Hemu Village: Winter tourism spurs economic revival

Thursday, March 21, 2024

In the serene setting of Hemu village, located in Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the transformation from seclusion to prosperity through tourism, particularly ice and snow tourism, has been profound. According to Yerken Bayer, a village official, what were once barriers separating the village from the outside world have now become sources of economic upliftment, turning the area into a ‘golden mountain’ of opportunity.

This shift towards tourism has significantly enhanced the villagers’ quality of life, a sentiment echoed by his colleague Buyunqiyingke, who highlighted that over two-thirds of the village population now benefits from the tourism sector. With efforts underway to achieve recognition as one of the Best Tourism Villages by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Hemu is on the path to even greater visibility and development.

The rapid growth in the popularity of ice and snow tourism has not only put Hemu but the entire Altay Prefecture on the map as a year-round travel destination. Xinjiang’s advantageous natural features and high-quality ski resorts have positioned it as a frontrunner in China’s ice and snow sports industry, attracting ski enthusiasts from around the globe. The Jikepulin international ski resort, in particular, has received praise from tourists for its excellent conditions for skiing, with visitors planning extended stays to fully engage with the winter sports offerings.

The ice and snow season, peaking during the Chinese Lunar New Year holiday in February, drew an average of 8,000 daily tourists to the village, underscoring the growing appeal of winter tourism. Even as the season winds down, the resort continues to welcome a significant number of visitors. This surge in tourism has also catalyzed growth in related sectors, such as accommodation, with many locals transforming their homes into homestays to host tourists. These ventures not only cater to the lodging needs of visitors but also incorporate services like express parcel collection for skiing equipment, enhancing the overall guest experience.

In preserving Hemu’s natural beauty and traditional character, the village prioritizes sustainable tourism development, ensuring that the influx of tourists complements rather than compromises its environmental and cultural heritage. This approach underscores a commitment to balancing economic growth with conservation, aiming to maintain Hemu’s charm for future generations.

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