Step into Kazanqi: Where culture lives and locals thrive

Once known for its dusty, uneven roads and unimpressive infrastructure, Kazanqi – located in the old town of Yining City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region – has undergone a remarkable transformation. Through preservation and revitalization, it has become a cultural landmark where history lives and folk life flourishes.

Today, more than 3,000 locals work here in tourism, handicrafts, food service and cultural activities. The area's development has carefully balanced modernization with authenticity, preserving centuries-old homes and customs while offering immersive experiences for visitors.

Strolling down the narrow streets, one can hear the clip-clop of traditional "Hadike" horse-drawn carriages taking tourists around the neighborhood. Many residents still live in the same homes their families have resided in for generations, and some open their doors to travelers, offering an intimate look into local folk life.

At 69-year-old Kurbanjan's home, guests are welcomed into a courtyard shaded by grapevines. Long tables are set with seasonal fruits, naan (fermented flatbread) and milk tea. Visitors from other parts of the country sit together, enjoying the authentic local food. Kurbanjan smiles and says, "Come back in August, when the grapes are ripe. Bring your family."

This neighborhood has now become a living museum, a place where cultural heritage is not just preserved but celebrated every day.

(All photos via CGTN)