In the rugged Altay region of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a humble coffee cart has become an unexpected symbol of cross-cultural exchange. Operated by a young entrepreneur from Sichuan, the mobile café sits near Ulungur Lake—a turquoise gem framed by snow-capped mountains—where travelers and locals alike gather for more than just a caffeine fix.
The owner, who embarked on a solo journey across western China, describes his venture as a bridge between traditions. "Every cup tells a story," he says, noting how Uygur herders and Han Chinese tourists often share stories over steaming mugs. CGTN digital journalist He Beibei documented his travels, capturing moments where the aroma of freshly ground beans mingles with the crisp mountain air.
Residents of nearby villages have embraced the cart, with some offering homemade dairy products to pair with the coffee. "Their generosity reminds me why I started this journey," the barista reflects. The project also highlights growing economic opportunities in China’s western regions, where small businesses increasingly cater to domestic tourism.
As sunset paints the lake gold, the cart’s lights twinkle like stars—a tiny beacon of warmth in Xinjiang’s vast wilderness.
