Thriving in ancient Hotan for more than a millennium, Buddhism profoundly influenced the region's politics, economy, culture, and art. Historical records indicate that the area once had numerous stupas, temples, and monasteries with a large community of monks. Some 5,000 monks resided here in its heyday.

Among the artifacts unearthed in Hotan prefecture is one of the country's oldest surviving Buddhist sutra manuscripts. Dating back to around the 2nd century, the manuscript fragment is written in ancient Kharosthi script, a writing system for the Gandhari language. Zhang believes this is compelling evidence that Hotan was among the first places in China where Buddhism was introduced.