return to a thousand years ago. As the theme song "Millennium" plays, savor street food at the bazaar and share drinks with veterans while exchanging life stories... The splendid fusion of Eastern and Western cultures unfolds like a vibrant scroll, revealing the prosperity of ancient Khotan frame by frame. Visitors become fully immersed in Khotan's rich history, experiencing a magnificent ancient city that never sleeps. Highlights summary: "Phoenix Song at the City Opening", "Welcome Dance", "Market Scenes of Khotan", "Music and Dance of Khotan", "Silk Road Phantom", "Silk Road Cultural Exchange", "Desert Warriors", "Dreamlike Sacred Realm", "Boiling Ancient City" "Phoenix Song Welcomes Guests" Opening Dance Performance "With the phoenix's cry brushing its feathers, spring graces all lands," the stunning light show heralds the city's grand opening with the call of the phoenix! Mythical beasts roar as golden-armored warriors escort the royal procession of King Yuchi and Queen Yuchi, proclaiming a warm welcome to honored guests from afar. The gates of Vaisravana swing open amid exuberant welcome dances, creating a spectacle of wonder. Camel-mounted musical floats glide in, ushering in a jubilant celebration. ② "Market Life in Khotan" Step back in time to experience the bustling bazaars of ancient Western Regions. Immerse yourself in the vibrant commerce of a millennium ago, with merchants coming and going, street vendors calling out their wares, and breathtaking acrobatic performances. Through the lively chaos, savor the simple charm of everyday life. ③ "Music and Dance of Khotan" The white neighborhood instantly transforms into a kaleidoscopic world of joy, accompanied by the lively and passionate "Jilara," showcasing the enchanting musical and dance charm of the "Land of Song and Dance" where "all melodies converge in Khotan." ④ "The Silk Enchantment" The Phantom of Silk Transmission draws inspiration from the description of the "Silk Princess" of Khotan in Xuanzang's "Great Tang Records on the Western Regions"Dandan Oilik RuinsThe woodblock print of "The Silk Princess" discovered in China was adapted from historical records. The heroic princess stands tall on her white horse, accompanied by female soldiers in blue armor protecting her. With stunning 3D effects and acrobatic wirework, the performance creates a visual feast of "women holding up half the sky," delivering a breathtaking and dazzling spectacle. ⑤ "Silk Road: Mutual Learning" In the dazzling spectacle of the royal city, the elegant music of the Tang Dynasty blends harmoniously with the mesmerizing dance of the Western Regions, painting a breathtaking picture of cultural fusion between Central Plains and the West. This grand performance unfolds an epic ode to the Silk Road that stirs the soul. ⑥ "Desert Warriors" Ban Chao abandoned his writing brush to join the military and was sent on a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions for 31 years, successfully bringing over 50 oasis city-states under allegiance. The king of Khotan even dispatched troops to assist him. Ban Chao's story epitomizes how the ancient kingdom of Khotan guarded China's frontiers across dynasties. With passionate battlefield declarations and unyielding loyalty, the Lion Gate now stages heroic tales of Ban Chao and veteran border defenders protecting their homeland. ⑦ Dreamlike Wonderland Zhang Qian's diplomatic missions to the Western Regions pioneered the Silk Road; Ban Chao safeguarded these territories, expanding their reach. From the westward journeys of Faxian and Xuanzang to the Khotan kings and queens of the Yuchi clan who yearned for Central Plains unity, these figures wrote brilliant chapters in Chinese history—unifying the nation, fostering ethnic solidarity, and celebrating cultural integration. 8. "Boiling Ancient City: Carnival of the Past" According to historical records, the Garuda is a divine bird in Buddhism, with wings as bright as gold that radiate countless golden rays under the sunlight. Illuminated by the bonfire, the Garuda spreads its wings and soars toward the highest point of Sumi Castle, cutting through the long night. A lively Mesirep dance celebrates prosperity, making the ancient city shimmer with vibrant life.Hotan County · 32.8 km from Lop County

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No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Hotan Prefecture

Yurungqash River

5.3

4.1/5

82 reviews

玉龙喀什河It originates from the glaciers on the northern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains, flows north through the urban area of Hotan, and spans over 500 km. Downstream, it merges with the Karakash River—known for its abundance of black jade—to form the Hotan River, which then flows deep into the Taklamakan Desert. The river's fame comes from Hotan jade: jade materials that have fallen from the mountains are washed and polished by the river for years, turning into smooth, lustrous pebbles that settle in the riverbed. This is why the nickname "White Jade River" has been used for thousands of years. The riverbank is a window into understanding Hotan's natural environment and local culture. Visitors can stroll along the riverbank to enjoy the scenery of the river, oases, and distant mountains, while also experiencing the local lifestyle of residents living along the river.Hotan City · 26.9 km from Lop County

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Desert Viewing Platform

3.7

4.4/5

29 reviews

The desert viewing platform is a relatively spectacular desert landscape in the suburbs of Hotan. You can ride a camel, walk in the desert, and feel the breath of the desert camel bell.Hotan City · 25.6 km from Lop County

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Kunlunhu Park

3.3

5.0/5

29 reviews

Kunlun Park is the largest park in Hotan area, covering an area of 88,000 square meters. The water surface area of Kunlun Lake in the park is 28,000 square meters. It is a good place for leisure and entertainment for the citizens of Hotan urban area. The eastern and southern coastlines of Kunlun Lake are straight and the northeast corner is long and narrow. There is an island in the middle of the lake, and the northwest corner of the lake is a lotus pond; there are three fish ponds in the east, two of which are larger in the north, and have recreational functions such as boating on the water. Kunhua Lake Park also has an orchard of 53,334 square meters and a plastic greenhouse of 700 square meters, which can cultivate various seedlings. The green coverage rate in the park is over 60%. In the park, there are various catering services such as "Jinhe Children's Paradise", a zoo, a swimming pool, and a restaurant.Hotan City · 21.8 km from Lop County

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Tuanjie Square

2.9

4.5/5

60 reviews

Hotan Unity Square is located in the center of Hotan, Hotan Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, due south of the intersection of Beijing West Road and Tanaiyi North Road. The square is facing south, more than 200 meters from east to west, and more than 250 meters from north to south. On holidays, various forms of theatrical performances are also held in the square. The annual Jade Festival is also held in Unity Square.Hotan City · 24 km from Lop County

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Yuquan River Park

2.7

5.0/5

1 reviews

Hotan City · 24.5 km from Lop County

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No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Shache

Old Town Cultural Center

5

4.7/5

23 reviews

Stepping into the Old Town Cultural Center in Shache County, the melodies of the Twelve Muqam transcend time and space. Folk artists dressed in vibrant Atlas silk costumes weave passionate rhythms with hand drums and tamburs, captivating visitors who eagerly capture this cultural feast on their phones. Many are swept up by the lively atmosphere, joining the performers in dance and interaction, immersing themselves in the unique charm of the intangible cultural heritage that is the Twelve Muqam.Laocheng AttractionContinuous efforts have been made to protect and utilize the intangible cultural heritage of the Twelve Muqam, with promotional activities carried out through special performances, on-site guides, short video releases, live streams, and other forms to deepen visitors' understanding of this heritage. This year, the attraction will also introduce flower-viewing tours, folk culture tours, and intangible heritage tours, continuously enriching the performance details of various intangible cultural heritages within the attraction, providing visitors with a comfortable and welcoming travel environment.China · Shache

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Shache Ancient City Gate

4.5

4.5/5

2 reviews

The ancient city gate of Shache is located on Tierekebag Road, Shache County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is an important symbol of the ancient city of Shache. In terms of architectural style, it has a strong regional characteristic. The khaki city gate tower is solemn and majestic, with two large characters "Shache" carved on it, which are also khaki, showing its simplicity and grandeur. The design of the city gate tower incorporates a variety of cultural elements, reflecting the characteristics of the local multicultural integration. The surrounding city walls are rammed earth structures, which are typical features of the city walls in southern Xinjiang. In a dry and rainy environment, the rammed earth city walls have good strength and save the trouble of making city bricks. In terms of tourism value, the ancient city gate of Shache is not only a historical site, but also an important check-in point for tourism in the ancient city of Shache. It attracts many tourists to come, allowing people to appreciate the ancient city gate while feeling the long history and splendid culture of the ancient city of Shache as if traveling through time and space. Standing under the ancient city gate, people can imagine the prosperous scene of the ancient Silk Road and the important position of Shache in the long river of history.China · Shache

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