Winter in the snow-covered mountain villages of Xinjiang's Altay have been warming up in recent times as vibrant activities – from skiing to music festivals and mouthwatering local cuisine – continue to bring these once quiet villages to life, drawing in more outside visitors and helping the local economy to thrive.

One of those making their mark is Abdullah Ali, a young local man who graduated with a degree in tourism management from the regional capital of Urumqi, who decided to return home to pursue a career in the homestay tourism industry. Every year, when the first snow falls, his busy winter season begins. His homestay has been transformed into a popular social media hotspot that's often fully booked throughout the winter months.