Hotan Prefecture, Administrative prefecture in Xinjiang, China.
Hotan Prefecture is an administrative region in Xinjiang that lies between the Taklamakan Desert and the Kunlun Mountains, containing eight counties and numerous oasis settlements. Rivers flow through the territory, bringing water from the mountains to sustain communities in the drier areas.
The region was once the center of the ancient Buddhist Kingdom of Khotan before falling under the rule of successive empires including the Kara-Khanid Khanate and the Qing dynasty. This varied history shaped the culture and structure of the area over centuries.
The population speaks Uyghur and maintains long-standing traditions in silk production, jade carving, and carpet weaving that shape daily life. These crafts remain visible in local workshops and markets throughout the region.
The region connects to major Xinjiang cities through extensive highways and railways, making travel and trade straightforward. Visitors should know that the climate is very dry and spring and autumn months offer the most comfortable conditions.
The territory is crossed by around 36 rivers, with the Karakash River playing a particularly important role in the region's water supply. These water sources are crucial for sustaining oasis settlements in an otherwise very dry landscape.
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