Wuluwati Reservoir
Uluwat Reservoir, located in Pishan County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang, is a monumental hydroelectric project completed in 2001. Spanning 3.47 billion cubic meters in capacity, it stretches 22 kilometers across the Kunlun Mountains foothills, serving as a critical irrigation and power source for arid southern Xinjiang. Beyond its engineering significance, the reservoir offers stunning desert-mountain vistas, ancient Silk Road caravan trails, and proximity to Uyghur cultural sites like the Khotan Jade Market.
Historical Overview
Construction began in 1993 as part of China’s Western Development Strategy, mobilizing over 10,000 workers to relocate ancient tombs and restore nearby cultural relics. The project transformed a barren gorge into a lifeline for 500,000 hectares of farmland, while preserving 1,500-year-old Buddhist cave murals discovered during excavation. In 2005, it was recognized as a "National Eco-Tourism Demonstration Zone" for balancing development and heritage conservation.
Structural Layout
The reservoir’s design integrates three zones:
- Dam Core: A 138-meter-high arch dam with 8 spillway gates, generating 150 MW of electricity.
- Lake Area: A 22km-long reservoir with islands formed by submerged hills.
- Cultural Buffer: Protected zones for Silk Road relics, including the reconstructed Kargilik Ancient City.
Key structures include the Dam Observation Deck and the Silk Road Museum.
Major Attractions
- Dam Observation Deck: Panoramic views of the reservoir, Kunlun peaks, and Taklamakan Desert.
- Silk Road Museum: Displays excavated Tang Dynasty pottery and Buddhist scriptures.
- Kargilik Ancient City: A reconstructed 8th-century trading post with mud-brick fortifications.
- Desert Adventure Zone: Camel treks, dune buggy rides, and stargazing camps.
- Uyghur Cultural Village: Traditional adobe homes, craft workshops, and folk performances.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Half-Day Classic Route (4 hours):
Dam Entrance → Observation Deck → Silk Road Museum → Kargilik Ancient City → Uyghur Village
Highlights: Engineering marvels, historical artifacts, and cultural interactions. -
Adventure Route (Full Day):
Morning: Camel trek in Taklamakan Desert.
Afternoon: Visit museum and ancient city.
Evening: Sunset cruise on the reservoir. -
Cultural Immersion (2 Days):
Day 1: Explore hydroelectric facilities and attend a Uyghur music concert.
Day 2: Trek to nearby hot springs and join a pottery-making workshop.
Ticket Purchase
- Admission: Free entry to the reservoir area; museum tickets ¥30 (adults), ¥15 (students).
- Guided Tours: ¥200–400/group (includes transportation and desert activities).
- Permits: Required for overnight camping (apply via Xinjiang Tourism Bureau).
Transportation
- By Car: 2.5-hour drive from Hotan City via G315; parking ¥10/day.
- By Bus: Daily buses from Hotan to Pishan County (¥25, 1.5 hours), then taxi to reservoir (¥15).
- By Tour: Pre-arranged tours from Urumqi (¥600–800/person, including flights).
Best Time & Tips
- Optimal Season: April–October (mild temperatures; avoid July–August heat).
- Essentials:
- Sun protection (hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen).
- Warm clothing for desert nights (temperatures drop 15°C after sunset).
- Cash for remote villages (limited ATM access).
- Cultural Sensitivity: Ask permission before photographing locals; dress modestly in villages.
- Prohibited Items: Drones (require special permits), open fires.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
