New highway opens to traffic in Xinjiang

A new mountainous highway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region officially opened to traffic on Monday, offering an improved experience for travelers to explore the region's natural wonders.

The 209-kilometer Ahe Highway starts in Altay City at the southern foothills of the Altai Mountains and ends at the pristine Hemu Village in the Kanas Scenic Area.

The highway, along with the already constructed G217 national highway and other roads, forms a scenic tourism loop route that links attractive tourist destinations, including Tuolehaite Summer Pasture, Hemu Village, and the Tongba Grasslands, allowing tourists to explore the picturesque views of Altay without having to backtrack. The winding road has cut travel time by over two hours.

Construction of the Ahe Highway began in September 2022, and a trial operation started in September 2024. Since then, it has accommodated over 49,000 vehicles and attracted 160,000 visitors.

Dubbed the "Most Beautiful Self-Driving Road in Northern Xinjiang," the highway offers travelers breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains, dense forests, vast grassland, and tranquil lakes.

According to the local transportation department, traffic volume is expected to exceed 3,000 vehicles on the opening day, which is a testament to the highway's immense popularity.

Five service stations are strategically placed along the highway, complemented by over 30 parking lots and observation decks at iconic viewpoints.

The gas stations and charging facilities along the highway are still under construction, so it would be better for visitors to fuel up and charge their vehicles at the highway's starting or terminal points before setting off.

In addition to the newly opened Ahe Highway, six other national and provincial trunk roads were also officially inaugurated on Monday.

Xinjiang has entered the first tier of China's self-driving destinations, supported by an ever-expanding highway network. This combination of transportation with tourism goes beyond connecting Xinjiang's spectacular landscapes. It also drives cultural tourism and rural revitalization across the region.

New highway opens to traffic in Xinjiang

Holiday celebrations with strong festive vibes in southwest China's Yunnan Province are attracting crowds of visitors thanks to the rich local traditions, cuisine, and culture.

Mojiang County is home to the Hani ethnic group. On Saturday, the second day of the May Day holiday, the Hani people were celebrating one of their most vibrant traditions, the Long-Street Banquet.

There was a grand open-air feast -- a hallmark of Hani culture. During major festivals, local families would line the streets with long rows of tables, and gather together to share food and music in celebration. This year, more than 100 tables have been set up, welcoming both residents and visitors to join in. And among the many dishes on offer, purple rice stands out as a local favorite, prized not only for its rich flavor but also for its deep cultural significance.

But this banquet is just one part of the county's 20th International Twins Festival. Located along the Tropic of Cancer, Mojiang is widely known as China's "Town of Twins", with a twin birth rate significantly higher than the global average.

This year, more than 1,000 pairs of twins have gathered here, including participants from nearly 20 countries. Earlier today, they took part in a vibrant parade through the town, greeting residents and visitors along the route. It's a rare sight, and one that truly brings the festival to life.

There is no shortage of experiences for visitors. Visitors can join traditional circle dances around a bonfire, while live performances by local singers add even more energy to the festive atmosphere. Another well-known tradition sees people exchange blessings by smearing an edible black powder on each other's faces, symbolizing good luck.

Unique traditions, culture in Yunnan boost holiday economy