Hotan is ancient name of Hotan is Yutian. It is located at the very southern end of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Hotan was one of the important places on the ancient Silk Road. From early years up till now Hotan was the economical and cultural center for the exchanges between China and the western countries. It was also a famous business and tourist city. Travelling traders came and went unceasingly.

Hotan was a very famous city among the four towns in the Western Region. In the early times of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties, ancient ~utian was the main place of exchanging goods and materials with the Central Plains. In the 3rd century B. C. Hotan was a famous"Jade Road" or"Silk Road" oasis which became an important pathway to other countries. From mainland China they carried silk to Central Asia, Middle East, Africa and Europe and their trade goods got exchanged here.

Through time and history, various cultures entered and influenced the area and created the dazzling ancient culture, including the Kunlun mythol- ogy. Therefore many ancient cultural ruins, relics and excavated articles can be found in Hotan district, e.g. Niya ancient city, Melikawat ancient city, Rawak temple, Yotkan ancient city, etc. These sites are all well known in the world because of their passing on of written proofs of ancient cultures and historical events. To research the Western Region' s history, many excavated articles, wood cuts, pieces of silk carpets, Buddha figures with golden orna-ments, mummies, ancient coins and many other relics can be found which a reassociated with the ancient civilizations of this area.