As spring blooms across much of the Chinese mainland, the towering Kunlun Mountains in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are just beginning to thaw. At an altitude of around 3,500 meters, local herders from diverse ethnic backgrounds embark on their seasonal migrations, a tradition passed down through generations.
In Cele County, a unique sight unfolds each year: flocks of sheep boarding ‘special buses’ en route to lush spring pastures. These vehicles, specially adapted for livestock transport, help herders navigate the challenging terrain and ensure their animals reach the high-altitude grasslands safely.
‘The buses make our journey safer and quicker,’ said a local herder. ‘It’s a blend of our traditional practices with modern convenience.’
This innovative approach reflects the harmony between heritage and modernity in Xinjiang’s rural communities, where tradition adapts to contemporary needs without losing its essence.
