In the northwestern Chinese region of Xinjiang, a charming village has emerged as a tourism hotspot, drawing visitors with its vibrant murals and rich cultural atmosphere. Bogdal Village, located in the Wenquan County of the Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Bortala in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is adorned with stunning murals depicting scenes of traditional Mongolian life. These murals showcase a girl in a Mongolian costume tenderly embracing a lamb, a herder leading a dark-brown camel, and flocks of sheep grazing in lush pastures.
As visitors stroll along the village’s main road, they encounter old items like ox carts used as decorative elements, providing a nostalgic ambiance. Tourists, like Ms. Jia from the city of Tacheng in Xinjiang, are captivated by the village’s unique cultural allure. Ms. Jia reminisced about her childhood while wandering through Bogdal, finding a sense of nostalgia in its charming atmosphere.
Bogdal’s charm attracts not only Ms. Jia but also numerous tourists who brave the chilly late-autumn weather to take selfies, pose for group photos, and savor local specialties. Zhu Shengjuan, the owner of an agritainment courtyard in Bogdal, and her staff work tirelessly to prepare meals for groups of visitors. Within Mongolian-style or Kazak-style yurts, guests can indulge in delicacies representing various ethnic groups, including grilled mutton kebabs and the traditional mutton pilaf—a hearty dish combining steamed rice, succulent mutton, carrots, onions, and sometimes dried fruits.
In recent years, Bogdal has harnessed its unique natural environment and embraced an integrated approach that combines industry, culture, and tourism, creating new opportunities for the local population. Supportive policies from local governments have aided in transforming idle houses into distinctive homestays and establishing cooperatives. These initiatives have not only improved job prospects for residents but also led to infrastructure enhancements and service improvements within the village.
Bogdal has expanded its offerings to include a rural library, an archery experience field, educational tours, and sightseeing services for tourists. Thanks to these efforts, the once lesser-known pastoral destination has blossomed into a vibrant rural tourism hub. Villagers now have the opportunity to generate income from various tourism-related sectors, including accommodation and dining, right in their own backyard.
Imaneli Doledar, a former chef from the regional capital, Urumqi, returned to Bogdal in 2014 to launch his own business venture. He converted his courtyard into several homestays, providing lodging for tourists and serving local dishes. Additionally, he helped fellow villagers acquire culinary skills. In the current year, Bogdal has been welcoming over 5,000 daily tourist visits during peak seasons, and the per capita net income of its villagers in 2022 exceeded 20,000 yuan (approximately 2,787 U.S. dollars).
Through strategic tourism development, the villagers of Bogdal have not only found employment opportunities close to home but have also witnessed an improvement in their living standards, enabling them to lead prosperous lives.
