Bayanbulak, China's second largest grassland, sits at the foot of Tianshan Mountains – the source of water for much of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Revered by local monks, the river down the mountains is much cherished. To preserve the area, the government is looking to raise environmental awareness in Bayanbulak. For Tiemerbat Darimzhan, abbot of a local monastery, preserving the water source is as sacred as his religion.

This is one of many stories in CGTN's exclusive documentary "Beyond the Mountains: Life in Xinjiang." Watch the full documentary here.