Ancient Qiuci Alley winds its way to modern prosperity

Ma resigned from her job in 2021 after working in education for 16 years, and went to Beijing to study and improve her knowledge about intangible cultural heritage.

She fulfilled her dream, in May when she opened her studio in the workshop. She also organizes intangible cultural heritage events in local cultural venues, libraries and museums.

Ma expects more people to visit the alley to experience the slow pace of life and learn about its culture.

"Now, the streets are clean, and the walls are colorful. After dinner, many local people come here for a walk, enjoy the colorful buildings and have tea — it's very relaxing," she said.

The carved doors and windows, historical homes, murals and melodies echoing through the alley, are living proof that tradition and modernity can coexist and thrive together.

"I think Xinjiang's tourism will only get better," Wang Xinyu said. "It may be remote compared with other inland provinces, but with more people moving here and more businesses starting, I truly believe it has a bright future."