Hotan, located in Xinjiang, China, has a rich history as a major silk production point, with more than a thousand workers employed to produce 150 million meters of silk annually. From this production, the Hotanese pile carpets were born and continue to be highly prized. The traditional methods of making these carpets are still being used, and they are available in various sizes, with personalized models being ordered mostly for export. We visited the biggest carpet factory in the area and witnessed the skill and dedication required to make a single model of carpet. The manager informed us that it could take up to three months to finish one carpet. The workers have flexible schedules and can take breaks whenever they want since they are paid per project, not monthly.

Hotan, located in Xinjiang, China, has a rich history as a major silk production point, with more than a thousand workers employed to produce 150 million meters of silk annually. From this production, the Hotanese pile carpets were born and continue to be highly prized. The traditional methods of making these carpets are still being used, and they are available in various sizes, with personalized models being ordered mostly for export. We visited the biggest carpet factory in the area and witnessed the skill and dedication required to make a single model of carpet. The manager informed us that it could take up to three months to finish one carpet. The workers have flexible schedules and can take breaks whenever they want since they are paid per project, not monthly.
Apart from the carpet industry, Hotan is known for its nephrite jade market. The light-colored jade, also known as "Mutton fat jade," is highly sought after, with people from all over China coming to Hotan to buy it. Although only a few kilos of good quality jade are found annually, it is still considered precious. We delved deeper into the jade market to find out why these stones are so highly prized. We discovered that jade has a rich cultural significance in China and is believed to bring good luck and fortune.
If you want to learn more about Hotan's rich history, local food, and traditions, check out our full documentary, episode Hotan. You'll discover the mouth-watering taste of whole lamb pit-cooking and roasted 3-yolk goose egg. We'll also take you through the importance of Hotan in the history of the Silk Road. Don't forget to leave your comments below and share this post with your friends.

Xinjiang Carpet Production