1 Oct 2025
Morning in Hotan (和田): Jade Market & Airport Transfer
Our day began by revisiting the Hotan Jade Market (和田玉市场) one last time before returning to the hotel to check out. From there, we headed to the airport for our flight to Kuqa (库车 / 龟兹).
The flight was short and domestic. Security checks were straightforward and not stressful, a relief compared to hauling luggage onto a local train. Although we didn’t cross the Taklamakan Desert (塔克拉玛干沙漠) by road, we managed to snap a photo from the plane—seeing the vast desert from above was still breathtaking.
Kuqa Hotel Pickup & First Impressions
Kuqa, historically also referred to as Kucha, Woka, Qocha, or the ancient Qocho, is an important city in the northern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains in southern Xinjiang. It was once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Kucha, a prominent oasis state along the northern route of the Silk Road from around the 3rd century BCE to the 8th century CE. Kuqa was famous for its Buddhist culture, leaving behind rich remnants of cave temples, murals, and sculptures, making it a key site for studying the cultural and religious exchanges along the Silk Road. Today, Kuqa County serves as a modern administrative region, strategically located between the Tianshan foothills and the Tarim Basin, offering a gateway to explore southern Xinjiang’s history and heritage.
Upon arrival, our hotel arranged for a pickup. Many hotels in Xinjiang offer this service, though it usually requires booking the day before. Without a Chinese phone number or language ability, it can sometimes be tricky. Some drivers may ask you to call upon arrival, which can complicate things.
For us, it was smooth. The driver from our Kuqa (库车) hotel picked us up promptly. Honestly, this hotel was our favorite during the Xinjiang trip. During our three-night stay, they served grapes and yogurt on different days. Breakfast was bustling but sumptuous. Impressively, the hotel grows most of the vegetables and grains served in its restaurant, and the staff—housekeeping, reception, and shopkeepers—were all exceptionally friendly.
The rooms were spacious and comfortable, the bathroom had strong water pressure, and the separate wet and dry areas made it very practical. Overall, it was an ideal base for exploring Kuqa (库车).
Lunch at 一阳古堡餐厅
After settling in, we took a taxi to 一阳古堡餐厅. The restaurant had a nice atmosphere and, though slightly touristy in price, the quality justified it.
We ordered the BBQ set, which included lamb, beef, chicken, and pigeon. Everything was delicious, but definitely too much for two people—we just wanted to try something different.
Afternoon Exploration: Kuqa Museums & Local Market
Next, we visited the Kizil / Kuqa Museum (龟兹博物馆). Admission was free, and while the collection was relatively small, it was beautifully presented and very informative. (Tip: check mid-day closure hours before visiting.)
We then wandered to a nearby market just off the museum street. Later, we stopped by the Kuqa Museum (库车博物馆). It was small but pleasant. Feeling a bit tired, we strolled through a local market featuring dried fruits and food stalls before heading back to rest.
By now, we had settled into a rhythm: taking a break during the hottest part of the day is essential in desert weather, allowing you to enjoy the cooler evening hours when shops and night markets are still lively.
Evening: Kuqa Walking Streets (库车步行街)
In the evening, we took a taxi to the Kuqa walking streets. Unfortunately, we arrived quite late—around 9 p.m.—so there wasn’t much left to see, although the street itself was quite cute. We took some photos, ate lovely noodles, and treated ourselves to ice cream.
Oh, and we also walked from Qiuci Xiaoxiang（龟兹小巷）all the way to Resitan Old Street（热斯坦老街）.
By the time we reached Resitan Old Street, it was almost 10 p.m. Many food stalls were still open, but about 80% of the main shops on the main street had already closed. The street was long—much longer than we expected—so by the time we reached the far end and arrived at Kuqa Prince Mansion（库车王府）, we were exhausted. The mansion, of course, was already closed.
It was also surprisingly difficult to get a taxi at night. For some reason, there seemed to be much more demand than supply. Fortunately, we eventually managed to get a ride through the app. Even the taxi driver said that there were a lot of people in Kuqa that day. But since it was already Golden Week in China, perhaps tourists were starting to arrive. Still, I’m glad we were in Xinjiang—there were plenty of people, but with such a vast space, it never felt uncomfortably crowded.
And with that little night adventure, we called it a day and returned to the hotel for some well-earned rest.
Tips & Travel Insights
- Hotel Pickup: Many Xinjiang hotels offer airport/train pickups; book a day ahead. Without a local phone number, coordination may be tricky.
- Afternoon Breaks: The desert sun is intense. Take a midday rest to conserve energy for evening exploration.
- Local Cuisine: BBQ sets can be huge—perfect for sampling multiple meats, but plan accordingly if traveling in pairs.
- Museums: Check opening hours, especially mid-day closures. Even small museums can be informative and well-presented.
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