Name: Why everyone wants a 'Xinjiang sheep': Handmade plush toy becomes Urumqi's hottest souvenir
Uploaded: 2026-07-04T12:43:39+08:00
Duration: PT40.249S
Description: A fluffy little sheep from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has become this summer's must-have souvenir – and the internet can't get enough of it. Dressed in colorful Etles silk outfits, each handmade sheep is custom-styled with vibrant fabrics, tiny

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A fluffy little sheep from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has become this summer's must-have souvenir – and the internet can't get enough of it. Dressed in colorful Etles silk outfits, each handmade sheep is custom-styled with vibrant fabrics, tiny embroidered hats, ribbons and sparkling accessories, making every single one unique.

Visitors in Xinjiang's capital city Urumqi line up, for hours, to create their own personalized sheep alongside craftsman Abdulla Emirla, best known online as "Xinjiang Sheep Brother." During peak season, his family handcrafts more than 600 sheep a day, yet every piece is carefully assembled with its own character.

The craze is doing more than winning hearts. It is boosting sales of traditional textiles, handmade accessories, local restaurants, and homestays, turning one tiny plush toy into an unexpected engine for Xinjiang's cultural tourism.

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