In a unique fusion of tradition and modernity, CGTN's new documentary "Xinjiang Dawn to Dusk" captures daily life in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region through the lens of the 12 shi-chen – an ancient Chinese timekeeping system dividing days into 12 segments. The film spans four seasons, revealing how diverse ethnic communities harmonize with nature's cadence while building livelihoods in one of Asia's most culturally rich regions.
The documentary profiles over 20 residents – from herders to artisans – as they navigate their routines according to time markers like Mao (sunrise) and Wu (noon). Scenes of Uygur farmers harvesting pomegranates at dawn and Kazakh eagle trainers bonding with birds at dusk showcase Xinjiang's living traditions alongside emerging industries.
"This isn't just about clocks," says an unnamed producer. "The shi-chen reflect how communities here measure progress – through crop cycles, seasonal migrations, and intergenerational knowledge sharing."
By juxtaposing celestial patterns with human stories, the film positions Xinjiang's temporal philosophy within humanity's eternal quest to understand time – from Egyptian flood predictors to atomic clocks. For global viewers, it offers fresh perspectives on regional development priorities and cultural preservation efforts.
