In a recent visit to Turpan, renowned for its scorching Flame Mountain, the “Ten Thousand Voices of Xinjiang” team, composed of outstanding authors, embarked on an immersive journey into the heart of Xinjiang. This group, made up of key editors and influencers from various national and regional news outlets, began their exploration on October 9th under the warm morning sun.
Their day was filled with cultural discoveries, starting with the ingenious Qanat irrigation system, a remarkable feat of ancient engineering that rivals the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. Wu Siyiao, a travel blogger from Guangzhou, expressed her excitement, saying, “I can’t get enough of this place. I will definitely come back. As I listened to the guide explain the Qanat system, I was captivated. I plan to create a video specifically about it to share the wisdom and creativity of our ancient people with a wider audience.”
The adventure continued at the Turpan Museum, where visitors marveled at stunning fossils and ancient imagery depicting Fuxi and Nuwa. Lina, a Russian host from Huaqiao University, shared her feelings on the experience: “I felt the weight of China’s history here. The exhibits showcased the diversity of Xinjiang’s culture. I hope to visit Xinjiang more often to gain a deeper understanding.”
Amid their journey, Park Dayi, a first-year blogger from South Korea known for his food adventures, exclaimed with excitement while passing by Flame Mountain, “I can’t believe the Flame Mountain from ‘Journey to the West’ actually exists! The red rock formations are truly fascinating.” He quickly shared a video with friends back in Korea, stating, “They’re thrilled and eager to know more about Xinjiang. This place has given me so many surprises!”
As the sun began to set, the sound of an enchanting melody drifted from the entrance of the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, where the group encountered a music-loving Uyghur elder. The participants donned traditional Uyghur caps and bonded over music, with the cheerful tunes telling stories of the harmonious lives of Xinjiang’s diverse communities.
Reflecting on their quest to share the authentic stories of Xinjiang and uncover its beauty, the “Ten Thousand Voices of Xinjiang” journey came to a close for this leg, with eager anticipation for what the next destination would unveil.