Storyline: The ancient city of Kuqa in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is witnessing a tourism boom as renovation projects in the city over the past years have revitalized the local culture heritage. Many tourists from across the country have been facinated by the unique music and dancing culture of the city dating back 2,000 years. The city had served as an important hub along the ancient Silk Road. "Everyone is dancing with great excitement. We are completely immersed in it," said a tourist. Amat, a local farmer who loves playing dutar and some other Uygur musical instruments, said tourism has brought new opportunities for his life. Amat can earn 120 yuan a day by performing dutar to tourists. He has bought a sofa with the money earned by giving the performance. The 67-year-old man said he had never imagined such a change of life before 2023 when the city launched a project to renovate old residential dwellings to develop tourism. "These doors were locked before [the renovation] because there were no tourists here back then," said local official Abulikemu. The renovation project awakened cultural treasures in the old alleys and provided stages for folk artists like Amat to present music and dancing performances. Local residents even use family heirlooms as styling vintage decors for streets and alleys in the city. "We delved into the local cultural characteristics [during the renovation project]. Residents also brought out family old items like plates for streets decoration. Many tourists come here to take pictures," said Pang Tao, deputy director of Kuqa Culture and Tourism Bureau. In 2024, more than 9.3 million domestic tourists traveled to Kuqa, a year-on-year increase of 23 percent. Cultural tourism is also thriving in many other parts of Xinjiang like Aksu, Tacheng where tourists flock to experience the special food, costume, architecture and performing arts. Shotlist: Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - Recent: 1. Various of performers playing traditional instrument, dancing; tourists 2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) tourist: "Everyone is dancing with great excitement. We are completely immersed in it." 3. Various of people playing musical instruments 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Amat, local resident (full name not given): "I play dutar and can earn 120 yuan." (Reporter: 120 yuan for a day?) "Yes, I can earn 120 yuan a day by playing it. I have bought the sofa with the income." 5. Aerial shot of city view 6. Various of dance performance FILE: Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - Date Unknown: 7. Various of photos showing city view before renovation project Kuqa City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - Recent: 8. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Abulikemu, local official (full name not given): "These doors were locked before [the renovation] because there were no tourists here back then." 9. Various of decorated streets, tourists, performing artists 10. Wall decorated with plates 11. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Pang Tao, deputy director, Kuqa Culture and Tourism Bureau (starting with shot 10/ending with shot 12): "We delved into the local cultural characteristics [during the renovation project]. Residents also brought out family old items like plates for streets decoration. Many tourists come here to take pictures." 12. Wall decorated with plates Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - Recent: 13. Various of dancing, accordion performance, tourists. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]