Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Wang Jingjing) news:

In Tekes County, whether they are local residents or visitors, many individuals aspiring to open a homestay, operate a restaurant, or venture into the tourism industry often opt to seek guidance and insights from Li A'xing, the proprietor of Nianchu Tea House.

Li A'xing has been actively involved in the tourism industry in Altay and Ili for a span of 20 years. Apart from operating a tea house, he also runs private kitchens, homestays, cafes, travel photography shops, and an expansive Ili ice cream experience store spanning over 700 square meters. "My entry into the tourism sector stemmed from my passion for collecting unique stones and root carvings," shared Li A'xing.

Upon entering Nianchu Tea House, tourists from Shanghai, Shenzhen, and other cities are captivated by the opportunity to capture photographs of the awe-inspiring 3-ton golden thread jade and magnificent root carvings. This tea house offers a complimentary haven for visitors to unwind and indulge in Xinjiang's distinctive gemstones and intricately crafted root carvings while savoring a cup of tea.

Photo shows Li A’xing, who has been working in the tourism industry in Altay and Ili for 20 years. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Wang Jingjing)

In 2004, Li A'xing from Tekes made the decision to remain in Burqin after being captivated by the unique local stones during his visit to Kanas scenic area. During that time, tourism in Kanas was still in its nascent stage, attracting tourists from all corners of the country to Burqin. Alongside collecting distinctive stones and wood carvings, he also opened a restaurant.

When faced with an excess of collectibles and limited storage options, Li A'xing made the strategic decision to showcase his collection in his restaurant, resulting in an unexpectedly distinctive feature. "In the restaurant, the dining area and the exhibition space dedicated to showcasing unique stones are of almost equal size. Visitors not only have the pleasure of indulging in delectable cuisine but also have the opportunity to witness a captivating array of rare stones and exquisite wood carvings that they can not see elsewhere," he explained. As he delved into the realm of tourism, he came to recognize that integrating local specialties and cultural elements into his core business was imperative for attracting customers and ensuring long-term success.

In 2018, tourism in Ili thrived, prompting Li A'xing's aspiration to develop his hometown. This time, he introduced the high-quality guesthouses he had encountered in Altay to Tekes County, his place of origin. "Tekes is a historically and culturally renowned place on a national level, boasting well-preserved ancient architecture. Many courtyards still retain the nostalgic charm of my childhood days, making them exceptionally suitable for guesthouse," he remarked.

The town of Tekes County also had numerous homestays at that time, most of which were simple conversions of residents' yards. Li A'xing made an investment exceeding 2 million yuan to establish 14 guest rooms, featuring a spacious communal area and exquisite furnishings that skillfully incorporated unique stones and tea culture. As soon as it opened in 2019, the homestay was often fully booked due to its excellence.

Li A'xing, an avid traveler, consistently demonstrates his ability to generate innovative ideas. Upon realizing the absence of a local specialty cold beverage in Tekes, he recollected the indelible flavor of ice cream sold by an elderly woman pushing a cart during his childhood. With utmost humility, he sought guidance from this venerable lady and opened 'Muma's Ice Cream' shop. Not only does 'Muma's Ice Cream' faithfully replicate the old lady's ice cream taste, but it also recreates her cozy home ambiance. This quaint space has become particularly popular among tourists, with daily visitor numbers exceeding 1000 since June this year," said Li A'xing.

Returning to his hometown, Li A'xing established his company 'Nianchu', which means 'original thoughts' in Chinese. Previously driven by profit in his tourism business, he now carries a profound emotional connection whenever he returns home. The essence of my original thoughts is to offer tourists an opportunity to witness the Tekes from my cherished childhood memories.

The tourism homestay industry in Tekes County witnessed a growth of 59 additional homestays and an increase of 1,275 beds in 2024, augmenting the existing pool of 776 qualified homestays to a total capacity of 15,104 beds.

"Currently, a multitude of college students are returning to their hometowns in Tekes, bringing with them their ideals and aspirations. They seamlessly integrate their unique perspectives on life and the world into small homestay courtyards, imbuing them with cultural connotations that attract tourists seeking an authentic experience. This personalized approach contributes significantly to the growth and development of Tekes' homestay industry," he said.

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