In Xinjiang, tourism peak follows snowy plateau

As a poverty-relief project supported by the Shanghai municipal government, Nulabit started developing in 2017.

Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, grasslands and forests, the new village, just a one-day cycling trip away from the county seat of Yecheng, is rich in tourist attractions.

Shanghai investors have helped build infrastructure and housing with a well-equipped tourist facilities.

"My lodge received over 100 tourists this year, which brought in over 10,000 yuan ($1,420) of income," said Aimtih Syeti, the first herdsman to open a catering business in the village.

He said in the past, they lived a nomadic life with their herds of livestock. Now, they live in a lodge and rent their spare rooms to tourists. So far, 98 households have settled in the village, with a population of 300.