Xinjiang Transforms into a Cultural Tourism Hotspot... Blending Traditional Heritage with Modern Content

Dancers dressed in traditional costumes perform a vibrant group dance on a stage themed around Silk Road civilization. CMG

The Xinjiang region in China is transforming its former industrial heritage sites and traditional markets into cultural tourism resources. On September 28, China Media Group (CMG) reported that the multi-purpose cultural complex "Tianshan Mingyue City·Fun Silk Road," established in the Shuimogou area of Urumqi, is gaining attention as a representative example.

This facility is a remodeled factory district, covering an area of approximately 31,600 square meters, and includes performance halls and exhibition spaces. The main programs, themed around "Silk Road Civilization," are theatrical performances based on historical figures and events such as Ban Chao's frontier defense, Princess He Wu's diplomatic marriage, and Xuanzang's journey to the Western Regions. These scheduled performances utilize advanced lighting and sound technology to enhance audience immersion.

Project director Ma Bo stated, "The eight themed performances are based on historical analysis and have been designed as interactive content so that visitors can become participants rather than mere spectators." Since its pilot operation at the beginning of this year, the venue has attracted a cumulative audience of 330,000.

Opposite the performance hall, the "Han-Tang Cultural Tourism Street" has been established. This street, featuring Tang Dynasty-style architecture, 14 performance stages, and 4 themed plazas, recreates the atmosphere of a night market and is attracting foreign tourists.

The trend of cultural regeneration in Xinjiang is also evident in the modernization of traditional markets. The "Xinjiang International Dabaza," located in the Tianshan District of Urumqi, has recently been redeveloped as a multi-purpose tourist attraction. Notable highlights include an exhibition hall themed around the traditional bread "Nang" and a coffee experience cafe that incorporates it. The performance of pouring coffee into nang-shaped cups and drawing patterns has become popular among tourists.

Tourism demand in Xinjiang is also reflected in actual figures. According to CMG, in the first half of this year, the number of tourists visiting Xinjiang increased by 11.15% year-on-year, reaching 130 million, while tourism revenue rose by 11.59% to approximately 142.56 billion yuan.

The transformation of former industrial facilities and traditional markets into cultural tourism resources appears to have become a policy trend within Xinjiang. CMG reported, "Through the integration of culture and tourism, residents of various ethnic groups are sharing the achievements of exchange and integration."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.