Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Guo Ling) news: Sunlight washes over the rammed-earth walls of the Ulanbay Ancient City, where light and shadow trace the patterns of a millennium. Liu Yuan, a member of the 13th Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chair of the Urumqi Photographers Association, once again steps onto this familiar ground with his camera. Every fragment of brick at the wall's base and every shift of light in the barbican's corners have been framed by his lens countless times, becoming a profound concern in his work as a committee member.

Photo shows Liu Yuan, a member of the 13th Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and chair of the Urumqi Photographers Association. (Photo offered by Liu Yuan)

Having long focused on cultural affairs in his role, Liu's efforts consistently center on "bringing cultural heritage to life." At last year's Xinjiang's "two sessions," he submitted a proposal focusing on building a distinct identity for the Ulanbay Ancient City through international promotion and historical-cultural education. This proposal not only drew attention from the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference but also helped drive tangible renewal for this thousand-year-old site.

"The proposal grew out of Liu Yuan's countless research visits, grounded in firsthand observation," said Peng Chunshui, chair of the Urumqi High-tech Zone (New Urban District) Photographers Association, who has collaborated with Liu for years and knows his process well. To understand the site's current state and challenges, Liu made frequent trips to Ulanbay, walking the grounds of the complex, which measures about 550 meters north-south and 450 meters east-west. His camera captured both clear details of remains like wall foundations and corner tower battlements, as well as gaps and issues in preservation efforts. His notebook was filled with notes from talks with site staff and heritage experts, each suggestion firmly rooted in on-site research.

This detailed, thoughtful proposal was later conveyed as public feedback to the National Committee of the CPPCC, helping to secure wider attention and support for the ancient city's preservation.

"Liu Yuan is a regular visitor to the ancient site, often seen with his camera here even late at night," said Ma Mingyi, a guardian of the Ulanbay Ancient City ruins. From specific preservation measures to pathways for integrating culture and tourism, he brings new ideas with each visit, discussing plans with the team. Sometimes, to verify a single detail, he repeatedly checks historical records and walks the site, a thoroughness that earns deep respect.

Driven by Liu's proposal, the Urumqi Cultural Relics Protection and Research Center has adopted an integrated approach combining "site protection, cultural-tourism fusion, and ecological restoration." Efforts to improve conservation systems, develop themed tour routes, and build educational bases are gradually turning the millennium-old site into a cultural symbol reflecting Urumqi's historical depth. Today, Ulanbay Ancient City is not only a national key cultural heritage site but also an important educational destination that fosters patriotism and cultural confidence.

In 2025, the site was listed as a proposed national archaeological site park, and its active archaeological excavations were included in the major "Archaeology China" project, ushering in unprecedented opportunities for its development.

The proposal's implementation stems from coordinated efforts across departments and Liu's steadfast commitment to cultural heritage. He maintains that proposals should not end with "being adopted" but must focus on "delivering results" and "sustaining progress."

At this year's "two sessions" of Xinjiang, he plans to put forward a new proposal that focuses on advancing the systematic development of the Ulanbay Ancient City National Archaeological Site Park. Its core aim is to seize this opportunity, transforming the ancient city into a landmark project that deepens cultural enrichment in Xinjiang, strengthens the sense of community among the Chinese nation, and supports the region's tourism development strategy.

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