The Hotan Tuan City Scenic Area is located at No. 98 Gujiang North Road, Narbagh Subdistrict, Hotan City, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in the central area of Hotan City. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, a national-level tourism and leisure district, and a nighttime culture and tourism consumption cluster area of the autonomous region. The scenic area covers an area of 83 hectares and was originally a traditional shantytown in the old city of Hotan. It is named for its layout, which radiates from the center with streets and alleys surrounding it, symbolizing the "City of Unity" and representing the close unity of all ethnic groups in Hotan. The scenic area preserves the authentic "Ayiwang" architectural style, with distinctive features such as patterned brick walls, carved wooden doors and windows, earth-brown bricks and tiles, and arched skylights, reflecting local folk customs.
History and Culture
The old urban area of Hotan Tuan City has a history of more than 600 years and is rich in cultural heritage. In the past, it was a market for flowers, birds, fish, and insects. Most houses were made of rammed earth or brick and wood structures, with outdated infrastructure and poor sanitation, and it was known as "Pigeon Alley." In 2016, the local government invested a total of 317 million yuan (including 132 million yuan in Beijing aid funds for Hotan) to renovate the old urban area (Tuan City). Adhering to the concept of "one street, one plan; one household, one design," it repaired buildings and improved infrastructure, transforming the area into a folk-style district that organically integrates traditional residences and specialty shops. This gave the area a completely new look, making it a landmark tourist attraction in Hotan and preserving the folk customs of the Uygur people.
Main Attractions
Tuan City Family
A highly ethnic-style "Ayiwang" architectural structure. The long, narrow staircase at the entrance is a popular photo spot. Its unique architectural style attracts many tourists to take photos, and the interior may also display scenes of Uygur life and distinctive decorations.
"Vineyard" Homestay
One of the internet-famous photo spots in Tuan City, it has 10 guest rooms of different types, with about 200 people visiting and checking in daily. Grape trellises spread across the area, full of the flavor of daily life. Tourists can experience distinctive accommodation here and feel the local customs.
Food Check-in Wall
Gathering introductions and displays of many Hotan specialty foods, it is a window for tourists to learn about Hotan's food culture and is also suitable for photos, leaving behind food memories.
Pigeon Pavilion
As a witness to the history of Tuan City when it was once "Pigeon Alley," its shape may be distinctive, and the surrounding environment is also uniquely charming. It is a landmark attraction along the tourist route.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Display Area
In the district, there are displays and experience activities for intangible cultural heritage such as atlas silk, Hotan handmade wool carpets, traditional Hotan woodcarving techniques, and Hotan medicinal tea-making techniques. Tourists can witness craftsmen's production processes and even participate personally, gaining an in-depth understanding of local traditional culture and experiencing the charm of intangible cultural heritage.
Food
Baked Samosa (Samusa)
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, made with flour as the wrapper and mutton and other ingredients as filling, with appropriate seasonings added, wrapped into a bun shape, and baked in a tandoor. Delicious and authentic baked samosas can be tasted at shops such as the Rexiti Baked Samosa Shop next to the old teahouse.
Handmade Ice Cream
Made using traditional methods, with various specialty flavors such as marzipan, it is cool and refreshing. Local specialty ingredients may be added during production, giving it a unique taste.
Roast Whole Lamb
Made from fat and strong sheep. After slaughtering, scalding, dehairing, marinating, and seasoning, it is roasted in a special tandoor over fruitwood charcoal. The outer skin is golden and crispy, the meat is tender and juicy, and the aroma is rich. It is a common food in the night market of Hotan Tuan City.
Hand-Grabbed Rice
Cooked by simmering rice, mutton, carrots, onions, and other ingredients. The mutton is tender, and the sweetness of the carrots and onions blends into the rice. It is nutritious and rich in layering of taste.
Roasted Eggs
Eggs, duck eggs, and other eggs are specially processed and roasted over charcoal. Roasted eggs have a unique texture and rich flavor. They are a specialty snack sold at the night market by Zurpikar Toht, an old resident of Tuan City, and are deeply loved by tourists.
Yogurt Zongzi
Cut zongzi into small pieces, pour thick yogurt over them, and sprinkle with white sugar or honey. The zongzi is soft and glutinous, and the yogurt is sweet and sour, creating a wonderful texture. It is a uniquely distinctive dessert.
Mulberry Jam Roast Lamb Chops
It is said that the recipe originates from ancient Yutian palace culinary classics. It is an improved innovative dish. The roasted lamb chops are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, infused with the sweet and sour taste of mulberry jam, offering a unique flavor. It has become an internet-famous photo-check-in food.
Tickets：
Free admission.
Opening Hours：
Open all day, but some shops and experience activities inside may have their own business hours, such as some intangible cultural heritage display areas and restaurants. It is recommended to choose daytime for visiting to fully experience various activities, and at night you can enjoy the night view of Tuan City and participate in nighttime performances and other activities.
Tour Route：
After entering from the scenic area entrance, first go to Tuan City Family to check in and take photos, experiencing the "Ayiwang" architectural style; then go to the Food Check-in Wall to learn about Hotan's food culture; afterward stroll to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Display Area to experience intangible cultural heritage skills such as atlas silk weaving and woodcarving; then visit the "Vineyard" Homestay; finally visit the Pigeon Pavilion. At night, you can go to the Food Culture Street to taste specialty foods and enjoy nighttime performances, folk performances, and other activities.
Transportation：
Bus: You can check Hotan city bus routes and take a bus that can reach near Narbagh Subdistrict, then walk to the scenic area after getting off.
Taxi: Take a taxi within Hotan City and directly tell the driver to go to the Hotan Tuan City Scenic Area, which is convenient and quick.
Self-driving: Set the destination in the navigation software as Hotan Tuan City Scenic Area (No. 98 Gujiang North Road, Narbagh Subdistrict, Hotan City, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region). There are parking lots around the scenic area for parking.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Tuan City Family: A typical "Ayiwang"-style building and a popular photo spot, where you can intuitively experience local architectural features and customs.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Display Area: Gathers multiple Hotan intangible cultural heritage skills. You can personally experience the charm of traditional handicrafts and learn about the profound local cultural heritage.
Food Culture Street: Concentrates many Hotan specialty foods, allowing you to taste authentic local flavors in one place and satisfy your taste buds.
"Vineyard" Homestay: An internet-famous photo spot with a unique accommodation experience and environment, where you can feel the local atmosphere of life.
Travel Suggestions：
It is recommended to spend 1–2 days visiting. During the day, fully tour the various attractions and participate in intangible cultural heritage experience activities. At night, enjoy the night view, taste food, and watch performances to deeply experience the charm of Tuan City.
Prepare sun protection items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat, as the sunlight in the Hotan area is strong.
Wear light and comfortable shoes, because touring the scenic area is mainly on foot, making it convenient for long walks.
Set aside a certain budget to buy specialty handicrafts and souvenirs, such as atlas silk products, woodcarvings, and handmade carpets.
Notes：
Respect local religious beliefs and customs. For example, when entering some religious places, pay attention to dressing appropriately and do not take photos at will.
Protect the scenic area environment, do not spit or litter, and keep the scenic area clean.
When participating in intangible cultural heritage experience activities or buying handicrafts, understand the prices in advance to avoid unnecessary disputes.
When tasting food, pay attention to food hygiene to avoid physical discomfort caused by eating unclean food.
When visiting the scenic area at night, pay attention to the safety of personal belongings and avoid going to remote and dim corners.