In recent years, Yengisar County, Kashi Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has actively explored effective approaches to promoting the integration of intangible cultural heritage into tourism industry, and attracted tourists from all over the country.

Photo shows a guide explains the history of Yengisar knives to tourists. (Photo by Nazakat, Media Convergence Center of Yengisar County)

In the afternoon of March 4, 2024, visitors arrived at Kalabashilan’gan Village—known as Xiaodao Village—in Mangxin Town, Yengisar County, where they were immediately enveloped by the village's simple yet profound cultural atmosphere. Amidst the tinkling sounds of hammering, various art pieces were unveiled in the hands of inheritors of intangible cultural heritages. The live skill demonstrations by these inheritors captivated tourists from within Xinjiang and outside Xinjiang, drawing them to stop and admire the craftsmanship.

Liu Yinkan, a tourist from south China's Guangdong Province, said, "This is my first time seeing Yengisar knives up close, and I'm truly amazed. They are of a wide variety, with exquisite patterns and exceptionally beautiful craftsmanship."

Photo shows tourists watch Yengisar knives. (Photo by Nazakat, Media Convergence Center of Yengisar County)

Yengisar knives are renowned for their exquisite design, ornate patterns, and meticulous craftsmanship, earning a place on the national list of intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Huang Yanling, a tourist also from Guangdong, gazed at the uniquely crafted Yengisar knives, examining them closely and selecting with care. She expressed without hesitation that the Yengisar knives are her top choice as souvenirs. "I never knew knives could be crafted so beautifully. In a few years, I'll bring my child to see this," said Huang.

Photo shows tourists watch the process of Yengisar knives making. (Photo by Nazakat, Media Convergence Center of Yengisar County)

In Xiaodao Village, over 80 percent of the villagers are engaged in the production and selling of knives. The village boasts 72 knife shops, with more than 500 craftsmen specializing in knife-making. This village is also known as the former residence of the "King of Knives." With Shandong Province's pairing assistance to Xinjiang, the construction of an intangible cultural heritage area in the village was completed in May 2023. With the rise of all-for-one tourism, the aesthetic and collectible value of the ancient Yengisar knives has become increasingly prominent, promising a positive outlook for the market. In 2023, Yengisar County produced more than 900,000 knives, with a production value of 150 million yuan (about 20.9 million U.S. dollars). This provided direct employment for more than 1,100 people, increased the average income by more than 20,000 yuan, and allowed the craftsmen to benefit from tourism development.

Abdukuddus Mamatreyim, an owner of a knife shop, said, "Recently, we've received many tourists, and the business is good. In February alone, we sold over 200 knives, netting an income of 17,000 yuan. With the development of tourism, more people have learned about Yengisar knives and come to purchase them. With booming business, our lives are getting well-off."

Photo shows tourists select Yengisar knives. (Photo by Nazakat, Media Convergence Center of Yengisar County)

(The Media Convergence Center of Yengisar County, Reporters: Nazakat, Kawuljan and Gulpiye)