A Date With China: Xinjiang and the naan factory

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Nangbing, also known as naan or Uygur flatbread, is the most beloved snack of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. "A Date With China" media tour 2021 explored the Naan Cultural Industrial Park in Payzawat County of Xinjiang's Kashagar Prefecture.

Savored with shurpa (lamb soup), the naan bread is the most omnipresent street food in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China. /CGTN

The fluffy and chewy naan bread is baked in a traditional clay oven. /CGTN

The delicious onion naan on display. /CGTN

Offering a panoply of sweet, spicy, and savory flatbreads available in varied shapes and sizes, the park produces over 300,000 naans daily. Orders are received through e-commerce channels and outdoor outlets. A total of 70,000 naans are sold every day.

Uygur naans are characterized by intricate patterns and designs. /CGTN

Stretching 18,000 square meters, the naan factory has 240 indoor electric dough-making units and 80 traditional-style clay ovens. Embellished with almonds, walnuts and raisins, these delectable delights are also a visual treat.

Baking enthusiasts can also try a hand at 'earning' their own bread at the park. /CGTN

A friendly group of naan makers is available to guide visitors. /CGTN

The ultimate labor of love! /CGTN

The park, reconstructed in 2019, is vital to the county's poverty alleviation efforts, transferring employable skills to working-age residents, generating job opportunities and promoting local brands and tourism.

An employee selling naan breads through live streaming channels. /CGTN

An employee taking orders at the e-commerce section of the park. /CGTN

It currently employs 1,200 people from 696 poor households, with an average monthly income of 3,500 yuan ($547). The local government plans to expand the park's operations to create 2,000 more job positions.

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