Zhang Saxia, owner of a juice and tea bar in Kashgar city, paints a nesting box for birds. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"For example, we arrange night fairs for tourists almost every evening, which attract an average of 1,000 visitors each time, bringing extra income to about 2,000 people."

Chen Yi, a 30-year-old visitor from Shanghai, was impressed with the highland views and the exotic culture on display in Kashgar and Tashikurgan.

"The most impressive part was not the marvelous landscape; the views are nice, of course, but the friendliness of the Tajik people touched me most," she said.

"Yesterday, some friends and I went to a restaurant run by a Tajik family. I was not used to the strong smell of the food, so I went outside to sit down and get some air. I was surprised when a very old lady, who seemed to be the mother or grandmother of the restaurant, came and gave me a hug."

Chen said she was taken aback by the elderly woman's warm approach.