The Xiwule Long Lake Scenic Area in Yutian is located in Xiwule Township, Yutian County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It lies in the alluvial plain of the lower reaches of the Keriya River, about 48 kilometers from Yutian County seat. The scenic area is a comprehensive natural scenic area integrating lake wetlands, desert landscapes, and populus euphratica forest ecology, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The total planned area of the scenic area is about 120 square kilometers, of which the Long Lake water area is about 8 square kilometers, surrounded by 23,000 mu of natural populus euphratica forest and 150,000 mu of desert landscape. The scenic area is equipped with a tourist service center, ecological parking lot, viewing platforms, wooden boardwalks, and other facilities, with a total investment of about 56 million yuan. It is an important ecological tourism and desert adventure destination in the Hotan region.
Historical Culture
The Keriya River basin, where Xiwule Long Lake is located, was the homeland of "Pimo," one of the thirty-six states of the ancient Western Regions. According to the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, this was once an important oasis city-state on the southern route of the Silk Road. The scenic area preserves multiple ancient beacon tower ruins and garrison farming remains, witnessing the history of the Central Plains dynasties' development of the Western Regions during the Han and Tang dynasties. In local folk legends, Long Lake is the residence of the "Dragon King of the Keriya River," nurturing the oasis civilization along the banks for thousands of years. To this day, herders still continue traditional nomadic and fishing-hunting lifestyles. In 2018, during development and construction, the scenic area discovered an ancient settlement site dating back about 1,500 years, unearthed pottery, bronze ware, and other cultural relics, further confirming the historical and cultural value of this place.
Main Attractions
Long Lake Core Scenic Area
Long Lake is the core landscape of the scenic area. The lake is up to 12 meters deep, with an average depth of 6 meters. It is replenished by seasonal floods from the Keriya River. In summer, the lake surface ripples with blue waves; in winter, it becomes a habitat for migratory birds, often attracting rare birds such as swans and gray cranes. A 3-kilometer-long wooden boardwalk and 5 viewing platforms have been built along the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery up close.
Populus Euphratica Forest Ecological Area
The scenic area contains 23,000 mu of natural populus euphratica forest, with the oldest trees over 500 years old. The core viewing area covers about 5,000 mu. Every year from October to November, the populus euphratica leaves turn golden yellow, contrasting beautifully with the blue lake water. The scenic area has set up populus euphratica cultural display boards and photo check-in points, and has also opened a 2-kilometer hiking route.
Desert Adventure Area
The southern part of the scenic area connects to the edge of the Taklimakan Desert, with 150,000 mu of shifting sand dunes, the highest reaching 30 meters. It offers experience projects such as desert off-road vehicles and camel riding, and has set up an approximately 8-kilometer desert crossing route. At the end point, there is a desert camp where visitors can experience stargazing and camping.
Ancient Ruins Cultural Area
Three kilometers west of the scenic area, Tang Dynasty beacon tower ruins and ancient irrigation canal remains are preserved. The beacon tower remains are about 5 meters high, with a base circumference of 28 meters, making them relatively well-preserved ancient military facilities in the Hotan region. The scenic area has established a ruins protection and display area here, introducing the historical background through illustrated display boards.
Food
The area around the Xiwule Long Lake Scenic Area in Yutian mainly features traditional Xinjiang cuisine, integrating the distinctive flavors of the Hotan region.
Roast Whole Lamb
Made with locally free-range Hotan sheep, the whole lamb is roasted for about 3 hours. The outer skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy. Each lamb weighs about 15-20 kilograms and can serve 8-10 people. It is the signature dish of the scenic area restaurant.
Keriya Roast Fish
Made with wild carp from Long Lake, skewered with red willow branches and roasted. The fish is about 30-40 centimeters long, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with local secret spices. It is a method of eating passed down by nomadic people for thousands of years.
Populus Euphratica Mushroom Soup
Made with wild mushrooms growing in the populus euphratica forest in autumn, simmered with mutton or chicken. The soup is milky white and has a fresh, fragrant taste. Each bowl is about 500 milliliters and is considered nourishing.
Yutian Roast Buns
A local specialty pasta dish, filled with mutton and onion, baked in a tandoor for 15 minutes. Each bun weighs about 100 grams. The outer skin is crispy, and the meat filling is juicy. It is often eaten for breakfast.
Pomegranate Juice
Freshly squeezed from Yutian's specialty "Piyaman" pomegranates. Each cup is 250 milliliters, sweet and sour, rich in vitamin C, and a great summer refreshment.
Tickets：
Tickets are 10 yuan per person. As of 2025-06-17, no official WeChat public account was found.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open year-round. Daily opening hours are 9:00-21:00 (summer) and 10:00-19:00 (winter). The desert camp can provide overnight camping services, requiring advance reservation.
Recommended Tour Routes：
One-day recommended route: Buy tickets at the visitor center → Sightseeing along the Long Lake boardwalk (2 hours) → Populus euphratica forest hiking (1.5 hours) → Lunch at the scenic area restaurant → Visit the ancient ruins cultural area (1 hour) → Desert adventure experience (2 hours) → Return.
Two-day recommended route: Same as above on the first day, go to the desert camp in the evening for camping, watch the desert sunrise the next morning, experience camel riding, return to the scenic area restaurant for lunch at noon, and then return.
Transportation：
Self-driving: From Yutian County seat, drive south along National Highway G217 for 48 kilometers, then turn onto the scenic area access road. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. The scenic area parking lot can accommodate 150 small vehicles.
Chartered car: Charter a car from Yutian County seat. The round-trip cost is about 300-400 yuan and can carry 4-5 people.
Tourist bus: Departs daily at 10:00 from the Yutian County Tourism Distribution Center, directly to the scenic area. The ticket price is 25 yuan per person, and the return time is 17:00.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Long Lake Viewing Platform: Located on the west bank of the lake at an altitude of 1,320 meters, it is the best location for photographing lake views and sunsets, with telescopes provided for visitors.
Populus Euphratica Forest Core Area: During the golden period in mid-to-late October, a large number of century-old populus euphratica trees are distributed on both sides of the 2-kilometer hiking route, suitable for photography and ecological observation.
Desert Sunset Camp: Located deep in the desert adventure area at an altitude of 1,280 meters, it can accommodate 50 people camping at the same time, providing tent rental (80 yuan per tent) and bonfire party services.
Travel Suggestions：
Suggested visiting time: 2-3 days in summer, 1-2 days in autumn. The populus euphratica color-changing period in mid-to-late October is the best tourism season.
Equipment to bring: Sun protection products (SPF50 sunscreen, sun hat), windproof sand goggles, comfortable hiking shoes. In winter, a down jacket is needed (minimum temperature -15°C).
Photography suggestions: Long Lake sunrise (summer 7:30-8:00), backlit photography in the populus euphratica forest, and desert sunset (20:00-20:30) are the best shooting periods.
Experience projects: Desert off-road vehicles require reservation 1 day in advance. Camel riding is suitable for children and the elderly, and it is recommended to choose early morning or evening time slots.
Precautions：
Swimming, fishing, and damaging populus euphratica forest vegetation are prohibited in the scenic area. Violators will be fined 500-2,000 yuan.
There is no signal coverage in the desert adventure area. Visitors must follow guides or group activities and avoid going deep into the desert alone.
Respect local ethnic minority customs. Do not bring non-halal food into the scenic area restaurant.
Summer temperatures are high (up to 40°C). Replenish water in time and avoid outdoor activities at noon. In winter, roads may be icy, so pay attention to slip prevention.
The ancient ruins area is a cultural relic protection unit. Climbing and carving are prohibited. Visitors must visit within designated viewing areas.