Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Zhang Xiaomi) news: What is a day like in a world of ice and snow? On December 5, 2024, nine participants who joined the 2024 Snow Festival spent an entire day in Hemu Village, located in the Hemu Kanas Mongolian Township of Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Through their photography and stories, they sought to share the beauty of ice and snow with audience.

Photo shows Xinjiang documentary filmmaker Niu Siyuan waits to capture sunrise at the Hemu Village in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Zhang Xiaomi)

As dawn approached, visitors to Hemu Village prepared to enjoy the sunrise by riding horses, walking, or using sleds to reach Hadeng Platform. Initially, the sun illuminated the mountain peaks, followed by a gradual brightening of the sky as the outline of Hemu Village came into view. The scattered wooden houses began to reveal themselves, with curling smoke and rising fireworks enhancing the magical scene. Xinjiang documentary filmmaker Niu Siyuan, who captured the early morning light in Hemu, said, "The winter beauty of Hemu is particularly healing and ideal for filming. The colder it gets, the clearer the sky becomes, making it easier to capture stunning views."

Photo shows a travel blogger successfully splashes water into ice at the Hemu Village in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo provided by the blogger)

"It's like fireworks blooming around me, romantic and beautiful." A travel blogger successfully filmed the stunning moment of "splashing water into ice." His wife also shared her experience, emphasizing the importance of mastering wrist strength to create a perfect arc as the water flows from above the head to the back.

At noon, inside the performance hall of the "Hundred Years Old House," the Mati Band delivered a captivating performance of intangible cultural heritage “Woertieke” singing, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural scenery while learning more about local folk culture. Kelanbaike Makan, Xinjiang's cultural tourism ambassador, recorded all the wonderful things he observed with his mobile phone. "As an ambassador of cultural tourism in my hometown, I carry a mission and responsibility. It's a valuable and pure experience to enjoy the ice and snow here while immersing myself in the local culture," he said.

"I don’t think about anything and I don’t do anything. The atmosphere in the village is very healing. I just want to walk around, soak up the sun, and listen to music," said a travel blogger, as he enjoyed a cup of hot tea in a small courtyard, basking in the sunshine on a lazy afternoon.

Photo shows a travel blogger enjoys the warmth of the winter sun at Hemu Village in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo provided by the blogger)

As the sun began to set, the village was enveloped in a magical moment of blues. Niu Siyuan explained, "At dusk, the transition between cool and warm colors in the sky, earth, and mountains creates stunning views. As the day ends, the sky takes on a serene blue hue that is fleeting yet beautiful."

As night fell, rhythmic music filled the air at the square. Tourists from all over the country gathered to dance around the bonfire, while stars twinkled above, reflecting against the flames. The winter night came alive with energy. Along the roadside stalls, the sweet fragrance of hot baked sweet potatoes and milk tea wafted through the air.

Ma Yang, the cultural tourism promotion ambassador of Xinjiang, extended an invitation to everyone, "The joys of winter are diverse. Here, you can embark on a journey to discover the secrets of happiness.”

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