Yorungkash River(White Jade River)

There are two kind of rivers in Hotan ,one is Yorunkash and other is karakash river. The meaning of Yorungkash river is white jade river. The meaning of Karakash river is black jade river. Compare this two rivers, the Yorungkash river is much more popular then the Karakash river, the reason is that, the famous white sheep fat jade or Yangzhiyu in China is found from this river.

This two rivers are branches of Hotan river. This two rivers are lied two side of Hotan city, Yurongkash river is east of Hotan city, Karakash river is west of Hotan city. But this two river merges and makes up Hotan river after the Hotan city and oasis in the Taklimakan desert. Its source is southeast of the Muz Tagh (ice mountain) under the snow capped peaks of the northern Tibetan highland. Glacier water forms the flood in the river, as the snow on top of the mountain melts. The length of the Yorungkash Rivers is 513kms. Every year from June to September it’s the flood season and the river is full. From October to next May, the water level is low. During this time, it’ s the best time for the local people to look for the white jade and try their luck. The White jade is world most famous sheep fat colored jade with its highest grade of quality have been found here for centuries.