Renovation helps Old City become new attraction

"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.