Xinjiang tour guide's mission to protect cultural heritage of ancient wells

A resident fetches water from the outlet of a karez well in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Photo: Xinhua/ANN

Tursunhan Hujaahmat, a Uygur tour guide, holds a unique bond with water. She works in Turpan City of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and always reminds visitors from home and abroad of the importance of every single drop of water.

In Turpan, often dubbed China's "land of fire," water is particularly a valuable resource. The average annual precipitation here is only 16mm, while the evaporation rate measures about 3,000mm. Despite such dry weather, the place is never a barren land. Instead, it is flourishing with large oases and numerous vineyards.