New transport links to open remote Xinjiang village to tourism

The secluded beauty of a remote village in Hejing county of the Bayingolin Mongolian autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, will become more accessible next year with the completion of a new highway and expressway.

At an astonishing elevation of 2,400 meters, Saihantaohai village hides deep in the Bayanbulak Grassland among snow-capped mountains that tower on all sides. Its name translates to "beautiful valley" in Mongolian.

Spruce forests rise around the village like tiered pagodas, and a winding river flows through meadows and woodlands, where Tianshan red deer (Cervus elaphus songaricus) can occasionally be seen wandering or grazing.