Uluwati Scenic Area

Uluwati Scenic Area

Uluwati Scenic Area is a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction and a National Water Conservancy Scenic Area.

In December 2007, Uluwati Scenic Area was rated as a National AAA-level Tourist Attraction. It is located at the mountain pass of the upper reaches of the Karakash River on the southern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains, within Langru Township, Hotan County. It is 71 kilometers from Hotan City and sits at an elevation of 1,900 meters. As a valley river-blocking reservoir, it has multiple functions such as irrigation, flood control, power generation, fish farming, ecological protection, and tourism. The hub project consists of the main dam and auxiliary dams, a right-bank open spillway, flood discharge and sediment flushing tunnels, a left-bank sand flushing tunnel, a power generation water diversion system, main and auxiliary powerhouses, a 110...

kilovolt indoor switchyard, and other structures. The Uluwati Water Control Project is situated on the northern edge of the West Kunlun Fold Belt, in the northern part of the fault-uplift between the Tiekeli Faults. This uplift stretches 240 kilometers from east to west and about 40 kilometers from north to south, composed of Proterozoic green schist formations. The Uluwati Water Control Project is located at the mountain pass of the upper reaches of the Karakash River on the southern slopes of the Kunlun Mountains. As a valley river-blocking reservoir, it is a large-scale regulating reservoir with multiple benefits including irrigation, flood control, power generation, fish farming, ecological protection, and tourism. The river at the hub forms an "S" shape, with an average water depth of 15 meters and a maximum depth of 40 meters. The dam stands 131.8 meters high, with a crest width of 12 meters and a length of 365 meters. The normal water storage level is 1,962 meters. Supporting facilities include flood control, sediment flushing, and diversion tunnels as well as open channels. The reservoir’s backwater stretch is 23.5

kilometers long, with water surface widths ranging from 400 to 70 meters, covering an area of 12.93 square kilometers. The total storage capacity is 347 million cubic meters. The installed capacity is 60,000 kilowatts, generating 89 million kWh annually. The construction of this reservoir is a key national water conservancy project, with an investment of 2.5 billion RMB. Construction began in August 1993, river closure was achieved on September 2, 1997, water storage commenced ahead of schedule in August 1998, and the project was completed and connected to the Hotan power grid in 2001. There are several small islands at the southern end of the reservoir area, covered with abundant vegetation and serving as a paradise for birds such as grey cranes, wild ducks, and geese. The surrounding area is encircled by dry, eroded low mountains that are rugged and uniquely shaped—offering a distant view of the “silver-clad, snow-laden grandeur of the Kunlun,” while up close, the azure lake water is calm and clear, with beautiful reflections that resemble a green pearl nestled among barren hills. The scenic environment around the reservoir is picturesque, making it an ideal destination for summer retreats, cooling off, swimming, fishing, boating, and sightseeing. The site is close to the county town and enjoys convenient transportation, offering high tourism value.

Located in the heart of the Kunlun Mountains, the Uluwati Reservoir boasts a majestic dam, vast water storage capacity, and crystal-clear lake water. The year-round flowing water beneath the dam, along with the soil and water conservation efforts in the reservoir area, utilizes existing water sources and greening measures to effectively conserve water and soil, prevent wind erosion, fix sand, purify the air, and regulate the microclimate—creating a stunning landscape with a unique charm reminiscent of a “small Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.” The Uluwati Water Control Project is a key initiative during the Ministry of Water Resources’ “Ninth Five-Year Plan” period and is a happiness project that benefits the people of all ethnicities in Hotan. In addition to significantly improving power generation, irrigation, and flood control in Hotan, it has also enhanced the ecological balance of the Green Corridor in the Hotan River basin. It plays an important role in maintaining social stability, ethnic unity, promoting economic development in the Hotan region, and improving the living standards of its people.

With the completion of the Uluwati Project, the area has evolved into a comprehensive scenic zone that integrates cultural landscapes with natural scenery. The unique features of the Kunlun Mountains, the spectacular engineering facilities, and the canyon reservoir have made this region one of the brightest highlights in Hotan’s tourism industry. As spontaneous tourism has increased, to fully utilize the established tourism resources, the Xinjiang Hotan Kalong Tourism Development Co., Ltd. was jointly established with funding from the Uluwati Project Construction Management Bureau and Hotan Galaxy Industrial Company. In 2004, Uluwati was designated as a Scenic Area and Official Tourism Destination by the Autonomous Region Tourism Bureau. In November of the same year, it was rated as Hotan Region’s first National AA-level Scenic Area. Basic information about the scenic area: Uluwati Scenic Area is located on the middle reaches of the Karakash River, a western tributary of the Hotan River in Xinjiang. The Uluwati Water Control Project, which the scenic area is built around, is a valley river-blocking reservoir—a large (Type II) water conservancy hub project with comprehensive benefits including irrigation, power generation, flood control, ecological protection, and tourism. The main dam reaches a maximum height of 133 meters, with a crest width of 10 meters and a crest elevation of 1,967 meters. It is the tallest dam of its kind currently built in China, ranking fourth in the world and second in Asia. The scenic area is located in the middle and upper reaches of the Moya River, one of the sources of Hotan jade, 71 kilometers from Hotan City (via secondary asphalt road). The reservoir covers a water area of 11.3 square kilometers, with a storage capacity of 347 million cubic meters and Grade I water quality. The hydropower plant has a total installed capacity of 60,000 kilowatts, can improve irrigation for 1.13 million mu of land, and largely protects the downstream area from flood disasters. It ensures that the main stream of the Hotan River supplies 1.057 billion cubic meters of water annually to the Tarim River, helping maintain the ecological balance and livelihood of the Green Corridor in the lower reaches of the Hotan River.

Current tourism resources and reception facilities include:

1. Engineering Attractions: The majestic dam, Suolong Bridge, dam night views, spillways, Jade Dragon Dam Waterfall, power plant buildings, and boardwalks.

2. Cultural Attractions: The Strange Stones Museum, Engineering Construction Education Photo Gallery, garden area, leisure park, basin model, Kunlun Culture Wall, rockery, etc.

3. Natural Attractions: Kunlun Little Three Gorges, Elephant Trunk Mountain, Strange Stone Beach, Kunlun Eighteen Bends, Small Canyons, Red Willow Beach, etc.

4. Tourism Services: Lake sightseeing along the Karakash River, source exploration of the Karakash River, rafting, swimming pools, fishing ponds, yachts, etc.

5. Four Mongolian yurts, one rural leisure resort, several individual restaurants, multiple convenience stores, three yachts of various sizes, one tour bus, a dance hall, basketball court, tennis court, gym, and a small cinema.

6. Planned Projects: Suspension bridge over the sand flushing tunnel, children’s amusement park, indoor swimming pool, go-kart track, etc.

The completion of the Uluwati Water Control Project has brought hope for poverty alleviation to Hotan, one of the poorest regions in Xinjiang. It holds significant importance for maintaining stability, unity, and social harmony in the region, as well as improving the living standards of its people. It is the most powerful measure to strengthen ethnic unity and stabilize the border areas. Today, Uluwati is no longer quiet or silent. We have every reason to believe that the “Shining Pearl of Hydropower”—Uluwati—will gain worldwide fame just like the unparalleled Hotan jade, shining brightly across the land.

Phone: 0903-2090055