Tourism boosting incomes for villagers in Xinjiang

Mayra Sayilahong's house in Kazanqi folk tourism village, a popular scenic spot, to experience the traditional lifestyle of various ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Residents in the Kazanqi folk tourism village, a popular scenic spot in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, have improved their income by allowing tourists to visit their homes and experience the culture of ethnic groups.

The village, located in the old city of Ili in the Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, is home to 13 ethnic groups.

Local people perform dancing for tourists in Kazanqi. [Photo provided to China Daily]

About 80 families in the village have turned their residences into tourist sites by renovating their houses and becoming places where tourists can learn about their cultures.

Mayra Sayilahong, 55, and her husband signed an agreement with a tourism company to turn their house into a tourist site. Their house was renovated in 2015, and the couple began receiving tourists in 2017.

Local people perform dancing for tourists in Kazanqi. [Photo by Zhang Yi/China Daily]

"I like the upgraded house, and we are happy that many people visit our home," Mayra said. "During the peak period, we can receive more than 500 tourists a day, and the monthly income can reach 10,000 yuan ($1,491)."

Many locals have also found work as tour guides and performers as tourism develops in the area.

"My husband and I didn't have stable jobs in the past, and we had to support the elderly and also two children," Mayra said, adding that the development of tourism in Kazanqi has improved their living conditions.