"I've met some foreign visitors in our village, but I couldn't understand them when they tried to talk to me," he said.

He was especially thrilled by 34 brand-new computers, purchased by the local education bureau last year. However, learning how to use them was delayed because there were no computer teachers available then.

Students love the new computer courses. "They have a great passion and curiosity for new technology," said Bairdibayi Turdi, 36, the school principal, who has been teaching for 14 years.

"Parents want their children to learn how to use computers. Computer literacy will help our children find better jobs in the towns."

Medical treatment in the county hospital has been upgraded as well, as more advanced facilities can be used since the arrival of electricity.

Four years ago, there were only three readings that medical staff could use to diagnose patients  temperature, blood pressure and pulse.

"We couldn't really do any medical diagnoses, so we had to send our patients to Kashi," said Akelali, 28, a doctor for eight years.

Now the hospital is equipped with advanced facilities such as an electrocardiograph and there are more doctors. "Now we can diagnose heart disease and some minor illnesses to save our people from travelling," Akelali said.

The productivity and income of herding people in the county have also increased.

In Subashi, located about one hour by car from the Bunlunkou village, and 30 minutes from Karakul Lake, one of the most renowned tourism sites in southern Xinjiang, villagers earn their living by selling ethnic souvenirs to tourists, and most of them own motorbikes.

Most homes in Subashi have installed portable solar panels outside their houses or at their yurts when they go out herding. The 40-kilogram-panel is part of another government project, The Silk Road Project, which began in 2003.

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