Youth redefine local heritage in 2025

Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region

A wave of trendsetting energy, driven by young people, is reshaping the cultural landscape of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. In fields like rap music and local design, they are transforming traditional roots into avant-garde expressions.

Designer He Yuxuan reintroduces trends by grounding them in cultural heritage, weaving ethnic languages, traditional attire, pastry shapes, and more into her artistic creations.

"Local culture is like crops and farm produce. It's deeply tied to this land, and you must plant deep roots to bear fruit," she explained.

Mirali Maxrap, better known as SHarK and the 2025 champion of The Rap of China, has even bigger ambitions: to elevate Xinjiang's rap scene from a "special feature" to the "cutting edge" of the genre.

In recent years, a new generation of talented rappers has emerged from Xinjiang. However, SHarK emphasizes that the region's trendy culture shouldn't be defined by labels alone. Beyond blending ethnic elements into the music, they must also create a pioneering style where Xinjiang's symbols are not merely nostalgic tags but the very essence of trendiness itself.