The ancient city of Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, one of the world's largest surviving earthen architectural complexes, has been revitalized since its large-scale renovation began in 2009.
"In the past, tourists came and left quickly. Now, they choose to stay and experience the pulse of the ancient city," said Salamatgul Kari, owner of "Guli's Home" homestay.
Kari's transition from a tour guide to a business operator epitomizes the city's evolution. Her guesthouse not only immerses visitors in authentic Uygur lifestyle but also serves as a bridge connecting diverse cultures.
Today, the millennia-old city of Kashgar captivates travelers from around the world with its unique charm. Each day, Kari strolls through the ancient alleys with her guests, experiencing the fusion of tradition and modernity, the harmonious coexistence of diverse ethnic cultures, and the vitality of a genuine, multidimensional, and vibrant Xinjiang.
Kashgar’s ancient city revitalization epitomizes vitality of Xinjiang
Preparations for the launch of China's Shenzhou-22 spacecraft are in full swing as it will be launched at an appropriate time to send food supplies and equipment to the Chinese space station, according to an official from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on Friday.
Zhou Yaqiang, the CMSA official, said the preparatory work includes spacecraft and rocket tests and cargo preparation. "The mission for launching the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft has been initiated, with preparations for all systems in full swing, including testing the spacecraft and rocket components and preparing the cargo. The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft is sure to carry supplies. The spacecraft's cargo-carrying capacity is a highly valuable resource for the manned space program, so we will make full use of every opportunity. The Shenzhou-22 spacecraft will mainly deliver food supplies for the astronauts and some equipment for the space station," Zhou said.
On Nov 1, the Shenzhou-21 manned spaceship sent a crew of three astronauts to the Chinese space station to succeed the three-member Shenzhou-20 crew and stay in orbit for around six months.
However, the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, which was originally scheduled to take the Shenzhou-20 crew of three astronauts back to the Earth on Nov 5, experienced a suspected impact from space debris before the task, resulting in it not meeting the requirements for a safe return, according to the CMSA.
The agency therefore adopted an alternative plan, taking the three Shenzhou-20 astronauts back to the Earth aboard the Shenzhou-21 ship on Friday. This marked the first successful implementation of an alternative return procedure in the country's space station program history.
Preparations for Shenzhou-22 mission in full swing: CMSA official
