The Rawak Stupa, circa 4th century, north-east of Khotan.Rawak ('High Mansion'), north-east of Khotan is believed to be one of the largest and most important sites in Central Asia, despite the fact that only the stupa is visible above the sands of the Taklamakan. The stupa at Rawak, about 9.5 metres in extant height, is the largest on the Southern Silk Road. Aurel Stein discovered the site in April 1901 and worked for 8 days in scorching heat and raking sandstorms. He uncovered 90 sculptures adorning both sides of the walls of the stupa court; the site and its statuary dating the around the fourth to sixth centuries.