Uluwati Scenic Area is located in Langru Township, Hotan County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at the upper mountain pass of the Karakash River on the southern foot of the Kunlun Mountains and the middle reach of the Karakash River, a west tributary of the Hotan River, 71 kilometers away from Hotan City. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a national water conservancy scenic area.
The scenic area relies on the Uluwati Water Conservancy Hub Project, a large-scale regulating reservoir with multiple benefits including irrigation, flood control, power generation, fish farming, ecological protection, and tourism. The total storage capacity of the reservoir is 347 million cubic meters, with a water area of 11.3 square kilometers, an average water depth of 15 meters, and a maximum depth of 110 meters. The dam of the reservoir is 131.8 meters high, 12 meters wide at the crest, and 365 meters long. It is the tallest dam of its type built in China so far, ranking fourth in the world and second in Asia. Known as the "Little Three Gorges of Kunlun," it is the only scenic area in China with the characteristic of "green water and barren mountains." There are several small islands at the southern end of the reservoir area, which are paradises for birds such as gray cranes, wild ducks, and geese. The reservoir area is surrounded by dry and eroded low mountains. From a distance, visitors can appreciate the grandeur of the Kunlun Mountains, and from close by, the lake is blue with beautiful reflections, presenting a picturesque scene.
History and Culture
The Uluwati Water Conservancy Hub Project began construction in August 1993 and was completed in 2001 for power generation and connected to the Hotan power grid. As a national key water conservancy construction project, it invested 1.26 billion yuan. The completion of this project has greatly improved the power generation, irrigation, and flood control situation in Hotan, playing an important role in maintaining the ecological balance, promoting economic development, and improving people's living standards in the Hotan area. It is not only a great water conservancy project but also an important part of the historical culture of the Hotan area, witnessing the local development and changes.
Main Attractions
Dam
With a grand momentum, the dam is 131.8 meters high, 12 meters wide at the crest, and 365 meters long. It is the landmark building of the scenic area, demonstrating the great achievements of human water conservancy projects.
Suolong Bridge
Spanning the reservoir, visitors can enjoy the magnificent view of the reservoir on the bridge and feel the shock of "high gorges out of flat lake."
Yulong Dam Waterfall
When the spillway releases water, it forms a spectacular waterfall landscape with splashing water and grand momentum.
Qishi (Strange Stone) Museum
The museum collects various strange stones, displaying the uncanny workmanship of nature and allowing visitors to appreciate the unique charm of stones.
Kunlun Culture Wall
Themed on Kunlun culture, it shows the historical culture, myths, and legends of the Kunlun Mountains through murals, sculptures, and other forms, enabling visitors to deeply understand the connotation of Kunlun culture.
Xiangbi (Elephant Trunk) Mountain
The mountain shape is highly similar to an elephant's trunk, lifelike, and contrasts with the green lake water, forming a beautiful natural picture.
Guai Shi (Strange Stone) Beach
It is covered with various oddly shaped stones, some like animals, some like figures, with different forms, full of fun and imagination.
Delicacies
There are some local characteristic delicacies in and around the scenic area.
Grilled Lamb Skewers
Selected fresh lamb is skewered with red willow branches and grilled. The lamb is crispy outside and tender inside, with the fragrance of red willow, sprinkled with seasonings such as cumin and chili powder, tasting very delicious.
Hand-Pulled Rice
The rice is clear and distinct, matched with tender lamb, carrots, raisins, etc., with rich taste and balanced nutrition, being a traditional local food.
Baked Naan
It has various flavors such as original, green onion, and sesame. The outer skin is crispy, and the inside is soft, easy to carry and store, being a good choice for visitors to replenish energy during play.
Yogurt Zongzi (Rice Dumpling)
The zongzi is cut into small pieces, poured with rich yogurt and honey, with a sweet and sour taste, being a dessert with Xinjiang characteristics.
Admission Ticket
The admission ticket is 45 yuan/person (including the shuttle bus).
You can search for the official WeChat public account "和田乌鲁瓦提风景区" in WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
09:00 - 19:00.
Tour Route
Visitors can first visit the dam to feel its grandeur; then go to Suolong Bridge to enjoy the panoramic view of the reservoir; then go to the Qishi Museum to view various strange stones; then go to the Kunlun Culture Wall to understand Kunlun culture; after that, go to Xiangbi Mountain, Guai Shi Beach, and other places to enjoy natural landscapes; if time permits, you can rent a small boat to play on the reservoir and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery.
Transportation
- Self-driving: You can take the Turpan-Hotan Expressway, get off at the Hotan West Interchange, and then go to the scenic area along X625.
- Chartered car: You can choose to charter a car from Hotan City to the scenic area, which is convenient and fast, and the driver will arrange the itinerary according to the needs of visitors.
Must-visit Attractions
- Dam: As the core attraction of the scenic area, the dam is 131.8 meters high and is the tallest dam of its type in China. Its grand momentum is shocking, and standing on the dam, you can overlook the entire reservoir.
- Reservoir Area: With a water area of 11.3 square kilometers, the lake water is clear and blue, surrounded by peculiarly shaped low mountains. The scenery is beautiful, making it an excellent place to appreciate the unique landscape of "green water and barren mountains." Visitors can also carry out activities such as boating and fishing here.
Tour Tips
- It can be visited in all seasons, but it is relatively hot in summer, so sun protection and heatstroke prevention measures should be taken; spring and autumn have suitable climates and are good seasons for visiting.
- During the tour, you can choose key attractions to visit according to your interests and time, or participate in entertainment activities in the scenic area such as boating and fishing.
- When visiting the Qishi Museum and Kunlun Culture Wall, you can carefully appreciate and read the relevant introductions to understand the cultural connotations therein.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area, do not litter, damage public facilities, or harm flowers and trees.
- Respect local customs and religious beliefs to avoid conflicts due to cultural differences.
- Pay attention to safety, do not climb prohibited areas, do not touch dangerous items, and pay attention to preventing drowning when playing by the lake.
- The scenic area is located in a plateau area with changeable weather. It is recommended to carry appropriate clothing and sun protection products to do a good job in keeping warm and sun protection.