Hong Kong student Angel Lau Yin-kwan, 16, has wanted to visit China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region for some time, to learn more about the birthplace of her favourite mainland Chinese actress, Dilraba Dilmurat.
Before embarking on a seven-day northern Xinjiang learning tour in early July under the Solar Project, organised by public broadcaster RTHK, Lau thought the region was mostly grassland and that locals rode horses as a means of transport.
Lau was astonished by the well-developed infrastructure, such as the 700-metre-long (2,297 feet) Guozigou Bridge suspended 200 metres above a valley, while the view of Sayram Lake, Xinjiang’s highest and largest alpine lake, took her breath away. She also made a leather keychain during a showcase of the region’s leather carving heritage.
“I wish to spend a month or longer learning more about the region. I have only gained a superficial understanding by visiting the natural scenery and experiencing some local customs. I do not have enough time to understand its history and architecture,” Lau said.
“Joining these study tours can broaden my horizons and allow me to make new friends. It is always good to explore at a young age.”
Xinjiang has emerged as a new mainland destination for Hong Kong travellers, with city and mainland Chinese tourism sector leaders hoping to attract more visitors and students to enjoy the region’s natural scenery and learn about its history and culture.