Life looks up for villagers in Xinjiang

In addition, more than 300 local jobs have been created, and employment indirectly generated for over 1,200 people — consolidating the achievements made in poverty alleviation, and serving as an ideal example of rural revitalization.

Jiang Xiaoliang, secretary of the Party Group and deputy director of the Cultural, Sports, Broadcasting, Television and Tourism Bureau in Barkol, said, "The assistance received from Henan has greatly broadened our construction ideas.

"Fish ponds in this area used to be surrounded by saline-alkaline soil, but now we have built accommodations from which to view the stars at night, with the first floor used for lodging and the second floor for barbecues.

"French windows offer views of the beautiful lake, which are very popular among tourists. Last year, the scenic area received nearly 700,000 visitors, each spending an average of 268 yuan. Tourism income exceeded 200 million yuan, and locals are now earning more."

Ma Xianghui, deputy secretary of Barkol County CPC Committee and commander of Henan Assistance to Xinjiang Command in Barkol County, said, "For the next step, we will better implement the concept of 'green mountains and clear waters are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver', protect the environment of Gaojia Lake, improve the level of tourist services, attract more visitors, and help villagers sustainably increase their income."