In a remarkable twist of economic adaptation, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region – better known for its deserts and mountain pastures – is now making waves in an unexpected industry: salmon farming. Located 2,500 kilometers from the nearest coast, this inland region is leveraging its unique geography to rewrite the rules of aquaculture.
The secret lies in the snow-capped Tianshan Mountains, where glacial meltwater flows into the Jilintai Reservoir near Nilka County. With water temperatures maintaining a constant chill between 6-18°C year-round, this alpine environment has proven perfect for cultivating premium cold-water fish.
Since 2021, local company Tianyun Organic Agriculture has transformed the reservoir into a thriving aquaculture base. The project has created over 200 jobs for former herders like Ayhen Baghdaulet, who traded his nomadic lifestyle for fish farming. "Learning to monitor water quality and feeding patterns was challenging at first," Baghdaulet shared, "but now I earn double my previous income while working closer to home."
Industry analysts note the operation produces 6,000 tons of salmon annually, with plans to expand exports to Central Asian markets. This development highlights Xinjiang's growing economic diversification, offering new opportunities in sustainable food production while maintaining traditional cultural ties to the land.
