那拉提草原：哈萨克族文化和自然风光

In June, the Silk Road was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The unique culture and beautiful scenery along the ancient route has since attracted many tourists and scholars. One of the places to benefit from the tourism is Narat, an alpine grassland in western Xinjiang.

A vast prairie stretches along the foot of the snow-peaked Tianshan Mountains, providing home and pasture for the Kazakh people, who have been living there for generations.

Located in the east of what is now the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Narat means "the place where the sun shines." It is said that, some 800 years ago, Ghengis Khan gave Narat its name when he arrived there after an expedition through wind and snow.

For centuries, Narat Grassland was an important stop on the ancient route of the Silk Road. Its mountains have witnessed messengers and merchants transporting goods and bringing cultures that nourished the great civilizations on the Silk Road.

Now, the alpine grassland is attracting people with its unique Kazakh culture.

"After May, tourists start to come to Narat. They like visiting our yurts and experiencing the life of the Kazakh people," said Narat local Jiaziyila.

Jiaziyila and recently greeted a group of Silk Road Global Ambassadors, 20 fashion models from all around the world — from Russia, Poland, Greece, the Philippines and China — dressed in traditional Kazakh costumes.

"We want to bring the Silk Road in Xinjiang to the world, and to let the world see that all ethnic peoples living in this region are enjoying happy lives. The listing of the Silk Road has given us a great honor, and we have a duty to protect and develop the beautiful environment and culture of Narat," said Xinyuan county official Jia Yisheng.

The competition for the Narat Ambassador drew thousands of locals to the catwalk to see Zhao Na from China win the title.

"I'm very happy to be honored as the ambassador of Narat. I'll do my best to promote the popularity and tourism of Narat," said Zhao.

Narat is taking action to protect and promote its world heritage, and as the great heritages and beautiful scenery along the Silk Road attract more and more people, the ancient route’s appeal is likely to last.