A sea of lavender provides a perfect backdrop for tourists in Ili. [Photo by Xu Lin/China Daily]
An elegant, blue horse-drawn carriage makes its way along the road, the rhythmic clopping of hoofs blending with the jingle of bells that echo through the air.
It's a novel and certainly a relaxing way for tourists to explore the lanes and corners of the Kazanqi folk tourism area in Yining city, Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
Horse-drawn carriages were once a common sight. In the past, when there were no taxis, people used them.
Home to about 300 examples of different styles of architecture dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Kazanqi is known for the seemingly ubiquitous blue color of its doors, windows, columns, porches and walls.
Many of the area's residents are from the Uygur ethnic group and they have kept their customs, while other residents are from ethnic groups such as the Hui and the Kazak.
Wang Yuanyuan, a 30-year-old office worker from Chongqing, took a 16-day road trip to Xinjiang in September with her friend.
When they stopped at the entrance of a Kazanqi courtyard to admire its beauty, the owner, who was in her 60s, came out and greeted them warmly, and gave them a tour of her home.
"Kazanqi has many beautifully decorated houses," Wang says. "The hospitable owner chatted with us about her life, offered us snacks, and even asked us to dine with her."
A resident rolls out dough for traditional cookies at her home. [Photo by Xu Lin/China Daily]
Xinjiang is a popular travel destination, and Ili prefecture is a must-visit area with rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
Random, friendly encounters with residents aside, tourists can also visit one of the 88 designated homes.
As part of a project initiated in 2008 by the local authorities, it offers opportunities for tourists to get a taste of the area, literally, through floral tea, and specialty snacks like dried fruit.
They can also have cultural experiences, such as learning how to make fruit preserves, or traditional snacks.
"Since opening our courtyard to tourists eight years ago, our income has gone up greatly," says Abdunawi Kadimjan, a 71-year-old man from the Uygur ethnic group.
Over the years, he has learned some Mandarin for basic communication. He greets tourists in his courtyard, while his wife shows them how to make cookies. The couple are happy that even during the offseason, they can still make around 5,000 yuan ($707.5) on average per month.
"Residents can benefit from having tourism on their doorstep, which also brings young people back to work in their hometowns," says Kanarya Yarmamat, deputy director of the city's culture, sports, radio, television and tourism bureau.
A courtyard in Kazanqi is a perfect artist's studio. [Photo by Xu Lin/China Daily]
In peak summer tourist season, snack stalls offering treats such as frozen yogurt are everywhere on the bustling roads. "Such small businesses are thriving. As residents' wallets are getting thicker, their happiness increases," she says.
"They are proud to share their culture and the beauty of their hometown to tourists, as well as their warm hospitality.
"This also gives visitors an immersive experience rather than just a cursory one."
According to Kanarya, families, including those with children, form the bulk of tourists to Yining city, which offers a range of cultural activities and folk experiences.
The local authorities have improved the environment for residents through infrastructure upgrades in scenic areas. Other measures include expanding parking spaces and public restrooms, for the convenience of tourists.
An underground parking lot was recently completed in Kazanqi, with a capacity of 700 vehicles. Tourists can also park in the downtown area, where more parking spaces are available.
Musicians play for tourists at an accordion museum in Yining. [Photo by Xu Lin/China Daily]
They have also renovated Yining's historical Liuxing Street, which has a hexagonal layout that was designed by a German engineer in the 1930s.
It's not uncommon to hear the soothing melody of accordions, a traditional instrument of the Russian ethnic group, on Liuxing Street, which is lined with colorful buildings.
An accordion museum has a display of more than 800 different accordions, and a band plays for visitors.
"Older tourists like the relaxed life in the autonomous region, and enjoy its serene atmosphere by having afternoon tea on the grasslands. Youngsters prefer more exciting activities like horse riding," says Yang Yan, vice-general manager of Xinjiang Princess Jieyou International Travel Agency.
In summer, visitors flock to the wide lavender fields in the Ili River Valley, to enjoy the fragrant blooms and purchase lavender-based products, like soap and essential oil.
Ili prefecture is also well-known for its picturesque grassland landscapes and the deep-rooted culture.
Dancers greet visitors at Kazanqi folk tourism area in Yining city, Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo by Xu Lin/China Daily]
After visiting snowcapped mountains, canyons and grasslands, tourists can stay in a Kazak-style yurt and sample milk tea, cheese and roasted lamb. They can also make kumiss (fermented mare's milk) and enjoy singing, dancing and horse shows.
Yang says that tailored trips are a tourism trend in Xinjiang, and they organize activities, such as cycling and fishing for young travelers, to cater to demand.
"With a variety of landscapes, Xinjiang offers various activities throughout the year, such as hiking, camping and skiing, for travelers of all ages and interests," says Wang Xiaoxue, deputy head of tourism research at Mafengwo, a travel service and social networking platform.
"To boost tourism, creating new travel experiences based around the region's resources could be a possible breakthrough," she adds.
She points out that during peak season, ticket shortages, high accommodation costs and varying service quality are common challenges that demand attention from tourism authorities.
