Category: Tourism

Established in 1985, Huadong Baili Winery was the first in the country to fully adopt the international OIV standards, which govern winemaking on a global scale. Located in the Laoshan region and covering over 1,200 acres, this winery isn’t just a production facility—it’s an immersive destination.

I toured the vineyard grounds, walked through the exhibition halls, and entered the cool cellars where single-varietal, single-origin, and single-vintage wines are carefully crafted.

What stood out to me was how deeply the company integrates advanced techniques like dynamic temperature-controlled fermentation, ensuring both consistency and quality in every bottle.

I also had the pleasure of tasting a range of their wines, each reflecting the terroir of this unique region.

Later that afternoon, I boarded a bus and followed the Yellow Sea coastline for a two-hour ride to Yantai’s Marine Star Pier. As someone from a landlocked country, being by the sea already felt special—but what awaited me there surpassed expectations.

A short ride took us to the Marine Ranch, a pioneering project that fuses intelligent aquaculture with tourism. Its distinct gemstone necklace-shaped layout is not just eye-catching but symbolic of China’s commitment to sustainable development under its ‘blue economy’ strategy.

Here, I tried fishing for the first time—a moment that was both exciting and oddly meditative. We also explored the aquacultural platforms, observed various species, and enjoyed the golden-hour view from the sea.

The visit concluded with a virtual reality experience that simulated life under the ocean, showcasing how cutting-edge technology is now part of everyday learning and tourism in China.

The following day, I stepped back in time as I explored Suochengli Block, the historical core of Yantai. This area has a deep past, dating back to 1398 when it was established as a garrison during the Ming Dynasty.

Later, it transitioned into a farming community during the Qing Dynasty. Walking through its well-preserved alleys and stone walls felt like moving through a living museum.

Just nearby is Chaoyang Street, once a vital trading hub during Yantai’s commercial rise. Since 2021, the street has been revived as a wine culture destination, repurposing its Qing-era architecture into cafes, tasting rooms, and small museums.

While there, I met a man who left a lasting impression. He spoke English with an American accent but revealed that he had taught himself the language—no formal education, no tutors. His welcoming nature and curiosity mirrored the larger spirit of the city.

To wrap up my journey, I visited Yantai Mountain—referred to by locals as the “mother mountain” of the city. Spanning 45 hectares, this coastal hill is a convergence point for sea, land, and city. The area is lush with greenery and features unique geological formations and 19th-century buildings once used by foreign consulates.

On that day, I witnessed children dressed in traditional costumes performing dances and songs. These cultural presentations, combined with the natural beauty around us, created a heartfelt moment that highlighted Yantai’s pride in its heritage.

Reflecting on the trip, I recalled the words of Pan Shiyou, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of Yantai Municipal People’s Congress, during a welcome banquet.

He said, “We sincerely hope that during your stay here, you will see around for yourself, taste great wine, enjoy the wonderland, experience the charm and romance of ‘Coastal wonderland, remarkable Yantai’, and tell the world with your writing and camera.” His invitation was an accurate summary of what I experienced.

Sichuan, famously known as the home of the giant panda, was a place I always wished to visit. And now that my dream was finally coming true, I couldn’t wait to meet the real-life bears that have captured the world’s imagination for centuries.

On the third day in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, my dream came true. I found myself heading to the Dujiangyan base for China giant Panda conservation and research, tucked away in Qing Cheng town, Dujiangyan City.

Located 18 kilometers from the downtown, this base sits between the sacred Qing Cheng mountain and the ancient town of Jie Zi. From the outside, it looked calm and green, but inside it held stories of science and survival of a species fighting for its place in the wild.

This is a professional panda rescue and disease prevention center, spread across 760 acres. It’s designed to support up to 40 giant pandas with seven key zones, including disease prevention, quarantine, rehabilitation, education, and research.

I saw nearly all of them; big, small, quiet, curious, and impossibly charming. Their environment was beautiful, with modern buildings blending into the natural landscape, all built to create a good home for the pandas. The total investment behind the base is around 230 million RMB (approx. Frw41 billion)

What surprised me at the onset was how much I learned that day. Despite being members of the bear family, pandas eat almost nothing but bamboo. In fact, they can consume up to 38 kilograms daily and spend over half the day chewing through it, all to extract a tiny portion of nutrition.

Their digestive systems are still built like those of meat-eaters, but evolution had another plan. I also discovered that a newborn panda is barely the size of a stick of butter, weighing around 100 grams, only about one-nine-hundredth of its mother’s weight.

Each panda has a thumb-like bone that helps it grip bamboo stalks like a hand. They’re solitary by nature, rarely meeting unless it’s time to mate, and they don’t hibernate like other bears.

Instead, they keep searching for bamboo year-round. Their communication is equally fascinating; pandas can bleat like goats or even bark like dogs, depending on their mood.

Sichuan Province, with a population of over 80 million people, is home to more than 70 percent of the world’s wild pandas. From the misty forests of the Minshan Mountains to the research bases in Chengdu, Dujiangyan, and beyond, the province has become the heartbeat of global panda conservation.

The people here see the giant panda not only as a symbol of local pride but as a reflection of their deep-rooted respect for nature. It’s in the subway art, the merchandise, the festivals and in the hearts of everyone I met.

Pandas are also central to China’s global diplomacy efforts. Known as panda diplomacy, China has loaned these animals to countries around the world to strengthen relations.

But even when a panda is born abroad, it still legally belongs to China and often returns home later in life. This shows how tightly the species is tied to China’s national identity.

And, about the iconic panda fur, the white fur helps them blend into snowy mountain slopes, while the black fur hides them in shaded forests.

The dark patches around their eyes and ears may even help them communicate or appear more intimidating to threats. It turns out that behind the cuddly appearance, is an animal perfectly suited for survival in a world of contrast, just like its fur.

Photos by Christian Mugisha

The visitors, hosted by Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury travel company, are set to explore various parts of Rwanda, including the Volcanoes National Park.

These elite travelers embarked on a journey through different countries, having previously arrived from Kenya and Tunisia, with their journey starting in London, UK. Their tour includes visiting world-renowned natural attractions, and they are accompanied by Abercrombie & Kent staff throughout.

Each tourist paid between $300,000 and $400,000 for the 30-day trip, which covers travel, luxury accommodations, and services in some of the world’s most scenic destinations, including Rwanda’s prestigious One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, and Kataza House.

On their trip around the world, they came a private chef, doctors. Upon arrival in Kigali, 17 classic tourist vehicles were at their disposal to take them to the Volcanoes National Park in the Musanze District, where they will visit gorillas and other wildlife.

Some moved by helicopter ride for some of them. The group will also visit local markets and shop for souvenirs.

Abercrombie & Kent primarily selects destinations known for security, high-end hotels, professional services, and unique natural wonders, with only a handful of countries included in their exclusive tours. Rwanda is consistently one of their chosen destinations.

In an interview with IGIHE, Paul Muvunyi, the CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Rwanda, praised Rwanda’s continued progress and its strong tourism appeal. He emphasized that Rwanda’s safety, hospitality, and the opportunity to see the famous mountain gorillas are major attractions.

Muvunyi noted that as demand grows, they aim to bring these high-end tourists to Rwanda more frequently, potentially even every month.

These visitors, who are wealthy individuals worth millions of dollars, often return to Rwanda because of the unique experiences the country offers. According to Albert Mitcho, an Abercrombie & Kent staff member in the region, many tourists visit Rwanda repeatedly due to its exceptional offerings.

Ann Epting, a senior representative from Abercrombie & Kent in the United States, highlighted Rwanda’s unique wildlife and culture as major reasons why clients choose to visit repeatedly. She emphasized that Rwanda is one of the few places in the world where tourists can experience mountain gorillas in the wild, contributing to its popularity.

The travelers will continue their journey to other African destinations, including Botswana, South Africa, and West Africa, as part of their ongoing luxury adventure.

Abercrombie & Kent, a leading luxury travel agency founded in 1962 by Geoffrey Kent, operates in over 100 countries with more than 60 branches, including one in Rwanda. They employ over 2,500 staff worldwide.

The program, currently being piloted at Volcanoes National Park, allows tourists to make symbolic financial contributions during real-time interactions with mountain gorillas through digital wallets, similar to accounts provided by mobile money platforms like MoMo. The funds can be used to protect gorilla habitats and enhance their well-being.

So far, 20 mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park have been successfully integrated into the system, enabling the apes to “pay” for essential conservation services like hiring park rangers who protect them.

Developed by Africa-based startup Tehanu, the initiative also incentivizes local communities to participate in wildlife conservation. For example, residents near the park can earn income by undertaking ecosystem-supporting tasks like photographing wildlife, recording animal sounds, or reporting sightings of specific species.

Jonathan Ledgard, the CEO and co-founder of Tehanu, told a local daily that the initiative not only enhances conservation funding but also deepens the connection between visitors and Rwanda’s iconic primates, offering a new dimension to eco-tourism in the region.

“By integrating both wildlife and humans into the financial system, the interspecies money initiative aims to create a circular economy that fosters mutual prosperity,” Ledgard told The New Times.

He added: “In Kigali, you can send money to your village using Momo. Now imagine a bat, a tree, or even a gorilla being able to receive and spend money, all for services that benefit them.”

In developing the digital platform, Tehanu leveraged artificial intelligence to understand the specific needs of the gorillas.

Gorilla tourism remains a key revenue stream for Rwanda, with visitors paying a minimum of $1,500 per person for gorilla trekking permits, which grant access to the park and an hour spent with the gorillas.

In 2023, the number of tourists visiting gorilla sites reached a historic high, growing by 29.4% to 25,927 visitors, according to an April report by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

The tourism sector also saw impressive growth, generating $650 million (Frw 832 billion) in revenue, marking a 35% increase compared to 2022.

Tehanu estimates that Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population has a financial value of approximately $1.4 billion, equivalent to about 10% of the country’s GDP.

Home to over 10 million Uygur Muslims and 47 ethnic groups, it’s a true cultural melting pot, shaped by its history as a vital hub of the ancient Silk Road.

From the awe-inspiring Taklamakan Desert to the serene beauty of Kanas Lake, and the vibrant city of Urumqi, Xinjiang is a treasure trove for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Whether it’s the fiery Flaming Mountains or the peaceful grasslands dotted with traditional yurts, the reality on the ground is a province full of life, color, and captivating stories that go far beyond the misconceptions.

Ready to discover a side of Xinjiang the world rarely shows? Here are 15 interesting facts about Xinjiang:

1. Urumqi, the world’s most remote city from the Sea

Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang which recently hosted the 6th World Media Summit, holds the distinct honor of being the city furthest from any sea or ocean in the world.

It is located about 2,500 kilometers from the nearest coastline. Despite its geographical remoteness, Urumqi is a major city in western China and a vibrant center of culture, commerce, and tourism.

2. A land of ethnic diversity

Xinjiang is home to 47 different ethnic groups, with the Uygurs being the largest group, making up about 48% (over 10 million) of the population.

However, many other ethnicities also call this region home, including Han Chinese, Kazakhs, Hui Muslims, and others.

This rich mix of cultures gives Xinjiang its unique character, as these groups coexist while maintaining their own distinct traditions, languages, and religious practices.

3. Silk Road Legacy

Xinjiang’s history is intertwined with the famous Silk Road, an ancient trade route that connected China to Europe and the Middle East.

This route that passed through this province facilitated not only the exchange of goods but also ideas, religions, and cultures.

Cities like Kashgar became vital trading hubs, where merchants from distant lands met to trade silk, spices, and other goods. This historic connection to the Silk Road has made Xinjiang a melting pot of cultures and religions.

4. Sharing borders with eight countries

Geographically, Xinjiang shares borders with eight countries, more than any other region in China.

These countries include Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.

This location makes Xinjiang a key strategic area for China and contributes to the rich cultural and economic exchanges that have shaped the region’s history.

5. A unique time zone difference

Though all of China officially runs on Beijing Time, Xinjiang operates on its own unofficial schedule due to its distance from the capital.

Xinjiang is two hours behind Beijing, and locals often adjust their routines accordingly.

People typically start work at 11 a.m., eat lunch at 2 p.m., and leave work at 7 p.m., with daylight lasting until well into the evening in the summer months.

6. China’s largest provincial region

Spanning 1.66 million square kilometers, Xinjiang covers one-sixth of China’s total territory.

The region’s vastness is mirrored by the diversity of its geography, which includes deserts, mountains, grasslands, and lakes.

Bayinbuluk is the second-largest grassland in China, offering a glimpse of
nomadic life with yurts, grazing herds, and Swan Lake, home to thousands of swans and
migratory birds.

It also has the longest international borders of any province in China, making it a crucial gateway to Central Asia.

7. The land of extreme landscapes

Xinjiang is a region of contrasts when it comes to its landscapes. It is home to the Taklamakan Desert, China’s largest shifting desert and the second-largest in the world, known as the “Sea of Death.”

On the other hand, it also boasts K2, the second-highest mountain in the world at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) above sea level.

Furthermore, the region contains Aydingkol Lake in Turpan, the second-lowest point on Earth at 155 meters (509 feet) below sea level.

8. One of China’s main fruit-producing regions

Xinjiang’s unique climate—long sunny days and significant temperature differences between day and night—makes it an ideal place for growing fruits.

The region is famous for its Hami melons, Turpan seedless grapes, Korla pears, and Ili apples.

It also produces cotton, lavender, and other agricultural products like tomatoes, mutton, beef, and jujube. This agricultural richness has made Xinjiang an essential part of China’s food supply.

9. A hub of religious diversity

Thanks to its long history and diverse population, Xinjiang is a region where multiple religions thrive.

Islam, which is the dominant religion among the Uygurs, coexists with Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Eastern Orthodoxy.

This religious diversity is reflected in the region’s architecture, with mosques, Buddhist temples, and Christian churches all present in the region.

10. Traditional cuisine

Xinjiang’s cuisine reflects the cultural influences of its various ethnic groups. The region is known for its hearty meat dishes, especially lamb.

One of its most famous dishes is “Polo,” a pilaf made with rice, lamb, carrots, and various spices.

Another beloved dish is “Dapanji,” a spicy chicken stew often served with hand-pulled noodles. For vegetarians, Xinjiang offers dishes like mung bean salad and vegetable Polo, proving that the region’s cuisine caters to all tastes.

11. Kanas Lake and its legendary monster

In northern Xinjiang lies Kanas Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by Siberian forests and rolling grasslands.

The lake’s beauty has inspired legends, including the tale of a mysterious lake monster similar to the Loch Ness Monster. For decades of years, legends of an enormous water monster in the lake have captured the imagination of locals and visitors.

Whether or not the monster exists, Kanas Lake remains a top destination for travelers, offering breathtaking views and plenty of opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting.

12. It has the longest airline routes in China

Xinjiang currently has 16 airports, the most of all provinces and regions in China. This is naturally because of the fact that it is the largest province-level division of China.

The region’s vast distances make air travel essential, and the government has invested heavily in building roads, airports, and railways to ensure Xinjiang remains well-connected to the rest of China and beyond.

13. Extreme temperatures

Xinjiang is known for its dramatic temperature swings. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to drop significantly at night after a hot day.

Locals often say that in Xinjiang, you can wear a fur coat in the morning and a t-shirt by the afternoon.

This large daily temperature variation is particularly evident in the Turpan Basin, one of the hottest places in China, where temperatures can reach up to 47.8°C (118°F).

14. Mineral riches

Xinjiang is home to more than 80% of China’s discovered mineral types,
including nephrite jade, making it an important part of the country’s economy.

15. Tourism boom

In recent years, Xinjiang has become a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from both within China and abroad.

Between January and September 2024 alone, the region welcomed 245 million tourists, contributing over 287.58 billion yuan (around 40.4 billion U.S. dollars) to the economy.

Visitors flock to Xinjiang to experience its stunning landscapes, such as Tianchi Lake, the Taklamakan Desert, and the Pamirs Plateau, Flaming Mountain as well as its vibrant bazaars and rich cultural heritage among others.

Xinjiang’s unique geography, rich history, and vibrant cultures make it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the true diversity of China.