Yurungkash River
Yurungkash River, known locally as the "White Jade River," is a 504-kilometer-long waterway in Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang, celebrated as China’s primary source of nephrite jade for over 2,000 years. Originating in the Kunlun Mountains, it flows northward through the Taklamakan Desert, sustaining oasis cities like Hotan. Revered in Chinese mythology as the "Mother River of Jade," it served as a vital Silk Road corridor, linking Central Asian caravans to Han Dynasty markets. Today, it offers scenic river cruises, jade-hunting tours, and insights into Uyghur mining traditions.
Historical Overview
Jade mining along Yurungkash dates to the Neolithic era, with the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) establishing official mining sites. The river’s jade fueled Silk Road trade, with caravans transporting raw stones to Chang’an (Xi’an) and beyond. In the 19th century, British explorers documented its mining techniques, while modern projects like the 2018 Jade Cultural Park preserved its heritage. The river remains central to Uyghur identity, with annual festivals celebrating its bounty.
Geographical Layout
The river spans three zones:
- Upper Reaches: Kunlun Mountain glaciers and alpine meadows (source area).
- Middle Section: Scenic gorges with jade-rich gravel beds (prime mining zone).
- Lower Valley: Desert oasis irrigation canals, feeding Hotan’s date palm groves.
Key landmarks include the Jade Dragon Pool and the reconstructed Ming Dynasty mining camp.
Major Attractions
- Jade Mining Sites: Guided tours to active gravel beds (jade hunting permitted with permits).
- White Jade Park: A 2018 cultural complex with jade sculptures and mining exhibits.
- River Cruises: 2-hour boat tours from Hotan City, offering desert-mountain vistas.
- Uyghur Jade Markets: Local bazaars selling raw stones, carvings, and traditional tools.
- Kunlun Mountain Viewpoints: Hiking trails with panoramic river and desert views.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Half-Day Classic Route (4 hours):
Hotan City → Jade Market → White Jade Park → River Cruise → Return
Highlights: Jade shopping, cultural exhibits, and scenic views. -
Adventure Route (Full Day):
Morning: Hike Kunlun Mountain trails.
Afternoon: Jade mining tour and workshop.
Evening: Sunset cruise with Uyghur folk music. -
Cultural Immersion (2 Days):
Day 1: Explore mining history and attend a jade-carving demo.
Day 2: Visit nearby Khotan Jade Museum and join a desert camp.
Ticket Purchase
- Admission: Free entry to riverbanks; Jade Park tickets ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students).
- Guided Tours: ¥150–300/group (includes transportation and mining permits).
- Permits: Required for jade hunting (apply via Hotan Tourism Bureau).
Transportation
- By Car: 30-minute drive from Hotan City; parking ¥10/day.
- By Bus: Take Bus 10 from Hotan to Jade Market (¥5, 20 minutes), then taxi to river (¥15).
- By Taxi: Direct ride from Hotan Airport (25 minutes, ¥40–60).
Best Time & Tips
- Optimal Season: May–October (mild temperatures; avoid July–August heat).
- Essentials:
- Sun protection (hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen).
- Sturdy shoes for gravel beds.
- Cash for jade purchases (limited ATMs).
- Cultural Sensitivity: Ask permission before photographing miners; respect prayer times.
- Prohibited Items: Drones (require permits), heavy machinery near mining zones.
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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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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.
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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
