Beneath the June sun in Xinjiang’s Ili River Valley, Kazanqi’s winding streets buzz with new life. A spry 69-year-old Uygur elder welcomes visitors at his courtyard gate, strumming a dutar as grapes dangle overhead. Beneath the trellises, a feast of seasonal fruits, naan, and milk tea invites travelers to linger—cameras snap, laughter rises, and the air hums with warmth.

Step deeper, and Kazanqi unfolds like a living Silk Road tapestry. Centuries-old clay walls and ornate doorways blend seamlessly with revitalized storefronts, each corner whispering tales of Ili’s multiethnic legacy.
 

This spring, Yining City reimagined Kazanqi—replacing aging infrastructure, restoring heritage facades, and unveiling sleek, clutter-free lanes. Gone are the tangled wires and uneven paths; in their place, a polished streetscape where history and modernity dance.
 

Now a thriving cultural hub, Kazanqi safeguards tradition while fueling prosperity. Over 3,000 jobs have blossomed alongside its revival, turning a once-overlooked neighborhood into a beacon of pride—and proof that thoughtful renewal pays dividends.