Xinjiang city leverages its latest blockbuster filming location to boost local tourism

Karamay City in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has rolled out a series of incentives to boost local tourism by capitalizing on the buzz generated by its role as a filming location for the latest martial arts blockbuster.

Local authorities offer discounts to film fans to the city's tourist destinations, hotels, and services if they present movie ticket stubs of the martial arts epic "Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert," which has helped sustain a tourism boom.

Travelers arriving in Karamay from mid-February to the end of March can use their air or train tickets to access discounts at over 2,000 local businesses, including scenic spots, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Karamay is also distributing 1 million yuan (about 140,000 U.S. dollars) in cultural and tourism vouchers.

Filmed on location in the city's World Mystery Town, the blockbuster has inspired many to visit the natural wonder, which features desert and the Yadan landform in the Urho District. Released on Feb 17, the film has performed strongly, with its total box office revenue surpassing 1.2 billion yuan (about 170 million U.S. dollars) as of March 5 across China.

The story of the film, "Blades of the Guardians," takes place in ancient western China and centers on a perilous escort mission to deliver the "most wanted fugitive" to Chang'an, capital of several ancient Chinese dynasties.

"When I found out it was filmed on location here in Urho, I just thought that I had to come and see for myself. It feels even more stunning and awe-inspiring than it did in the movie," said Cao Ni, a visitor to the World Mystery Town.

"Since the release of 'Blades of the Guardians,' the number of visitors to the World Mystery Town has increased by 30 percent compared to the same period last year, and our revenue has grown by 63 percent year on year," said Ding Zhenzhen, general manager of the tourist spot.

"During the Spring Festival holiday, Karamay received 566,500 visitors. The cultural and tourism market continues to heat up, and the 'film plus tourism' effect is being realized. In 2026, we will continue to support the industry's growth through a variety of cultural and tourism activities and persistently work to enhance the city's cultural atmosphere and the quality of our tourism services," said Hu Honghong, deputy director of Karamay Municipal Bureau Of Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Tourism.

Xinjiang city leverages its latest blockbuster filming location to boost local tourism

Israel aims to fuel division among Lebanese factions by holding direct talks with the Lebanese government, said a senior Hezbollah official in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).

Bilal Lakkis, a member of Hezbollah's Central Committee, said Israel's military plans are failing in southern Lebanon, with no prominent military gains despite weeks of bombardment.

Israel has been bombarding most bridges over the Litani River, leaving only about two intact, in what appears to be an attempt to create an expanded buffer zone or to advance further north. Asked how Hezbollah views this strategy, Lakkis dismissed Israeli objectives as incoherent and militarily unachieved.

"Every day one of Israel's leaders says something different. Some say 'we need protection from the attacks', others say they want an occupation to settle the Israeli military. A third group says they want a buffer zone. A buffer zone needs a huge military victory, which has not been achieved. This proves that there is hesitance among them, there is no clarity. In any case, the region south of the river, some parts of it are just three kilometers between the river and the occupied Palestinian territories, so it doesn't achieve security," he said.

The United States hosted political talks for the first time in decades between the Lebanese government and Israel this week. Asked whether any agreement could be implemented without Hezbollah's consent and what Israel seeks from these negotiations, Lakkis was unequivocal in his rejection.

"The government is violating all laws. Some in Lebanon had hopes that the war on Iran would hit the brain, all the affiliates would perish. Instead they found success in holding negotiations in Pakistan. Every time Netanyahu fails militarily, he attempts to fuel the division within the Lebanese body," he said.

Asked about whether Hezbollah would avoid actions that might fuel such divisions, Lakkis emphasized the group's commitment to internal stability.

"The resistance in Lebanon doesn't want any internal instability. That is a long-standing historic stance. It's a red line for us to tamper with peace and stability. Moreover, the Arab and the Islamic support towards the resistance and Hezbollah specifically is at its best. To resist that is a way more valuable gain than to be dragged against an internal party. We are keen on national unity and Islamic unity," he said.

Hezbollah official says Israel aims to fuel division among Lebanese factions