Kunyu

Kunyu has large temperature swings between day and night, so bring both sun protection and warm clothing when visiting the desert and mountains.

Kunyu lies at the northern foot of the Kunlun Mountains, on the southern edge of the Taklamakan Desert. It is a young city built through military land reclamation on what was once barren Gobi terrain. Travel here focuses on Kunlun Mountain canyon scenery and the history of veterans in the desert, making it a good choice for visitors interested in military farming culture and natural landscapes.

• Kunlun Mountains Grand Canyon: This national AAAA-rated scenic area showcases the Kunlun Mountains, known as the “ancestor of all mountains.” Snow-covered peaks, meadows and canyons offer opportunities for hiking and photography.

• People’s Liberation Army Advance into Hotan Memorial Square: The square is an important place to learn about the spirit of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Its monument is shaped like the number “47,” commemorating the troops’ march across the Taklamakan Desert in 1949.
• Veterans’ Spirit Exhibition Hall: Developed from the former Advance into Hotan Memorial Hall, this museum tells veterans’ stories through historical objects and documentaries. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is solemn.
• First Pasture Blue Lake Ecological Park: Set around an alpine lake formed by a natural dam, the park offers reflections of snowy peaks and scenery that changes with the seasons. Activities include fruit picking and playing in the snow.

• 224th Regiment Jujube Orchard: This production area for “Hotan Jade Jujubes” covers 131,000 mu (about 8,733 hectares). A walk through the orchards offers insight into the local transformation from desert to oasis. Visitors in autumn can also take part in picking.

• Taklamakan Desert Edge Experience Area: Activities include camel rides and watching the sunset over the dunes, offering a close-up experience of the desert landscape. Admission is about RMB 30 per person.
• Kunyu River Ecological Corridor (Riverside Park): The park is just across the road from the exit of Kunyu Railway Station. Green spaces and walking paths line the river, with riverside lights to enjoy after dark. Admission is free.
• Turdi Haji Manor: First built in 1915, this nationally protected cultural heritage site combines Han Chinese mortise-and-tenon construction with Uyghur architectural styles and is valuable for historical and cultural research.

3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Kunyu and explore its military farming history
  • Morning: After arriving at Kunyu Railway Station, take a walk through the Kunyu River Ecological Corridor across from the station to see the riverside greenery of this desert oasis city.
  • Afternoon: Head to the 47th Regiment Veterans’ Town to visit the People’s Liberation Army Advance into Hotan Memorial Hall and monument. Learn about the 1,800 officers and soldiers who crossed the “Sea of Death” on foot.
  • Evening: Stroll around Times Square or the 224th Regiment Night Market in the city and sample local snacks.

• Day 2: Explore the Kunlun Mountains and desert scenery
  • Morning: Drive to the Kunlun Mountains Grand Canyon at First Pasture, enjoying mountain scenery of snowy peaks, canyons and streams along the way and during your visit.

• Afternoon: Choose between Blue Lake Ecological Park and the Taklamakan Desert Edge Experience Area. If you choose the desert area, you can take a camel ride and watch the sunset over the dunes.
  • Evening: Return to the city to rest, with local grilled meat and pilaf as dinner options.
• Day 3: Visit jujube orchards and cultural sites
  • Morning: Visit the Hotan Jade Jujube Orchard in the 224th Regiment. Explore the extensive orchards and learn how military land reclamation transformed the oasis. In autumn, you can also arrange to pick jujubes.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Kunyu City Museum free of charge to learn about the Niya ruins, Hotan jade specimens and the history of farming settlements. Alternatively, head to Pishan Farm to visit Turdi Haji Manor.
  • Early evening: Head to Kunyu Railway Station for your return journey.

Dining and Accommodation Guide

• Local food: Kunyu’s food combines southern Xinjiang flavors with Production and Construction Corps traditions. Try golden grilled lamb from Kunquan Town, Pishan Farm, made by coating lamb in cornmeal and roasting it in a naan oven. Other options include naan-oven roasted meat, pilaf, big-plate chicken and sticky rice dumplings with yogurt. For local products to take home, consider Hotan Jade Jujubes and Kunlun snow chrysanthemum tea.
• Accommodation options:
  • Comfortable hotels: Kunyu Grand Hotel, at about RMB 380 per night, has a fairly full range of facilities and suits travelers who prioritize comfort.
  • Budget options: Kunyu Meihao Hotel costs about RMB 224 per night, and Kunyu Hotel about RMB 220 per night. Both offer convenient locations and standard accommodation services.
  • Distinctive homestays: Jujube Orchard Homestay costs about RMB 180–260 per night. Homestays in Veterans’ Village are another option for experiencing the setting of local military farming life.

Transport and Travel Tips

• Transport: Kunyu Railway Station is on the Kashgar–Hotan Railway. The train journey from Hotan city takes about 7 minutes and costs RMB 46. Veterans’ Town, the jujube orchards and the Grand Canyon are spread across different regimental farms, with limited public transport connections. Driving yourself or hiring a car with a driver is recommended.
• When to visit: May to October is generally suitable for travel. September and October are the jujube harvest season, when you can enjoy autumn orchard scenery and arrange picking activities. Winter is cold, with strong winds and blowing sand, making it a less suitable choice.
• Visitor advice:
  • Attractions are spread out, so allow time for travel between them. Keep quiet and behave respectfully at revolutionary memorial sites such as memorial halls and cemeteries. Do not attempt to recreate the historic desert march on your own.
  • Sun exposure is strong at the desert edge and in the canyons, and temperatures vary considerably between day and night. Bring sun protection, warm clothing and plenty of drinking water.
  • At some attractions, including Turdi Haji Manor, the caretaker may be absent. Before setting out, contact the local culture and tourism department or site staff to confirm access and coordinate your visit.
  • Be cautious about “Hotan jade” sold by the roadside and jade of unknown origin. Buy valuable items through reputable channels.