King Fig Scenic Area

King Fig Scenic Area

The King Fig Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

The King Fig Scenic Area is located in an orchard behind the government office of Layiqa Township, Hotan County, 22 kilometers from downtown Hotan. Figs are small deciduous trees, called "Anjuer" in Uyghur. Their flowers are hidden inside the receptacle, making them hard to detect, hence they are also known as the "mysterious fruit." Locals call it the "fruit of longevity and prosperity." The tree yields over 20,000 fruits annually, which can be enjoyed fresh from June to October. The fruits are large, tender, bright yellow in color, not only sweet and refreshing with an unforgettable taste, but also known to strengthen the body, boost brain health, and prolong life. It is hailed as a "heavenly fruit" on earth. The King Fig has endured over 500 years of history. Such an ancient, exceptionally large, and vigorous shrub is rare not only in Xinjiang but also across China. Despite its age, the ancient King Fig shows no signs of aging. It remains lush and fruitful in three harvests each year. Its canopy resembles a huge, uniquely shaped green mushroom, covering an area of 0.1 hectares. The surrounding new branches intertwine at the roots, twisting and spreading across the ground like a dancing dragon or a silver snake emerging from a cave. The ancient fig tree has a long history and a beautiful legend: It is said that long ago, in Yutian, there was a farmer named Aizez A'hong who married a beautiful wife. The couple loved each other and lived happily, but their only regret was that they had no children after many years of marriage. He sought medical help everywhere but to no avail. One day, he met an old man who, moved by his story, gave him a staff bestowed by the Queen Mother of the West. The old man instructed him to plant the staff in his yard and to water it three times a year—spring, summer, and autumn—with holy water from the headwaters of the Kaidu River, using thirty-three gourds each time. Aizez A'hong followed the old man’s advice diligently. Three years later, one day, the sacred staff sprouted tender buds. The next day, it was covered in foliage, and by the third day, it bore fruits without even flowering. Aizez A'hong joyfully ate the fruit, and the following year, he was blessed with a son.

Scientific research shows that figs have extensive nutritional and medicinal value. They contain little to no fat or cholesterol; have very high mineral content; and rank first among fruits in dietary fiber content. Soluble dietary fiber is known to help control blood sugar and lower blood cholesterol, aid in the prevention of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers, and also has a significant weight-loss effect, indicating broad market potential.

In recent years, with the support of national poverty alleviation policies, Layiqa Township has witnessed a new wave of enthusiasm for fig cultivation and farming, yielding good economic returns. Currently, the township's fig planting area has reached 1,100 mu (approximately 73.3 hectares), with each fig tree generating a profit of 300 yuan. When processed into jam or dried fruit, the market prospects become even broader. It has become another highlight for increasing farmers’ income in Layiqa Township.

Every spring, summer, and autumn, the scenic area welcomes a continuous stream of domestic and international tourists, making it one of Hotan’s key cultural and tourism attractions. The site features complete infrastructure, including a four-star standard restroom, and enjoys a beautiful surrounding environment, making it an ideal destination for summer retreats, cool shade, and sightseeing. The attraction is close to the county town and boasts convenient transportation, offering high tourism value.

Address: Layiqa Township, Hotan County

Address: Layika Township, Hotan County