URUMQI, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 29th Aug, 2026) An international media team visited Nanshan Scenic Area in Urumqi County as part of the “A date with China – Meet Xinjiang” program, exploring how rural culture, tourism and intangible cultural heritage are driving local revitalization.
Nestled among lush mountains and close to downtown Urumqi, Nanshan has become a popular summer destination. In recent years, the area has developed an integrated model of “tourism + intangible cultural heritage + homestays,” turning its natural, cultural and ethnic resources into new economic opportunities.
At Pingxiliang Village, visitors witnessed the transformation of a once underdeveloped agricultural community into a thriving rural tourism destination. Through an “enterprises + farmers + collectives” model, the village has developed a large homestay cluster with 62 properties. Tourism now provides more than 70 percent of villagers’ per-capita annual income, while many residents have returned home to launch businesses and pursue new jobs.
The team also visited the Hulalai Ethnic Handicrafts Cooperative, where Kazakh embroidery and traditional felt-making are preserved while creating employment opportunities for local women. Foreign bloggers tried traditional Kazakh costumes and experienced the craftsmanship firsthand.
At Yi Xu Ran Homestay, the visitors explored a new form of immersive tourism combining accommodation with local culture. Traditional architecture, handicrafts, photography and cultural experiences offer travelers a deeper look at everyday life in Xinjiang.
From villages and craft workshops to boutique homestays, the journey highlighted Nanshan’s efforts to combine ecology, culture and tourism, providing a vivid example of how traditional heritage and rural resources can support sustainable development and revitalization.
APP/asg
