STORY: Faces of China: Guardian of ancient fur skis making in Xinjiang
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Feb. 7, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:46
LOCATION: ALTAY, China
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Slanbek Saheshi
2. various of Altay
3. various of Slanbek Saheshi making ancient fur skis
4. SOUNDBITE 1 (Kazakh): SLANBEK SAHESHI, Representative inheritor of the ancient fur skis making
5. various of Slanbek Saheshi making ancient fur skis
6. SOUNDBITE 2 (Kazakh): SLANBEK SAHESHI, Representative inheritor of the ancient fur skis making
7. various of Slanbek Saheshi making ancient fur skis
8. SOUNDBITE 3 (Kazakh): SLANBEK SAHESHI, Representative inheritor of the ancient fur skis making
9. various of skiing events featuring both fur and modern skis

STORYLINE:

Slanbek Saheshi is a representative inheritor of the ancient fur skis making in Lasite Township in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Located at the prime latitude for skiing, the Altay region in Xinjiang has a rich skiing history.

The old-fashioned fur skis are crafted from wood plank covered with the hide of horse's front legs.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Kazakh): SLANBEK SAHESHI, Representative inheritor of the ancient fur skis making
"It takes a week to make one pair. The wood needs to be smoothed, and then bent using boiling water. After the fur is glued on, it needs to dry before the straps can be threaded through."

The horsehair, aligned in a single direction, offers excellent grip during uphill climbs and enhances speed on downhill slopes.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Kazakh): SLANBEK SAHESHI, Representative inheritor of the ancient fur skis making
"The fur from other parts of the horse is too soft, and the hair grows in random directions. That's why we use the fur from the horse's legs."

Once an essential tool for hunting in snowy forests, these traditional skis have endured despite the decline of hunting.

As a recognized guardian of this ancient craft, Slanbek receives an annual government subsidy of 5,000 yuan (about 686 U.S. dollars).

With the local government actively promoting winter sports and ice-snow culture, his reputation continues to grow.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Kazakh): SLANBEK SAHESHI, Representative inheritor of the ancient fur skis making
"Now, they are mainly used for tourism, which is great. Unlike before, when we wore them for hunting or gathering firewood, we are very happy to see them repurposed this way."

Local skiing events featuring both fur and modern skis are held annually to promote the spirit of winter sports.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Altay, China.
(XHTV)