Xinjiang color palette: Hetian, artistry of craftsmanship and culture

Steeped in over two millennia of Silk Road history, Hetian in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has long been a cultural crossroads where ancient traditions converge.

This oasis city witnessed the exchange of Buddhism and Islam, leaving behind a rich tapestry of heritage. Here, artisans masterfully create Atlas silk – a vibrant textile handwoven with mesmerizing patterns using natural dyes, embodying the Uyghur people's artistic spirit. Hetian is also the legendary source of China's finest nephrite jade, revered for its ethereal glow and cultural significance since ancient times. Beyond craftsmanship, the sun-drenched valleys yield succulent Hetian red dates – plump, antioxidant-rich jujubes that embody the land's agricultural bounty.

From its storied past to its enduring artisanship and natural wonders, Hetian retains its fascinating treasures.