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Visit Guide to Hotan Sunday Market

The Hotan Sunday Market is a vibrant and culturally rich marketplace with a history spanning over a thousand years. Every Sunday, the market comes to life with a colourful array of stalls run by Uyghur, Tajik, Kazakh and Chinese merchants selling all sorts of traditional items. As a historic trading post along the Silk Road, the market has evolved over time, becoming a vibrant hub for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange.

Getting There

The Hotan Sunday Market is easily reached on foot or by taxi within the city centre.

What to Expect

As a historic trading post along the Silk Road, the market has evolved over time, becoming a vibrant hub for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange. Today, it continues to attract locals and travellers seeking a glimpse into Xinjiang’s rich culture. The best way to experience the market is to simply wander around exploring the many traditional items on offer, such as carpets, silk textiles, jewellery, spices and traditional crafts.

Bargaining and haggling are part of the experience, which allows visitors to engage with locals and take home unique souvenirs. The market is also a culinary delight, offering a chance to try Uyghur cuisine and local street foods like lamb skewers and naan bread. The market serves as a reflection of the region’s rich Central Asian cultural heritage and Silk Road history.