Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Wang Jingjing) news: Following the finale of the hit series To the Wonder, the ephemeral spectacle of the auroras has once again graced the skies above Altay. Data from Ctrip, a leading travel platform in China, indicates that since the premiere of the mini-series on May 7, 2024, there has been a twofold increase in search interest for Altay, with bookings for Altay vacation bookings surging by over 370 percent month-on-month.

Photo shows one of the filming locations of To the Wonder, the “Sky Grassland”of Yegende between Baihaba Village and Kanas scenic area in Altay Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where the character Zhang Fengxia once filmed under this tree. (Photo by Wei Chenggen)

“Capitalizing on the series' popularity, we plan to rebuild the “Fengxia’s Shop” from the series and recruit individuals to portray 'Batai' and 'Wenxiu'. We aim to transform the filming location into a tourist attraction," said Wei Chenggen, director of the Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau in Habahe County. Even before the series' finale, tourists from across the country have been flocking to Habahe County in search of the scenery depicted in the drama. As the filming took place in an abandoned village, Habahe County has installed multiple traffic signs on surrounding roads to guide visitors to the site.

"To ensure that self-driving visitors can get to the filming sites of the series, we laid gravel roads without compromising the surrounding environment and have deployed mobile toilets to three key spots for visitors," Wei said. Many tourists aspire to gallop across the grasslands like Batai, and local authorities are organizing horse teams, drawing on successful management practices from neighboring counties and cities, with plans to commence operations before the peak tourist season arrives at the end of May.

Photo shows one of the filming locations of To the Wonder, the “Sky Grassland”of Yegende between Baihaba Village and Kanas scenic area in Altay Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Wei Chenggen)

The hit series has also boosted bookings for homestays in Altay. Yan Rui's boutique homestay, located approximately three kilometers from the series' filming sites in Habahe County, has seen a surge in reservations. "Just yesterday, guests booked a room and requested our butler to take them to the filming locations. They had originally planned to end their trip but decided to extend their stay in Habahe after watching the drama," said Yan Rui.

Currently, several travel agencies have launched tailored tour packages featuring attractions such as the "Wenxiu Bridge," the summer pastures of the “Sky Grassland,” and the single tree landmark. A four-day, three-night journey from Burqin County to the filming sites in Habahe County also includes other related film locations. "We will also offer visitors an authentic experience of the local herders' lifestyle, allowing them to truly immerse themselves in the world of the series," added Yan Rui.

As To the Wonder gains popularity, Habahe County and even the entire Altay are feeling the "pressure." "We welcome friends from all over to visit, but we are also aware of our shortcomings in infrastructure and service awareness. We must enhance the service level across the cultural and tourism industry and strengthen training for relevant enterprises and personnel," said Li Yuanhao, deputy director of the Culture, Sports, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau in Altay Prefecture. He hopes that through collaborative efforts, they can provide tourists with an unforgettable accommodation and travel experience, showcasing the magnificent beauty of Xinjiang and ensuring their journey is worthwhile.

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