Large swaths of cherry trees have reached their peak bloom in Kashgar Prefecture of northwest China's remote Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, drawing flocks of visitors to the cherry fields and heralding a bumper harvest for the fruit growers.
With the white flowers in full bloom, local residents and tourists from across the country are flocking to the crop fields to admire the picturesque scenery.
"I've come with my friends to see the cherry blossoms. I've taken many photos. I would like to capture the beautiful scenery and record the moments," said Merhaba Tusumjan, a local resident.
Capitalizing on the cherry blooming season, the prefecture is holding a series of cultural events to boost local tourism.
"There are the performances and a food festival. Therefore, My friends and I have traveled here to experience the scent of cherry blossoms," said Luo Xin, a tourist.
Kashgar boasts cherry trees covering about 4,066 hectares. Relying on the cherry growing industry, local farmers are able to increase their income at their hometown now.
"The yield for one tree is around 70 to 80 kilograms. A better tree can produce 100 kilograms (of cherries). The net income (from growing cherries on the 1.3 hectares of cherry fields) is about 300,000 yuan (41,440 U.S. dollars). The cherry trees are growing well with flowers in full blossom," said Meriyamgul Abduhalik, a local farmer.
Blooming cherry blossom heralds bumper harvest for farmers in northwest China's Xinjiang
Automotive practitioners and consumers at the ongoing Beijing Auto Show have highlighted the growing popularity of new energy vehicles (NEVs)in the country, and expressed optimism that electric vehicles are set to gain more market share in the near future.
The show, which features 278 NEVs, comes as NEV sales hit a milestone in early April, accounting for more than 50 percent of cars sold in China, showing an overwhelming trend that the Chinese auto industry is going electric.
Consumers are attracted to the novel looks and smart features of rapidly evolving electric vehicles, but they also have higher expectations for new products, especially when it comes to charging and range.
An electric car owner said he hoped for technological improvements in the cars' charging system.
"Charging counts. I hope the car will be more convenient to charge," he said.
To stimulate research and development in the NEV industry, an observer from Europe said there should be more policy support to push the frontier for future vehicles.
"I think that based on all the regulations that are coming all over the world, in Asia [and] especially in Europe -- because I know Europe -- there are going to be more and more companies that will be working on innovation to move forward the EV power train. So, I am pretty sure that we are at the beginning of a new era really," he said.
Gu Huinan, general manager of GAC Aion New Energy Automobile, said they have prepared multiple ways to promote the innovative development of NEVs to meet customers' expectations.
"We are working on multiple paths to electrification, including battery replacement and fast charging. We are now driving innovation and promotion in both areas," said Gu.
Industry insiders, consumers at Beijing Auto Show highlight growing popularity of NEVs
