After a night in Yarkand the trip continued to Hotan (also called Khotan or Hetian). The road was far from as good as advertised and once again, majority of it under construction (probably destroyed due to flooding). Next to it was the new railway that soon will be in use.

Famous for its jade and silk we spent the day visiting an old workshop where I bought a nature colored handmade scarf. Thereafter we joined the locals searching for jade at the river. Seeing people looking for jade by the river bed, probably day after day, and knowing how many farmers who have gone bankrupt, you cannot stop feeling sad. But the feeling of just a slight chance is intoxicating and even I dug in for some time. Day was finished of by exploring the bazaar and shopping a local hat and hand-made knives.

Impression of Hotan is good and people are friendly and curious. Also here a lot of fun taking photos of people. And food is great, especially the bread that has even more different kinds here.

Tags: atlas, hetian, hotan, jade, khotan, silk