description Hotan Oasis Overview
Hotan is an oasis city on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang, China, historically known as Khotan. It was a Buddhist kingdom and an important stop on the southern branch of the Silk Road. The region is particularly associated with nephrite jade gathered from local rivers and traded eastward into China, as well as with traditional silk production and irrigated oasis agriculture.
help Hotan Oasis FAQ
Where is the Hotan Oasis located?
The Hotan Oasis is located on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert in the Xinjiang region of China. It sits along the historical southern branch of the Silk Road.
What was the historical significance of the Hotan Oasis?
Historically known as Khotan, it was a major independent Buddhist kingdom for centuries. It served as a crucial trading hub where Central Asian, Chinese, and Indian cultures intersected along the Silk Road.
Why is the Hotan region famous for jade?
The Hotan region is famous for producing high-quality nephrite jade, historically known as "mutton-fat" jade. This jade is gathered from the riverbeds that flow from the nearby Kunlun Mountains into the oasis.
Did the Hotan Oasis have a dominant religion before Islam?
Yes, before the spread of Islam into the region, Hotan was a prominent center of Buddhism. It was renowned for its Buddhist monasteries and played a key role in translating Buddhist texts into Chinese.
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