“Autumn in Kanas is so rich that it feels almost palpable, as if each tree is telling its own story,” reflects writer Li Juan on the breathtaking landscapes of Altay, Xinjiang. “Here, the relationship between people and nature is so intimate that every gust of wind stirs the depths of the soul.”
Nestled deep within the vast grasslands of the Altay region lies a quaint “fairytale snow village” known as Hezilehaiying Village in Burqin County. Home to residents from six ethnic groups—Han, Kazakh, Hui, Dongxiang, Uyghur, and Russian—the village boasts 231 households and 671 inhabitants. Situated just over 100 kilometers north of Hezilehaiying is the famed Kanas Scenic Area.
In recent years, Hezilehaiying Village has adopted the strengthening of a shared national identity as a guiding principle, actively advancing the construction of harmonious rural communities. This includes environmental cleanup, the development of unique cultural tourism, and the promotion of modern civilized customs, facilitating greater interaction and integration among ethnic groups. The village is gradually becoming a vibrant tourist destination in the Kanas region.
The village’s Party branch has emphasized the importance of grassroots community building for rural revitalization. “Last year we implemented accessible projects like upgrading our water supply and drainage systems and beautifying our streets, giving the village a fresh look,” said Bektihan Wutalbay, the village Party secretary.
However, with a high population and limited land, agricultural development poses challenges. To create more income opportunities, the Party branch initiated innovative strategies, guiding villagers to leverage the area’s rich cultural and natural resources and explore the economic and cultural benefits of local customs. This led to the establishment of a “Party branch + tourism association + households” model, culminating in the formation of the “Red Leaf Forest Cultural Home Visit Tourism Association.” This framework promotes government leadership, member activism, and unified planning and management in tourism development, creating a path toward high-quality cultural tourism development.
To alleviate villagers’ hesitations about engaging in these new ventures, the Party branch encouraged members to take the lead in community participation, establishing a “1+N” support system where one Party member assists multiple residents. This initiative has successfully empowered 42 pastoral families and over 100 villagers to gain employment close to home. From August until now, local homestays have welcomed over 3,000 visitors, with households earning between 4,000 and 50,000 yuan.
As a Party member, Harken is one of the pioneers in the “Red Leaf Forest Cultural Home Visit Tourism Association.” “At first, I knew nothing, but now I handle everything with ease as business grows, boosting my confidence in achieving prosperity,” he shared.
In an effort to connect effectively with the market, the tourism association actively collaborates with major travel agencies, improving online promotional efforts and organizing visitor flows to local businesses.
During the golden autumn in Hezilehaiying Village, a vibrant tapestry unfolds with trees turning shades of red along the riverbanks, creating fiery displays amidst the golden scenery.
The popularity of self-driving tours in Xinjiang has surged, and with the recent opening of a road connecting Altay City to Kanas, visitor numbers have increased significantly. Villager Manila expresses her optimism, saying, “As tourist traffic grows, the homestay business will surely thrive. I’m planning to promote on multiple travel platforms.”
In winter, Hezilehaiying’s enchanting frost-covered trees attract numerous photographers. A mesmerizing scene emerges as mist swirls over the flowing river, transforming the landscape into a breathtaking winter wonderland.
Seizing its potential as a winter tourism hotspot, Hezilehaiying Village offers activities centered around snow, such as frosty scenery viewing, ice photography, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides, solidifying its reputation as a “fairytale snow village.”
Visitors savor traditional delicacies like butter, camel milk, smoked horse meat, and Baursak during local food festivals. Traditional sports events, including fur skiing, goat grabbing, sleigh races, and snow horse racing, showcase the area’s deep-rooted winter culture, creating a lively atmosphere of enjoyment among visitors.
Gaina Gulimaouti, who has been in the embroidery business for over ten years, originally managed a modest 40-square-meter tailor shop. Riding the wave of the cultural tourism industry’s growth, she led the villagers to promote traditional embroidery, expanding her shop into a 300-square-meter cooperative. This initiative has not only elevated the livelihoods of over a hundred women but has also become a platform for showcasing the fusion of diverse ethnic cultures.
“Our exhibition features over 500 embroidery and handicraft items, many of which I designed myself. They’re now selling well in Kanas and HeMu, beloved by tourists,” Gaina Gulimaouti noted.
With an eye towards aesthetic and ecological improvement, Hezilehaiying Village adheres to the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” The village leadership encourages residents to revitalize their environment and develop household economies, transforming landscaping and eco-tourism initiatives into development advantages.
Homegrown vegetables and locally raised livestock not only beautify the environment but also lower operational costs, thus enhancing family incomes. Hezilehaiying Village offers various services like hospitality, cultural experiences, themed photography, and distinctive cuisine, thriving under the concept of a “courtyard economy.”
Rural revitalization encompasses not only infrastructure but also the cultivation of cultural values. “Revitalizing the countryside means more than just better homes and cars for farmers; it’s about nurturing a culture of civility,” emphasized Bektihan Wutalbay.
Additionally, Hezilehaiying utilizes its cultural resources to promote health, cleanliness, and etiquette initiatives within the community, producing promotional materials like the “Clean Countryside Lyrics” and “Three Character Classic on Rural Etiquette.” Village regulations were updated to encourage practices fostering ecological integrity, hygiene, and harmony, creating a rewarding points system to motivate positive behavior changes.
With the combined efforts of the village leadership and its residents, Hezilehaiying has blossomed into a model of modern living, ecological beauty, and thriving economic opportunity, embodying a harmonious and prosperous community ideal for both living and visiting.
