Nestled in the Altay region of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Hemu Village emerges each autumn as a living canvas of golden larch forests and traditional Tuvan culture. Known as one of China's last three remaining Tuvan settlements, the village offers a rare glimpse into a pastoral lifestyle preserved across generations.
Log cabins with gently smoking chimneys dot the valley, framed by murmuring streams and forests ablaze with amber and crimson hues. For centuries, Tuvan residents have maintained harmony with their environment, herding livestock through alpine meadows and woodlands. The seasonal transformation draws global travelers and photographers, while anthropologists study its unique cultural continuity.
Local authorities report growing interest in sustainable cultural tourism, with homestays offering immersive experiences. "Our traditions are woven into the land," explains a Tuvan elder, as horseback riders traverse trails dusted with fallen leaves. The village's UNESCO World Heritage Site status consideration highlights its significance as both ecological and cultural treasure.
