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ancient books and some 800 separate items relating to folk customs. The large museum is spread over 3,400 square meters. The majority of the relics are the result of archaeological work in the Hetian area, although some were donated by the local people. The main halls are situated on two floors and display the historical relics and items reflecting the present local folk customs respectively.
Hetian, being the largest oasis on the south of Taklamakan Desert, was the territory of many ancient regimes such as the Kingdom of Khotan. Many ancient cities and tomb sites have been discovered in this area and these include the Shanpula tombs, the Niya and Mazhatage Sites and the site of the ancient Yuansha city. Many relics and models of these tomb sites are exhibited in this museum and give people a chance to get close to this place and learn about the culture of western regions in ancient China.
About three hundred historical relics, featuring ancient Khotan culture, are on display on the first floor. The models of he tomb sites are shown on this floor. Items including Buddhist and Islamic relics of Khotan show the spread and development of the two religions in the area during the period. Relics such as the stone implements in the Neolithic Age and Bronze Age represent the local development of agriculture, stock farming, business, transportation and handicraft. Besides two mummies and a colored wooden coffin on show there are many must-see items in the museum. A Jinnang (a small silk bag) from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) and a copper statue of Buddha as well as a jade monkey statue are some of the valuable items in the museum. Indo-Chinese coins discovered locally are representative of the trade links between China and western regions along the Silk Road.

The articles in this hall are valuable material for historical research into the civilization of western China and the importance and influence of Hetian on the Silk Road. It offers a window on the Silk Road’s contribution to the cultural exchange and trade between central China and the border areas, and also between China and its Asian neighbors.
On the second floor, Hetian Uygur folk culture is illustrated by exhibits of local jade and carpets, the local silk, Uygur dresses, folk art and handicrafts, as well as Uygur medicine and food culture. Among the prized relics in this hall are a carpet into which a map of China is woven and a large copper pot.

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