Sangzhu Rock Carvings

Sangzhu Rock Carvings

The Sangzhu Rock Carvings are a cultural relic protection site of Xinjiang.

The Sangzhu Rock Carvings are engraved on a rock in Wurqi Village, Sangzhu Township, over 100 kilometers southeast of Pishan County, Hotan Prefecture, Xinjiang. The carvings face the riverbed. Historically, this area was once a small path leading to Tibet and India. The rock carvings are over 3 meters long and 1.3 meters high. The images depict various human figures: some are shown drawing bows and shooting arrows, some are walking behind horses, and some are riding horses. There are also animal figures, mostly creatures with two horns on their heads, resembling argali or similar animals. In the upper left corner of the carvings, there are symbols resembling ancient writing, created by striking and carving the rock with a hard object. No significant ancient artifacts have been found near the carvings or in the valley, nor are there any related local legends. It is generally believed that these carvings were created during the primitive clan society period and may reflect the ancient life of animal husbandry and hunting. In 1962, they were designated as a key cultural relic protection site of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Transportation: Take a bus from Hotan to Muzhi Township, then rent a vehicle to reach the site.

Xinjiang Hotan

Sangzhu Town: The government of Sangzhu Township is located 50 kilometers southeast of the county seat of Pishan County, situated in the low river valley at the northern foot of the Karakoram Mountains. To the east, it borders Zanggui Township and Duwa Town; to the west, it neighbors Kushitag Township; to the north, it reaches Muzhi Township; and to the south, it borders the Kangke’er Kirgiz Ethnic Township. The average width from east to west is 45 kilometers, and the average length from north to south is 61.5 kilometers, covering a total area of 2,767.5 square kilometers. It is under the jurisdiction of Pishan County and governs 24 village committees, with a total population of 27,214.

The township government is located in Sangzhu Village. Legend has it that this area was sparsely populated in ancient times. Later, people gradually settled here along the Sangzhu River, following water sources for grazing and seeking arable land. Sangzhu Town detailed information++