Xinjiang village charts prosperous path on back of tourism

Strolling in the Tacun village, a small village in Xinjiang, who would think it was a national-level impoverished village some years ago.

Tacun, or Tagelake village in Wensu county of Aksu, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, is located at the foot of Tomur Peak- the highest peak of the Tianshan Mountains.

From a backward and impoverished little village, to the current "must-see" village in southern Xinjiang, the great changes only took over two years, with the secret code being village tourism.

Thanks to the high altitude and agreeable climate, the temperature here is about 15 C lower than the urban area average, making it an ideal place for tourists to enjoy peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

A promotional video of tourism in Tacun village in Wensu county, Aksu, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [Video provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The construction of a series of creative and impressive facilities such as glass walkways, "dinosaur" park, train-themed inns has made the Tacun village undergone a magnificent transformation. In 2020, the once seriously-impoverished village shook off poverty.

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020, the social, ecological and economic benefits were still significant in the village.

Last year, more than 600 farmers and herdsmen's income improved, over 150 jobs for villagers were created, benefiting more than 70 percent of the villagers, and their per capita income increased by more than 20,000 yuan ($3,092).