The unique warmth and rich ethnic diversity of Tacheng, a border city in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, was the subject of an episode in a five-part travel series produced by China Media Group (CMG).
The hosts of the program embarked on a cultural journey through the city, beginning with a perfect fusion of futuristic technology and ethnic culture as Tatar dancers and a humanoid robot in traditional costumes performed together. The hosts were amazed by both the dancers' elegance and the robot's lifelike moves.
Next, the hosts visited the Tacheng Accordion Museum. Covering 500 square meters, it houses over 1,000 accordions from more than 10 countries, including Russia, Germany, Italy, and Ukraine. Most of the accordions are cultural relics, with the oldest handmade instrument among them dating back over a century.
The third stop was a local bakery run by a national-level inheritor of intangible cultural heritage in pastry-making. She introduced Tacheng's three signature treats -- jam, bread, and ice cream -- and presented her homemade apricot, raspberry, and strawberry jams. The hosts sampled them and remarked on how well the sweet, natural flavors stood out, especially when spread on fresh bread.
The journey ended at a manor with a festive banquet featuring Xinjiang dishes such as large plate chicken and naan flatbread. The hosts then joined the locals in song and dance, bringing their Tacheng experience to a joyful and heartwarming close.
CMG hosts discover cultural diversity in Xinjiang border city
