China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, renowned for its natural beauty, is attracting an increasing number of visitors through its intangible heritage, infusing new life into Xinjiang's tourism economy.
In Kashi Prefecture, Yingjisha County is an important junction on the ancient Silk Road that preserves thousands of years of traditional handicrafts. Uygur pottery, handmade and glazed with mineral pigments for over two millennia, exemplifies this heritage.
The unique patterns and shapes of these crafts, passed down through generations, highlight the cultural integration of different ethnic groups in Xinjiang. This tradition draws tourists and school summer camps alike.
"It's an original craft with ethnic characteristics, difficult to replicate elsewhere," said one tourist.
"I'm studying pottery making here for five days. Today is the third day, and we will leave on the 26th," said a student from Shanghai.
While Xinjiang's rich intangible cultural heritage attracts visitors, the area also needs development to sustain economic benefits. Under Xinjiang's support policy, Shandong Province has partnered with Yingjisha County to design scenic spots and build essential infrastructure.
"We've invested over 50 million RMB to protect and develop intangible cultural heritage in this county, including museums, artist training, and creating in-depth tourist routes," said Wang Qing, Shandong's official dispatched to assist Xinjing.
Nearby, a nationally renowned knife village showcases its excellence in knife-forging, a tradition spanning over 400 years. The distinctive Uygur-designed handles make these knives highly sought-after souvenirs, with some selling for up to 1,000 U.S. dollars. Official data reveals that approximately 550,000 knives are sold annually, with last year's sales exceeding 150 million yuan (about 21 million U.S. dollars). "The craftsmanship of these handmade knives is impressive," said a tourist.
As more travel enthusiasts arrive, the demand for diverse tourist products grows. By combining intangible cultural heritage with tourism, the local people have uplifted their livelihood.
Xinjiang's intangible heritage boosts tourism
