New transport links to open remote Xinjiang village to tourism

陈小将

The secluded beauty of Saihantaohai village in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region will become more accessible next year with the introduction of new transport links. [Photo by Ma Lixin/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The secluded beauty of a remote village in Hejing county of the Bayingolin Mongolian autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, will become more accessible next year with the completion of a new highway and expressway.

At an astonishing elevation of 2,400 meters, Saihantaohai village hides deep in the Bayanbulak Grassland among snow-capped mountains that tower on all sides. Its name translates to "beautiful valley" in Mongolian.

Spruce forests rise around the village like tiered pagodas, and a winding river flows through meadows and woodlands, where Tianshan red deer (Cervus elaphus songaricus) can occasionally be seen wandering or grazing.