Silk Road outpost awaits benefits of modern-day tourism

[Photo provided to China Daily]

As Guo sees it: "The social effects of a World Heritage site have also to be emphasized.

"That can be seen through whether it can provide for local residents, especially for those living in poverty-stricken areas."

As preparations were being made to seek World Heritage status for the site, 136 families living within the city ruins were relocated, and their farmland in the area was acquired and they were alloted land elsewhere, says Liu Xuezhen, deputy head of the county government.

"We also improved the environment in the area, and wild animals began to return," says Liu. "However, what is visible at the site now is not enough to impress visitors. Some visitors even complained to us there was nothing to see other than the earthen walls.

"Archeologists were willing to create some city gates at the site in Tang Dynasty style."

But, as a World Heritage site, what is demanded is that the area's integrity and authenticity be maintained, and Liu says that they have to be cautious about such projects.

"Some people even suggested that we grow roses in the city ruins rather than grass so that the site would become more eye-catching for visitors," she says.

"However, we rejected the proposal. There is no record of roses in this area. So, how can we create this kind of scenery?"

Plans for a cultural park near the city ruins reflecting life in the Tang Dynasty have been discussed for six years, but nothing has come of it.

Despite the current lack of a proper visitor experience at the site, Guo expects research by the Beiting Academy to help create a solid foundation for development of tourism in the area.

When the 2014 bid was made for World Heritage status for the site, it was the result of cooperation between China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

Now, Guo believes there is a possibility of using overseas resources to develop the site's tourism potential.

While local residents like Xin may not discover jade trinkets at the site like his father's generation, a bigger treasure probably awaits them.