Xinjiang tourism hit hard

Tourism in Xinjiang, especially in the capital Urumqi, has been badly affected by the July 5th riot. Many tourist agencies have received cancellations. But on Saturday there were still a handful of tourists.

Heaven Mountain and Lake, or Tian Shan Tian Chi, are some 110 kilometers east of Urumqi. A car ride from the regional capital to the beautiful area takes an hour and a half. Many tourists choose here as their first stop, with more than 800 thousand visits in a year.

This tour guide has not worked for three days. It hurts him to see how the riot has affected tourism.

Tour Guide, said, "In recent years, there have tour buses with air conditioners, and conditions are improving. But the riot has significantly damaged tourism."

Near Heaven Lake, visitors can appreciate three pure colors, the blue sky, white clouds, and green lake. A visitor from Jiangsu has arrived with four members of his family.

Jiangsu Visitor, said, "I would like to tell all people that Xinjiang is worth visiting."

Along the lakefront, lovers are taking wedding photos.

Urumqi Resident, said, "I think everyone in this ethnically mixed region should love and protect the region as they treat their eyes. Everyone should contribute to ethnic unity."

Urumqi Resident, saidThis young man is from Kashgar. He has been selling Uygur nan bread here for a long time. Before the riot, he could sell more than 1,500 a day. His boss, is Han.

Zhou Rui, Restaurant Manager, said, "I have worked with these Uygurs from Kashagar for seven years. We treat each other like family members. He calls me "brother."

Zhou Rui says he believes the riot's influence on local tourism is temporary and things will get better soon.

Source: CCTV.com