Yutian Xiwule Longhu Scenic Area is located in Xiwule Township, Yutian County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Situated in the alluvial plain of the lower reaches of the Keriya River, it is approximately 48 kilometers away from Yutian County Seat. This scenic area integrates lake wetlands, desert landscapes, and poplar forest ecosystems, and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. With a total planned area of about 120 square kilometers, the Longhu Lake itself covers an area of approximately 8 square kilometers, surrounded by 15,333 hectares of natural poplar forests and 10,000 hectares of desert landscapes. The scenic area features facilities such as a visitor center, ecological parking lot, viewing platforms, and wooden boardwalks, with a total investment of around 56 million yuan. It serves as an important destination for ecological tourism and desert adventures in the Hotan region.
History and Culture
The Keriya River Basin where Xiwule Longhu is located was the ancient territory of "Pimo State", one of the thirty-six states in the Western Regions. As recorded in The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions, this area was once an important oasis city-state along the southern route of the Silk Road. The scenic area retains multiple ancient beacon tower ruins and farmland reclamation remains, bearing witness to the development history of the Central Plains dynasties in the Western Regions during the Han and Tang dynasties. In local folklore, Longhu Lake is the residence of the "Dragon King of the Keriya River", which has nurtured the thousand-year-old oasis civilization along the river. Up to now, some herders still continue the traditional nomadic and fishing lifestyles. In 2018, during the development and construction of the scenic area, an ancient settlement site about 1,500 years old was discovered, and cultural relics such as pottery and bronze wares were unearthed, further confirming the historical and cultural value of this place.
Main Attractions
Longhu Core Tourist Area
Longhu Lake is the core landscape of the scenic area. With a maximum depth of 12 meters and an average depth of 6 meters, it is replenished by seasonal floods from the Keriya River. In summer, the lake is a vibrant blue, while in winter, it becomes a habitat for migratory birds such as swans and gray cranes. The scenic area has built a 3-kilometer wooden boardwalk and five viewing platforms along the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy the lake and mountain views up close.
Poplar Forest Ecological Area
The scenic area is home to 15,333 hectares of natural poplar forests, some of which are over 500 years old. The core viewing area covers approximately 333 hectares. Every October to November, the poplar leaves turn golden, creating a stunning contrast with the blue lake. Here, the scenic area has set up cultural display boards and photography spots, as well as a 2-kilometer hiking trail.
Desert Adventure Area
Adjacent to the edge of the Taklimakan Desert in the south, this area features 10,000 hectares of shifting sand dunes, with the tallest reaching 30 meters. It offers activities such as desert off-road vehicle rides and camel trekking, along with an 8-kilometer desert crossing route that ends at a desert camp where visitors can experience camping under the stars.
Ancient Relics Cultural Area
Three kilometers west of the scenic area, there remain the relics of a Tang Dynasty beacon tower and ancient irrigation canals. The beacon tower, with a residual height of about 5 meters and a base circumference of 28 meters, is one of the best-preserved ancient military facilities in the Hotan region. The scenic area has established a heritage protection and exhibition zone here, introducing the historical background through graphic and text display boards.
Culinary Delights
The area around Yutian Xiwule Longhu Scenic Area features traditional Xinjiang cuisine blended with local Hotan flavors.
Roast Whole Lamb
Made from locally raised Hetian sheep, the lamb is roasted whole for about three hours until the skin is golden and crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy. Each lamb weighs approximately 15-20 kilograms, serving 8-10 people. It is the signature dish of the scenic area's restaurants.
Keriya Roast Fish
Fresh wild carp from Longhu Lake is skewered with red willow branches and roasted to a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. Served with special local spices, this dish has been a nomadic tradition for thousands of years.
Poplar Mushroom Soup
Wild mushrooms collected from the poplar forests in autumn are simmered with lamb or chicken to create a creamy, fragrant soup. Each bowl contains about 500 milliliters and is known for its nourishing properties.
Yutian Baked Buns
A local specialty, these buns are stuffed with minced lamb and onions and baked in a nang oven for 15 minutes. Each bun weighs about 100 grams, with a crispy crust and juicy filling, often served for breakfast.
Pomegranate Juice
Freshly squeezed from the famous "Piyaman" pomegranates of Yutian, each 250-milliliter glass is sweet and tangy, rich in vitamin C, making it a perfect summer refresher.
Admission Fees
Admission is 10 yuan per person. As of June 17, 2025, there is no official WeChat public account found.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open year-round from 9:00 to 21:00 in summer and 10:00 to 19:00 in winter. The desert camp offers overnight camping services, but reservations are required.
Recommended Itineraries
One-day itinerary: Purchase tickets at the visitor center → Stroll along the Longhu Boardwalk (2 hours) → Hike through the Poplar Forest (1.5 hours) → Lunch at the scenic area restaurant → Visit the Ancient Relics Cultural Area (1 hour) → Experience desert adventures (2 hours) → Return.
Two-day itinerary: Follow the one-day itinerary on the first day; camp at the desert camp in the evening. On the second day, watch the desert sunrise, enjoy a camel ride, have lunch at the restaurant, and then return.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Drive south from Yutian County Seat along National Highway 217 for 48 kilometers, then turn onto the scenic area's dedicated road. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. The scenic area parking lot can accommodate 150 small vehicles.
- Chartered vehicle: Charter a vehicle in Yutian County for a round trip costing approximately 300-400 yuan, suitable for 4-5 people.
- Tourist bus: Daily departures from Yutian County Tourism Distribution Center at 10:00, arriving directly at the scenic area. The fare is 25 yuan per person, with a return departure at 17:00.
Must-visit Attractions
- Longhu Viewing Platform: Located on the west bank of the lake at an altitude of 1,320 meters, it offers the best views of the lake and sunset. Telescopes are available for visitors.
- Poplar Forest Core Area: During the golden period in mid to late October, the 2-kilometer hiking trail is lined with centuries-old poplar trees, ideal for photography and ecological observation.
- Desert Sunset Camp: Situated deep in the desert adventure area at an altitude of 1,280 meters, it can accommodate 50 campers. Tent rentals (80 yuan per tent) and bonfire evenings are available.
Travel Tips
- Recommended duration: 2-3 days in summer, 1-2 days in autumn. The best time to visit is mid to late October when the poplar leaves change color.
- Essential items: Sunscreen (SPF50+), sun hat, windproof goggles, comfortable hiking shoes. Warm winter clothing is necessary (minimum temperature -15°C).
- Photography tips: Best times for shooting are sunrise at Longhu Lake (7:30-8:00 in summer), backlit poplar forests, and desert sunset (20:00-20:30).
- Activity arrangements: Book desert off-road vehicles one day in advance. Camel rides are suitable for children and the elderly, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon.
Precautions
- Swimming, fishing, and damaging poplar forest vegetation are prohibited. Violators will be fined 500-2,000 yuan.
- The desert adventure area has no signal coverage. Always follow a guide or group and avoid venturing alone into the desert.
- Respect local ethnic minority customs. Do not bring non-Halal food into the scenic area restaurants.
- Extreme summer heat (up to 40°C) requires adequate hydration. Avoid outdoor activities during midday. Take caution on icy roads in winter.
- The ancient relics area is a protected cultural site. Climbing or defacing is forbidden. Visitors must stay within designated viewing areas.