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The winter of our discontent: A Mindanaon’s pilgrimage to Xi’an

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BY DATU MUSSOLINI SINSUAT LIDASAN

THERE is a specific kind of quiet that settles over you when you swap the humid, heavy air of Davao for the frost of Northwest China. This New Year’s holiday, my wife, our two sons, and I stood on the ancient cobblestones of Xi’an, watching the first delicate flakes of snow drift from a slate-gray sky. It felt like a quiet blessing—a stark, sterile contrast to the world we had temporarily left behind.

To be honest, we didn’t just travel for the sights; we traveled to breathe. For us Filipinos, 2025 was a gauntlet. It was a year where the national spirit felt frayed by a relentless cycle of graft and corruption scandals that seemed to dominate every headline. From the streets of Manila to the coffee shops of Davao, the air was thick with the tension of mass protests and a deep-seated public disillusionment. With presidential trust ratings hitting historic lows, a shadow of cynicism had begun to dim the usual vibrant optimism of our people.

As a father, I felt the weight of it. How do you explain to your sons a landscape where the institutions meant to protect them are under such heavy scrutiny? We needed a sanctuary. In the biting cold of Xi’an, we found a strange, huddling warmth. Navigating a foreign city in winter forces a family closer together; the “us” that had been worn thin by the stresses of home began to knit itself back together in the silence of the snow.

For any Mindanaon, a walk through Xi’an’s famous Muslim Quarter is a sensory epiphany. We are a people of the “multicultural tapestry,” and this place felt like a grander echo of our own night markets on the Silk Road. The air, heady with cumin and chili, reminded me of the resilience of culture even when politics are in flux.

We feasted on halal Chinese classics. First, the sizzling lamb skewers. Blistered over charcoal and heavy with spice. Then we tried the plump jiazi. Dumplings that offered a literal taste of comfort. And lastly, the beef noodles. A soul-warming broth that made the sub-zero temperatures bearable. It was a poignant reminder of how faith and flavor weave together across centuries—a story of endurance that we in Mindanao understand in our very bones.

Beyond the history and the food, it was the people who offered the most profound clarity. We spent the heart of our trip celebrating the birthday of my dear friend Mr. Kenn’s wife. Kenn’s story is one that resonates with the Filipino soul: a man defined by legacy and the courage to pivot.

Hailing from a distinguished line of military officers, Kenn chose the service of the classroom before building his own business. Over birthday cake, he spoke of his vision for his son—to one day wear the nation’s uniform and reconnect with his grandfather’s legacy. In that moment, I saw the living pulse of a different nation honoring its past while navigating the possibilities of the present. It was a reminder that even in times of national doubt, the individual commitment to service and family remains the most accurate compass.

As we left the shadow of the Bell Tower, my mind was already planning a return. I yearn to further explore Xi’an’s ancient mosques—silent, thousand-year-old witnesses to Islamic heritage that feel so relevant to our own history in the South.

Each visit to this crossroads of civilizations deepens a bond, not just with a friend, but with a sense of perspective. Xi’an reminded me that civilizations endure far longer than administrations. We returned to Davao not just with photos, but with a renewed strength to face the challenges of our own shores.

Until next time, Xi’an. Shukran.

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Datu Mussolini Sinsuat Lidasan, JD is a dedicated peace advocate and subject matter expert in Bangsamoro governance and conflict resolution. With over 25 years of experience, he served as a Member of Parliament (2019–2022) and a Commissioner of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. As the Founding Director of the Al Qalam Institute at Ateneo de Davao University, Datu Mussolini bridges the gap between academia and policy. His career is defined by international collaboration with the UN, KAICIID, and the US State Department (IVLP), focusing on countering extremism and youth empowerment. From financial governance at Al Amanah Islamic Bank to grassroots peace facilitation, he remains a leading voice in interfaith dialogue and security in the Philippines.

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Discovering culture and friendship in China’s ‘Snow Capital’ Altay

by Contributor
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BY HUAN XIANG, HAN LIQUN, HU RENBA/PEOPLE’S DAILY

ALTAY Prefecture, located in the northwest frontier of China, sits in the northeast part of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture in the north of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It borders Mongolia to the east, Kazakhstan to the west, and Russia to the north.

From the pristine Kanas Lake, hailed as “a pure land on earth,” to the majestic landscapes of Koktokay and to the millennia-old rock paintings that earned Altay its global reputation as the “cradle of skiing,” this land is distinguished by its breathtaking natural beauty and profound cultural heritage.

“Come here, try our kebabs!” called out a man in slightly accented Mandarin. He is Percev Timofei Nikolayevich, affectionately known as Jima, a Kazakh national who now co-owns a barbecue restaurant in Beitun, Altay Prefecture, with his Chinese wife, Guan Xinlan.

Their story began at the Jeminay Port, a long-standing border crossing at the convergence of China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. With over a century of trading history, the port has long served as one of the most accessible gateways for China’s commerce with the three neighboring countries. 

Since reopening more than 30 years ago, it has quickly regained its role as a regional trade hub. Spotting the opportunity, Guan opened a small eatery near the port in 2005 and learned Russian to serve foreign customers.

Jima, a long-haul truck driver on the China-Kazakhstan route, soon became her de facto language tutor. Known for his warmth and generosity, he helped Guan learn Russian while also supplying her with specialty ingredients from Kazakhstan. Their relationship blossomed, and the couple married in 2009. Jima chose to settle in Altay, where he now helps run their growing business.

In recent years, improved customs efficiency and a mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Kazakhstan have significantly facilitated cross-border movement. For Jima’s family, the prosperity of the port has laid the foundation for a fulfilling life. The booming popularity of Altay as a cultural and tourism destination has opened new opportunities. In April this year, they relocated their restaurant to Beitun, expanding their reach with signature Russian-style kebabs.

From truck driver to entrepreneur, Jima has made Altay his second home. “Altay is beautiful and well-connected, attracting visitors from neighboring countries and beyond,” he said.

Altay’s mountainous terrain is covered in snow for nearly a quarter of the year. In 2018, China’s National Climate Center recognized Altay as the “Snow Capital of China.” The region’s core ice-and-snow area spans more than 30,000 square kilometers, comparable to the Alps in Europe or the Rockies in North America, making it one of the world’s premier destinations for ski tourism.

A ski mountaineering competition is held at the second edition of Winter Games Around Altay Mountains in January 2025. (Photo/Dong Shiju)

In 2005, a herder discovered ancient cave paintings in an Altay valley depicting humans skiing on primitive boards with a single pole in hand to hunt. Confirmed by researchers, these drawings represent the earliest known evidence of human skiing activities, dating back between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago.

At an international seminar on ancient skiing culture held in Altay in January 2015, more than 30 experts from 18 countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Finland, reached a consensus recognizing Altay as the birthplace of human skiing.

Nestled in the Altay Mountains, Altay is often described as “a city built within a ski resort.” It’s Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort, just 1.6 kilometers from the city’s central square, which holds a national 5S alpine skiing destination. With annual snowfall depth exceeding two meters, its light, fluffy powder snow has earned it the nickname “Asia’s powder snow paradise.”

The resort also reflects the growing internationalization of China’s winter sports. “We’ve seen an increase in foreign visitors in recent years, from tropical countries like Malaysia to traditional winter sports nations such as Russia, South Korea, and Japan,” said Li Xia, head of the Jiangjunshan Mountain Ski Academy.

Altay has rapidly expanded its ski infrastructure in recent years. Apart from major resorts such as the Jiangjunshan and Koktokay international ski resorts, recreational ski facilities have been established in every county. During the most recent snow season, Altay welcomed 1.408 million ski tourists, a 23.37 percent year-on-year increase.

In Altay, traces of early human skiing meet the vibrancy of a modern, international winter sports hub. With snow as a bridge and culture as its core, this borderland continues to foster stories of friendship and connection.

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A ‘sweet bond’ on Silk Road

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY HUAN XIANG, HAN LIQUN, QU PEI, PEOPLE’S DAILY

HAMI, in the eastern part of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, has long been a key hub on the ancient Silk Road and is known as the “gateway to the Western Regions.” 

When Zhang Qian made his first diplomatic mission to the West in the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC-25 AD), Hami was an important stop. The Silk Road he pioneered not only fostered cultural exchanges across regions but also left behind a shared taste memory that has endured for millennia, turning “Hami” into a synonym for sweet melons.

Today, Hami’s annual Melon Festival celebrates this heritage as a vibrant feast of sweetness. Interestingly, Khiva in Uzbekistan – another ancient Silk Road cultural crossroads – hosts a parallel melon festival. Together, these two transborder events resonate as a symbolic “sweet bond” connecting communities and industries.

This summer, in the melon fields of Huayuan township of Hami, workers of the Jiaxiang Fruit Planting Cooperative rushed to harvest, sort, and pack crates of fresh melons ready for shipment. “This year we’ve already exported 1,880 tons of Hami melons, with peak daily exports exceeding 80 tons,” said Liu Ruixiang, head of the cooperative.

Hami’s temperate continental climate, featuring abundant sunshine and large day-night temperature differences, gives the melons their exceptional sweetness. Strong photosynthesis during the day allows the fruit to accumulate nutrients, while the cool nights slow sugar consumption.

The story of Hami melons is inseparable from the ancient Silk Road. Along this ancient route, grapes, pomegranates, and alfalfa from the West traveled eastward, while Hami melon cultivation techniques spread to Dunhuang in northwest China’s Gansu province before reaching central China.

A man introduces the planting techniques for Hami melon in a melon field in Yizhou district, Hami. (Photo/Asadbek Bobojonov)

Today, Hami melons have become a pillar industry driving local economic growth and improving livelihoods. International exchanges have also spurred advances in breeding. “We’ve been working with countries such as Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to share melon germplasm resources, advancing genetic improvement and variety development,” said Zhang Yongbing, a researcher at the Hami Melon Research Center of the Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Central Asian countries are also testing thick-skinned varieties developed in China, he added.

At the 19th Hami melon festival held recently, 270 varieties spanning ancient and modern times were showcased, drawing crowds of visitors, with popular varieties quickly selling out.

Over the past three decades, Hami has transformed its melon from a single agricultural product into a cultural and economic symbol with global appeal. Since it was launched in 1993, the Hami melon festival has grown into the city’s most festive “sweet celebration.”

Cultural exchanges are adding even more vibrancy to Hami. In July this year, the 7th China Xinjiang International Ethnic Dance Festival set up a sub-venue in Hami, where the State Honored Song and Dance Ensemble of the Republic of Tajikistan “Lola” performed in resplendent traditional dress. “The warm response from the audience in Hami made us truly feel that art knows no borders,” said the head of the troupe.

The State Honored Song and Dance Ensemble of the Republic of Tajikistan “Lola” performs at the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival. (Photo/Sun Jihu)

The integration of culture and tourism continues to generate fruitful results. In the first half of this year, Hami welcomed 9.85 million visitors, up 16.46 percent year on year, with tourism revenue reaching 6.379 billion yuan, a 23.22 percent increase.

“The fruits here are just as sweet as those from my hometown,” said Asadbek Bobojonov, deputy editor-in-chief of Silk Road News Network in Uzbekistan, who joined journalists from 10 countries, including Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, on a field trip in June this year. In a 100-mu (about 667 hectares) melon farm in Huayuan township, he inquired closely about planting techniques and sales channels.

In Central Asia, melons are more than a fruit – they embody harvest abundance, traditions of hospitality, and national pride. Uzbekistan has been renowned for its melons since ancient times, and every August, the melon festival in Khiva draws crowds of visitors.

“Both Hami and Uzbekistan share deep historical ties through millennia-old Silk Road trade routes,” noted Bobojonov. The Hami melon Festival and the melon festival in Uzbekistan can serve as important platforms for cooperation and exchange, he added.

“Hami’s melon festival and those of Central Asian countries all celebrate the sweetness of the harvest and the joy of sharing,” said Wang Lin of the publicity department of Hami’s Yizhou district. Wang called it a vivid example of the cultural affinity between China and its neighbors.

Historically, trade and cultural interaction allowed similar crops and customs to take root across the region. Today, under the Belt and Road Initiative, these shared celebrations have become a ‘sweet bond’ connecting the hearts of people in China and Central Asia.

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Exploring cultural integration at source of Tibetan civilization in Shannan

by Contributor
written by Contributor

PEOPLE’S DAILY

A 17-HOUR flight from Athens, Greece, to Lhasa in China’s Xizang autonomous region- including a layover in Beijing – bridges five time zones. This journey from the Aegean Sea to the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau spans a distance once unimaginable to ancient travelers.

Yet at the Shannan Museum in southern Xizang, a single artifact illuminates the miraculous connections between Eastern and Western civilizations. This item, a gilded silver plate dating back to the 6th or 7th century, adorned with the figure of Dionysus, the god of wine in ancient Greek mythology, whispers tales of early exchanges between Chinese and Greek civilizations.

Shannan (meaning “south of the Gangdise Mountains”) is recognized as Xizang’s cultural heartland, home to many of the region’s “firsts”: the earliest monastery, the first Buddhist chapel, the earliest scriptures.

Photo shows a view of Shannan, southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region. (Photo by Tsering Lumpur)

Before Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo established the Tubo regime in Lhasa, generations of Tibetan rulers governed from the Yarlung River valley in Shannan, the cradle of Tibetan civilization.

Drawing on its profound history, Shannan established Xizang’s first museum in 1995. Among its treasures, alongside the Dionysus plate, a Sasanian Empire (AD 224-651) silver coin draws particular interest.

According to Drolma, head of the Shannan Museum, the Sasanian Empire, centered in ancient Persia (modern-day Iran), sat at a critical juncture along the ancient Silk Road, connecting Asia and Europe. The discovery of silver coins in Shannan, she explains, underscores the region’s long-standing – directly or indirectly – connections to Central Asia via what scholars today call the “Plateau Silk Road.”

These exhibits are replete with stories of cultural exchanges and integration, Drolma noted as she moved among the display cases, introducing each artifact with great enthusiasm. 

“Consider these Buddha statues. Their facial features, headwear, and garments show clear South Asian inspiration. These thangkas retain traces of Nepali craftsmanship. And this palm-leaf manuscript, inscribed in Sanskrit, was crafted from the leaves of the Talipot palm, a tree native to tropical and subtropical regions,” she noted.

“Tibetan culture, at its core, is a product of openness and integration,” remarked Drolma. “It drew deeply from the cultures of central China and South Asia, weaving them into a unique identity all its own.”

Despite Tibet’s challenging high-altitude environment, its people have maintained centuries-old connections with surrounding civilizations. By timing their travels to avoid harsh winters and snowstorms, and skillfully navigating terrain using their intimate knowledge of river routes, mountain passes, and pastures, they developed and sustained trade routes linking the plateau to distant cultures.

“Tashi Delek, what would you like today?” 

“Namaste, I’d like to have a look at your wool blankets.”

At last year’s Yarlung Commodity Fair, a resident of Shannan and a Nepali vendor spoke briefly.

A woman buys Nepali teacup pads at the Yarlung Commodity Fair in Shannan, southwest China’s Xizang autonomous region. (Photo by Yongchen Drolkar)

“Tashi Delek” (Tibetan for “good fortune”) and “Namaste” (the Nepali/South Asian greeting) now resonate commonly in border regions through sustained interaction.

Now in its 44th year, the Yarlung Commodity Fair stands as a cornerstone of Shannan’s annual calendar – a major platform for commercial and cultural exchanges and a window into Xizang’s unique traditions and way of life. As greetings are exchanged in Tibetan and Nepali, hands are shaken, deals are struck, and friendships are forged and deepened. Last year, transactions totaled around 700 million yuan ($97.71 million), reflecting the vibrancy of these interactions.

Today, as the “cradle of Tibetan civilization,” Shannan is expanding its trade with neighboring regions while drawing global enthusiasts of Tibetan culture – particularly during the annual Yarlung Cultural Tourism Festival each summer.

At Mindroling Monastery in Chanang county, Shannan, Australian artist Henrietta Manning –  who traveled from Hobart via three flights and a train journey – marveled at the region’s architecture, history, religion, and way of life. Although less internationally renowned than Lhasa, visitors often describe Shannan as a portal to an ancient era where cultural exchange permeates the landscape. Just like the millennia-old Yarlung River merging with the Yarlung Zangbo River and flowing seaward, this legacy of cultural fusion remains dynamically alive, continuously expanding beyond the mountains. By Zhao Juecheng, Fan Lingzhi, Global Times; Zhang Bolan, Xian Gan

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Hainan’s instant tax refund wins over foreign tourists

by Contributor
written by Contributor

BY SUN HAITIAN, PEOPLE’S DAILY

“BEFORE coming here, I assumed Sanya was only about sunshine and beaches,” remarked Russian tourist Andrei. After spending a few days by the sea, his family headed to downtown Sanya, south China’s Hainan province, for some shopping. Inside a mall, a poster advertising duty-free shopping for offshore passengers caught his eye.

“Offshore duty-free shopping applies mainly to domestic travelers departing Hainan Island but remaining within China,” explained Andrei’s tour guide. “As an international traveler exiting China, you’re entitled to another benefit – the departure tax refund.”

“Another benefit?” Andrei became even more interested. While shopping, he picked out a pearl necklace for his wife and finally bought himself the mobile phone he had long wanted.

At checkout, the cashier reminded him, “Since your purchase exceeds 200 yuan ($27.82), you can apply for a departure tax refund.” The refund threshold had been lowered from 500 yuan to 200 yuan. After issuing a tax refund application form, Andrei was directed to the mall’s “instant tax refund” counter.

A staff member processed his passport and form, placing a temporary hold on his credit card: “For refunds under 20,000 yuan, you may choose immediate cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay transfer.”

“Instantly?” Andrei was surprised. 

Moments after he selected a refund method, a notification popped up on his phone confirming the refund had been deposited.

“The process was faster than ordering coffee,” he commented, delighted. With the refunded money in hand, he immediately bought several boxes of Hainan coconut candy.

“Remarkable! It felt like an additional discount,” he observed.

Andrei’s shopping experience reflects a new trend in inbound tourism in Hainan. Citizens from 85 countries can now enter Hainan visa-free, and more foreign visitors are venturing beyond traditional resort areas into the city’s lively streets, exploring a wider variety of shopping and leisure options.

Chinese and foreign tourists shop in a duty-free mall in Haikou, south China’s Hainan province, July 15, 2025. (Photo/Su Bikun)

“Streamlined tax refund services have strong appeal for tourists,” said Wu Xiaolin, an official with the Sanya Tourism Board. “Independent travelers now make up about 50 percent of Sanya’s inbound visitors. They tend to be younger, stay longer, and seek unique, in-depth cultural and lifestyle experiences. Initiatives like ‘instant tax refunds’ and mobile payment facilitation are helping to remove barriers to spending.”

A few days later, at Sanya Phoenix International Airport, Andrei visited a customs verification counter for the final confirmation step. Customs officers entered his passport number into the system; his traveler details and purchase records appeared instantly on a screen. The entire verification and stamping process took less than two minutes.

“We’re enhancing clearance efficiency through multilingual support and digital systems, improving overseas visitors’ experiences,” said an official with the customs department in Haikou, capital of Hainan province.

“From lowered refund threshold, to the instant processing and automated verification at the airport, every step has been thoughtful and efficient,” Andrei said, reflecting on the convenience of his trip.

Behind these positive experiences lies Hainan’s ongoing effort to improve international connectivity and inbound facilitation policies. In the first half of this year, over 208,000 travelers entered Hainan visa-free through Sanya Phoenix International Airport, accounting for 88.54 percent of all inbound visitors at that airport. Across the province, the number of inbound overnight visitors reached 652,900, up 31.7 percent year on year.

Outside the airport terminal, Sanya’s glittering night skyline spread. “The charm of a place often lies in the details,” Andrei told his wife. “Next time, we’re staying in Hainan for a few more days.”

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Tiny city, big impact: Arxan emerges as cross-cultural bridge

by Contributor
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BY FAN WEI, JIANG BO, WU YONG, TIAN LIANG/PEOPLE’S DAILY

TUCKED away in the northwestern corner of Xing’an league in north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Arxan ranks among China’s “tiniest cities” by population – just 28,600 residents – yet exerts a disproportionate influence in tourism and cultural exchanges.

Once a remote border town, Arxan has transformed in recent years into a magnet for visitors drawn by pristine natural beauty and commitment to sustainable development. Its unique mix of volcanoes, crater lakes, vast forests, and thermal springs has earned it a reputation as a “healing destination,” especially among travelers from neighboring Mongolia.

For O Adiya, a Mongolian businessman and president of the chamber of commerce in Dornod, Mongolia, Arxan stands out among the many places he has visited in China. “The natural scenery is absolutely breathtaking. For many Mongolians, Arxan is an ideal travel destination,” he said.

Nestled on the southwestern slopes of the Greater Khingan Mountains, Arxan offers a rare convergence of forest and grassland civilizations. Visitors can hike through dense woods, stroll across sweeping grasslands, and marvel at dramatic rock formations and snow-covered peaks. In winter, naturally heated mineral springs with a variety of temperatures and therapeutic properties become especially popular.

Photo shows a China-Mongolia border port in Arxan, Xing’an league, north China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region. (Photo provided by the publicity department of Arxan)

“Every year, many Mongolian tourists enter through the Arxan border port,” said Tang Xin, deputy head of a border inspection team at the city’s immigration inspection station. Beyond shopping, most visitors seek the natural landscapes and therapeutic springs, Tang added. 

“September offers peak scenery – when the forests are ablaze with color, like nature’s very own palette,” he said.

Local businesses have seized the opportunity to tailor experiences to cross-border visitors. Fu Lihong, a local tourism service provider, has developed customized wellness packages featuring hot springs and traditional therapies. “Mongolians value traditional Mongolian medicine, which recognizes the health benefits of thermal springs and medicinal baths, ” Fu explained. “This drives Arxan’s geothermal resorts’ popularity.” 

To accommodate rising visitor numbers, the Arxan border port, once only open seasonally, for eight months a year, now operates year-round.

Arxan’s development is rooted in a larger transformation. Formerly a major timber industry hub, the city pivoted to ecological protection after China’s nationwide natural forest conservation program took effect. Today, with forest coverage above 80 percent and vegetation exceeding 95 percent, Arxan is both a biodiversity haven and an ecotourism model. Leveraging its robust green industries, Arxan is cultivating an outward-facing ecological culture.

The city’s lush forests also provide a safe haven for local wildlife. Winter visitors might spot Mongolian gazelles, red deer, and roe deer wandering along forest trails – just a few of the many wild animals thriving in the protected habitat.

Photo shows an autumn view of the Arxan National Forest Park. (Photo by Shi Jiamin/People’s Daily Online)

Environmental cooperation has become a cornerstone of foreign exchanges between Xing’an league and neighboring Dornod. As Mongolia advances a campaign to plant 1 billion trees, the cold-resistant, high-survival-rate tree species native to the Greater Khingan Mountains – like spruce and larch – have emerged as ideal choices for reforestation.

“Building a greener homeland is a shared aspiration for China and Mongolia,” said Xiao Cuiyan, head of the foreign affairs office of Xing’an league. “The resilient trees of the Greater Khingan Mountains have become ‘envoys of friendship,’ representing both ecological hope and cultural bonds.” 

According to Xiao, the league is actively partnering with Mongolian partners to provide saplings and expertise, with the goal of planting these green seeds across the Mongolian steppe.

Located at the intersection of China, Mongolia, and Russia, Arxan has long served as a gateway for cultural exchanges. With a rich history of cross-border interaction, Xing’an league remains a fertile ground for people-to-people ties. In recent years, it has hosted a range of major events and cultural exchanges, including the China-Mongolia-Russia cultural and arts week, subregional basketball tournaments, and performances of Mongolian long songs.

“China, Russia, and Mongolia are close neighbors connected by mountains and rivers. We share a common future and long-standing friendships,” Xiao said. “Here in Xing’an, the most beautiful scenery lies not just in nature, but in the spirit of openness, inclusiveness, and harmony of the people.”

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Exploring cultural richness of ‘pearl of Silk Road’ Kashgar

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BY CHE BIN, LI YANAN, PEOPLE’S DAILY 

LOCATED in the southwestern part of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Kashgar sits on a lush oasis nourished by the Yarkant River, which flows from the Karakoram Mountains. Since ancient times, traders and travelers crossing the Pamir Plateau have stopped here to rest, trade, and connect. This made Kashgar a key hub along the ancient Silk Road and one of Xinjiang’s earliest international trading posts. Historical figures such as Zhang Qian, Xuanzang, Faxian, and Marco Polo all left their footprints in this storied land.

Today, Kashgar stands as China’s gateway to the west, an international corridor leading to Central, West, and South Asia, and the starting point of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Departing from downtown Kashgar and heading south along the Karakoram Highway, known as the “China-Pakistan Friendship Road,” one can reach Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County after a 300-kilometer drive.

Just north of Taxkorgan lies the Ruins of Stone City, a site with more than 2,000 years of history. When Buddhist monk Xuanzang in Tang Dynasty (618-907) returned from his journey to India, he passed through the site and later described the ancient stronghold in his travelogue “The Great Tang Records on the Western Regions.” Weathered by time, the ruins still stand with quiet grandeur.

Photo shows Dilxat Tursun (right) and Hadiya. (Photo provided by Dilxat Tursun)

In downtown Kashgar lies the ancient city of Kashgar, which dates back over 2,100 years. Known as a “living city of antiquity,” it begins each day with a ceremonial opening: at sunrise, dancers emerge from its streets, greeting visitors with cheerful music and vibrant performances.

Wandering through the ancient city, one encounters 99 alleys that twist and turn, lined with earth-toned buildings decorated with flower pots, intricate wood carvings, colorful domes, and overhanging eaves. As families expand, new generations add floors to their homes, creating a unique and compact architectural landscape with hanging houses and enclosed passageways. Over time, more than 20,000 residences have formed a dense, labyrinthine urban layout – one of the largest inhabited clusters of earthen buildings in the world.

In the early Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Italian traveler Marco Polo described Kashgar in his travel notes as a city with beautiful gardens, orchards, vineyards, and merchants from every corner of the world.

In August last year, Italian hiking enthusiast Vienna Cammarota visited Kashgar. Before her trip to China, she had read about the city in The Travels of Marco Polo. Upon arrival, she was thrilled to discover that Kashgar was not only a vital hub on the ancient Silk Road but also a place brimming with vitality today. 

“The streets are lively by day and poetic at night,” she said. “There’s a constant hum of voices and the air is filled with the aromas of spices, freshly baked bread, and sizzling barbecue.”

Performers dance outside the ancient city of Kashgar to welcome tourists. (Photo by Wang Zhenqiang)

In the ancient city of Kashgar, there is a cafe named Dili & Diya, run by a young local man, Dilxat Tursun, and his Tanzanian wife, Hadiya.

Hadiya attributed her opportunity to live and study in China to the Belt and Road Initiative. She met Dilxat Tursun while both were students in Fuzhou, southeast China’s Fujian province. In May 2020, the couple returned to Dilxat Tursun’s hometown, Kashgar.

“The moment I arrived in Kashgar, I fell in love with it,” Hadiya said. “The city has a rich history, and the people are warm and hospitable. In my hometown of Zanzibar, there’s also a Stone City, which feels quite similar to Kashgar. That connection made me feel even closer to this place.”

Photo shows a street in the ancient city of Kashgar. (Photo by Che Bin/People’s Daily)

Their cafe features hand-crafted pottery cups from Kashgar and wall decorations from Africa. “Tanzanian coffee beans are well-known in the Chinese market,” said Dilxat Tursun. “So in March 2023, we opened this cafe together. Hadiya taught me how to grind beans and brew rich, flavorful coffee. Our lattes are made with local milk and Tanzanian coffee beans, a fusion that reflects the East-meets-West charm of Kashgar ancient city.”

“With China’s visa-free policy expanding its coverage, we’re seeing more and more international visitors at our cafe,” he added.

As the business grows, securing a steady supply of coffee beans has become a top priority. “When we first started, we would bring beans back with us during family visits to Tanzania. Now, they’re shipped via a more stable route – from Africa to Europe, then to Kashgar by China-Europe freight trains,” he explained.

At the end of last year, construction began on the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan Railway. Dilxat Tursun was among the first to celebrate the news. “This railway starts in Kashgar. We hope for its swift completion and operation, which would make coffee bean transport even easier. More importantly, I believe this project will open up more trade opportunities and improve daily life for people in the countries along the route,” he said.

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