As 2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the Suzhou-Khorgos pairing assistance program, a compelling three-episode documentary series titled Apple Scent — Partnership in Khorgos has premiered this month, offering intimate perspectives on regional development in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The first episode, "Hand in Hand," introduces viewers to five individuals shaping Khorgos' transformation: Guli, an investment officer finding confidence at the land port; photojournalist Lai Yuning documenting urban evolution; grassroots organizer Gugu adapting industrial park models; welding student Baikerheni forging new skills; and cultural specialist Wang Yong preserving desert heritage. Their stories collectively illustrate the shift from aid provision to sustainable capacity-building since the program's 2010 inception.
Through observational storytelling, the series highlights how cross-regional knowledge transfer has impacted vocational education, logistics infrastructure, and cultural preservation in the border city. The current production comes as Khorgos continues developing its strategic position along the Belt and Road Initiative's corridors.
Future episodes will explore technological innovation and cultural exchange programs that have emerged from this partnership, with the full series now available through major streaming platforms.
