Ulugwat Scenic Area is located in Langru Township, Hotan County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It lies at the upstream mountain pass of the Karakash River on the southern slope of the Kunlun Mountains, in the middle reaches of the Karakash River, the western tributary of the Hotan River, 71 kilometers from Hotan City. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a national water conservancy scenic area.
Relying on the Ulugwat Water Conservancy Hub Project, the scenic area features a large regulating reservoir with multiple benefits such as irrigation, flood control, power generation, fish farming, ecological protection, and tourism. The reservoir has a total storage capacity of 347 million cubic meters, a water area of 11.3 square kilometers, an average water depth of 15 meters, and a maximum depth of 110 meters. The dam is 131.8 meters high, with a crest width of 12 meters and a length of 365 meters. It is currently the tallest dam of its type built in China, ranking fourth in the world and second in Asia. It enjoys the reputation of the "Little Three Gorges of the Kunlun" and is the only scenic area in China known for its "green water and barren mountains" feature. At the southern end of the reservoir area are several small islands, which are a paradise for birds such as gray cranes, wild ducks, and wild geese. The reservoir area is surrounded by dry, denuded low mountains. From afar, visitors can appreciate the majestic appearance of the vast Kunlun; up close, the lake water is deep blue, with beautiful lake reflections and scenery.
History and Culture
The Ulugwat Water Conservancy Hub Project began construction in August 1993 and was completed in 2001, generating power and connecting to the Hotan power grid. It is a key national water conservancy construction project with an investment of 1.26 billion yuan. The completion of this project greatly improved power generation, irrigation, and flood control conditions in Hotan, and played an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Hotan area, promoting economic development, and improving people's living standards. It is not only a great water conservancy project, but has also become an important part of the historical culture of the Hotan area, witnessing the local development and changes.
Main Attractions
The Dam
Magnificent in momentum, the dam is 131.8 meters high, with a crest width of 12 meters and a length of 365 meters. It is the landmark building of the scenic area and demonstrates the great achievements of human water conservancy engineering.
Suolong Bridge
Spanning the reservoir, visitors can enjoy the magnificent views of the reservoir from the bridge and feel the shock of a high gorge yielding a calm lake.
Yulong Dam Flying Waterfall
When the spillway releases water, it forms a spectacular waterfall landscape, with splashing water and tremendous momentum.
Rare Stone Hall
The hall houses various rare and peculiar stones, showcasing the uncanny workmanship of nature and allowing visitors to appreciate the unique charm of stones.
Kunlun Culture Wall
With Kunlun culture as its theme, it displays the history, culture, myths, and legends of the Kunlun Mountains through murals, sculptures, and other forms, allowing visitors to gain an in-depth understanding of the connotations of Kunlun culture.
Elephant Trunk Hill
The mountain body resembles an elephant's trunk in shape, vivid and lifelike, forming a beautiful natural picture together with the emerald green lake water.
Strange Stone Beach
Covered with various oddly shaped stones, some resembling animals and some resembling people, they are diverse in form and full of fun and imagination.
Food
There are some local specialty foods within and around the scenic area.
Grilled Mutton Skewers
Fresh mutton is selected and skewered with red willow branches for roasting. The mutton is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with the fresh fragrance of red willow. Sprinkled with cumin, chili powder, and other seasonings, it tastes very delicious.
Pilaf
The rice grains are distinct, paired with tender mutton, carrots, raisins, and more. It has a rich texture and balanced nutrition and is a traditional local food.
Nang
It comes in many flavors, such as original, scallion, and sesame. The outer crust is crispy and the inside is soft. It is easy to carry and preserve and is a good choice for visitors to replenish energy during their trip.
Yogurt Zongzi
Cut zongzi into small pieces and pour thick yogurt and honey over them. It tastes sweet and sour and is a dessert with Xinjiang characteristics.
Tickets：
Tickets are 45 yuan per person (including shuttle bus).
You can search for the official WeChat public account "Hotan Ulugwat Scenic Area" to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours：
09:00 - 19:00.
Tour Route：
Visitors can first visit the dam and feel its majesty; then go to Suolong Bridge to enjoy the panoramic view of the reservoir; then go to the Rare Stone Hall to view various rare stones; then go to the Kunlun Culture Wall to learn about Kunlun culture; afterward head to Elephant Trunk Hill, Strange Stone Beach, and other places to enjoy the natural scenery; if time permits, you can rent a small boat and tour the reservoir, enjoying the lake and mountain scenery.
Transportation：
Self-driving: You can take the Turpan-Hotan Expressway, exit at the Hotan West Interchange, and then head to the scenic area along X625.
Chartered car: In Hotan City, you can choose to charter a car to the scenic area, which is convenient and fast. The driver will arrange the itinerary according to the visitor's needs.
Must-Visit Attractions：
The Dam: As the core attraction of the scenic area, the dam is 131.8 meters high and is the tallest dam of its type in China. Its magnificent momentum is shocking. Standing on the dam, you can overlook the entire reservoir.
Reservoir Area: The water area is 11.3 square kilometers. The lake water is clear and blue, surrounded by strangely shaped low mountains. The scenery is beautiful. It is an excellent place to appreciate the unique landscape of "green water and barren mountains." Visitors can also go boating and fishing here.
Travel Suggestions：
It can be visited in all four seasons, but summer is relatively hot, so sun protection and heatstroke prevention measures are needed; spring and autumn have pleasant climates and are good seasons for traveling.
During the trip, you can choose key attractions to visit according to your interests and time, and you can also participate in entertainment activities in the scenic area, such as boating and fishing.
When visiting the Rare Stone Hall and Kunlun Culture Wall, you can carefully appreciate and read the relevant introductions to understand their cultural connotations.
Precautions：
Observe the regulations of the scenic area, do not litter, do not damage public facilities, and do not harm flowers and trees.
Respect local customs and religious beliefs and avoid conflicts caused by cultural differences.
Pay attention to safety, do not climb areas where climbing is prohibited, do not touch dangerous items, and be careful to prevent drowning when playing by the lake.
The scenic area is located on a plateau, and the weather is changeable. It is recommended to bring appropriate clothing and sun protection supplies, and take good measures for warmth and sun protection.