Improved transport drives winter tourism boom in Xinjiang


Visitors flock to Altay prefecture to view dramatic scenery and diverse cultural events
The winter snow in Kanas national park, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, has turned into white treasure for the local population.
Kanas, a Mongolian word that means "a beautiful and mysterious place", is known for its picturesque landscapes, where tourists are captivated by the primitive beauty of its soaring mountains, intersecting ravines and gullies, luxuriant forests and grasslands, clear waters and fresh air.
Bordering Mongolia and Russia, it has long been popular as a summer getaway. But it is becoming increasingly attractive as a winter wonderland. Improved transportation and accommodation in the area have attracted growing numbers of tourists to Altay prefecture in winter to see snow-covered scenery and diverse cultural attractions.
"Kanas is not only beautiful in summer, but attractive year-round," said Sawurqik, a herdsman in Hemu who has turned her home into a homestay where she provides meals, rooms and activities-visitors can enjoy authentic Kazakh specialties such as horse meat noodles and milk tea.
- Harbin zoo prepares Mid-Autumn Festival feast for animals
- Number of registered Nanjing Massacre survivors falls to 25
- Argentinian expert praises China's environmental progress
- World's largest bookstore opens in Shenzhen
- 20th CPC Central Committee to hold fourth plenary session from Oct 20 to 23
- Launch of journal marks new era for global China studies