Cultural heritage uniting people's identity

Following a dedicated seminar in Beijing that gathered experts to discuss the contemporary significance of the work in Wangsan Street, the project gained momentum for its cultural mission.

The renovated street now maintains the bustling, lived-in feel and historical texture of the old city, complemented with modern infrastructure and an immersive cultural environment.

During the National Day holiday, Wangsan Street Cultural Block attracted tourists from across China. Visitors were observed purchasing local specialties such as dried fruits and snacks, as well as cultural and creative products from various stores.

The upgrade project for Wangsan Street focused on three key objectives of functional enhancement, cultural enrichment, and public benefit.

Key infrastructure work included upgrading underground pipelines and road surfaces to resolve issues with water, heating, and gas supply, as well as an uneven pavement. The project involved installing new streetlights and signage, and standardizing shop frontages, improving the street's functionality and aesthetic appeal.

"Wangsan Street has always been a high-traffic area. After the renovation, we have more public facilities, better scenery, and smoother roads, which offer a much better experience for tourists," said Amangul Tohniyaz, a resident of Aksu.

Holistic education

By integrating traditional Chinese culture into the classroom, Aksu is using culture to nurture the hearts and minds of its youth. Recent school activities, ranging from group readings of classics to intangible cultural heritage craft workshops, are fostering a deeper connection with Chinese heritage and providing students with a strong foundation for growth.

Aksu has incorporated traditional Chinese learning into the local education system, bringing it into classes, integrating with curricula, and deepening students' understanding of traditional Chinese learning and strengthening their cultural identity.

For instance, the Aksu No 17 Middle School pioneered a Qin-Han dynasties (221 BC-AD 220) themed singing and dancing festival, blending ancient games such as touhu and bamboo slip calligraphy with digital technology to create immersive cultural experiences.

Meanwhile, Aksu Tianhang Experimental School held its fifth Flower Birthday Festival and Pomegranate Blossom Art Festival. The events gathered students, parents and teachers to appreciate traditional culture through dialogues. The school also established an opera master's studio to promote traditional arts on campus.

In addition, schools have launched 109 student clubs dedicated to traditions like calligraphy and paper-cutting, while incorporating classics such as The Analects of Confucius and The Book of Songs into formal curricula. A series of activities aimed at promoting traditional Chinese culture learning and inheriting classics have been carried out, enriching ideological education and fostering cultural confidence and patriotic sentiment among youth.

"It was my first time taking part in the entire flower festival tradition — admiring the flowers, watching the performances, and experiencing the folk customs. I could really feel the unique charm of our culture," said Xayida Turhon, a student dressed in traditional Han clothing.

Aksu's schools also offer students a variety of cultural activities to deepen their connection with traditional arts.