Latest news with #LiWei
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
NING Service Experience Centers Launch in Shanghai and Bangkok, Setting a New Benchmark for the NEV Aftermarket
NINGDE, China, Aug. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 10th, NING Service, an independent aftermarket brand under CATL, celebrated its first anniversary alongside the 10th anniversary of CATL's after-sales business. The NING Service Brand Day themed "Now Action" was officially launched, with the flagship experience center in Shanghai and the first overseas directly-operated store in Bangkok, Thailand, opening on the same day. Leveraging its continuous innovation in battery maintenance technology, a globally leading service network and talent system, and a full battery lifecycle ecosystem, NING Service addresses the pain points of new energy vehicle consumers, leading the new energy vehicle aftermarket into a new phase. "As the global energy structure transition accelerates, China's new energy industry has entered a critical turning point for large-scale development. In NEV industry, existing service systems struggle to meet new demands such as testing of the battery system, electric drive and power electronics, as well as the battery health assessment. As a pioneer in the field of new energy services, NING Service always places customer needs at the forefront, driven by technological innovation and aiming for win-win cooperation to promote high-quality development in the new energy aftermarket," said Li Wei, President of CATL's Aftermarket Business Department. Originally established in 2015 as CATL's After-Market Business Department, NING Service officially upgraded to an independent brand in 2024. Leveraging CATL's globally leading expertise in power battery technology, NING Service provides comprehensive chain services including battery inspection, maintenance, and recycling through directly-operated experience centers, authorized service providers, and a global service network for both enterprises and consumers. After ten years of efforts, NING Service has built a robust presence across 75 countries, operating more than 1,100 service outlets and managing 67 spare parts warehouses with a total area exceeding 370,000 square meters. Building on 24 various industry standards led or involved by CATL's after-sales team, and supported by self-developed service systems covering passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, energy storage product lines and 6 major application scenarios, NING Service has fulfilled the promise of "general faults repaired within 8 hours, complex faults within 72 hours", firmly holding the top position in the industry. Globally, CATL's overseas service network has achieved 24-Hour response, ensuring seamless service experience for global customers. Furthermore, NING Service collaborates with partners to establish professional new energy detection and repair training bases across 18 provinces and municipalities in China, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the national new energy aftermarket. It has cultivated over 8,600 industry specialists, building a complete talent ecosystem encompassing talent supply, cultivation, and management layout, continuously injecting fresh blood into the industry. While bottom-impact incidents involving battery packs in new energy vehicles are relatively uncommon, they often result in severe damage requiring full pack replacement- a costly repair. Additionally, third-party repair processes pose safety risks, making it difficult to ensure vehicle and user safety. To address this issue, NING Service has innovatively launched its CTP repair service. Utilizing CATL original equipment components, the service strictly adheres to CATL's technical standards and quality requirements and comes with official warranty coverage, ensuring safe and reliable repairs. The repair service is significantly more affordable than full pack replacement, saving substantial repair costs for users and breaking the industry's "replace-only, no repair" deadlock for CTP batteries. During the battery pack repair process, NING Service consistently upholds standardized operating protocols - conducting repairs in a professional and dust-free environment with constant temperature and humidity while rigorously following the original equipment manufacturer's meticulous inspection and repair procedures. This stringent system precisely ensures the reliability of cell-level repairs, effectively eliminating the risk of secondary damage caused by improper handling or substandard parts, thereby safeguarding battery performance and safety at their core. Additionally, to further enhance service professionalism and safety, NING Service has independently developed a non-destructive testing device. This device can complete fault detection in just 15 minutes, achieving an accuracy rate of over 90%. Utilizing ultrasonic guided wave technology, the device enables precise internal damage detection without the need to disassemble the battery pack, effectively avoiding secondary damage that could result from disassembly and inspection. This not only ensures battery safety and longevity but also saves time and repair costs for users. The non-destructive testing device is expected to be officially launched by the end of this year. Leveraging the triple advantages of OEM's technology, genuine parts assurance, and authoritative certification, NING Service has successfully overcome the industry-wide challenges of "difficult and expensive battery pack repairs", providing customers with professional solutions that are both reliable and cost-effective. Closed-Loop Ecosystem: Comprehensive Management Across the Battery's Full Lifecycle NING Service is committed to providing new energy users with services that span the entire lifecycle of a battery – "from production and usage to recycling and regeneration". By integrating a professional battery health assessment system comprising 45 online analyses and 28 offline inspections, NING Service delivers authoritative battery testing and maintenance, helping users promptly identify potential risks, extend battery lifespan, and simultaneously enhance transparency and residual value in the used vehicle market. At the same time, leveraging the globally leading circular supply chain of Brunp Recycling, a CATL subsidiary, NING Service has established a "72-Hour Express Recycling" network, achieving triple the regional coverage rate of third-party platforms. By establishing an efficient green recycling supply chain, NING Service actively fulfills its commitment to sustainable development. In the future, consumers will be able to easily complete the recycling of retired batteries through NING Service's platform. Recovered batteries will undergo strict screening and classification, followed by tailored processing based on their condition and performance - either repaired and remanufactured, cascade utilized, or broken down for reusable raw materials. Through this model, NING Service not only provides consumers with a convenient recycling channel but also maximizes battery lifecycle extension and minimizes resource waste. Moreover, adhering to the philosophy of "co-creation", NING Service collaborates with high-quality industry partners to expand into diversified business areas such as electric vessel operations and the low-altitude economy. This collaborative approach extends the boundaries of service offerings and creates new growth opportunities. Through an open partnership model, NING Service not only drives its own sustainable business growth but also injects fresh vitality into the broader new energy industry. As a key strategic move by CATL in the aftermarket services sector, NING Service not only provides vehicle owners with superior technical support but also sets a new benchmark for the new energy industry through its closed-loop ecosystem approach. Currently, NING Service's flagship experience centers have been established in seven domestic cities in China, including Wuhan and Guangzhou. The store in Bangkok, Thailand, spanning over 2000 square meters and integrating CATL's global service standards, marks its first overseas location and serves as a crucial step for CATL's global technology deployment and service coordination. Looking ahead, NING Service will continue to drive innovation in maintenance technology, service models, and network expansion, injecting new momentum into the healthy, stable, and orderly development of the new energy vehicle aftermarket.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
NING Service Experience Centers Launch in Shanghai and Bangkok, Setting a New Benchmark for the NEV Aftermarket
NINGDE, China, Aug. 10, 2025 /CNW/ -- On August 10th, NING Service, an independent aftermarket brand under CATL, celebrated its first anniversary alongside the 10th anniversary of CATL's after-sales business. The NING Service Brand Day themed "Now Action" was officially launched, with the flagship experience center in Shanghai and the first overseas directly-operated store in Bangkok, Thailand, opening on the same day. Leveraging its continuous innovation in battery maintenance technology, a globally leading service network and talent system, and a full battery lifecycle ecosystem, NING Service addresses the pain points of new energy vehicle consumers, leading the new energy vehicle aftermarket into a new phase. A Decade of Dedication: Building a Robust Triangle of Service-Talent-Standard "As the global energy structure transition accelerates, China's new energy industry has entered a critical turning point for large-scale development. In NEV industry, existing service systems struggle to meet new demands such as testing of the battery system, electric drive and power electronics, as well as the battery health assessment. As a pioneer in the field of new energy services, NING Service always places customer needs at the forefront, driven by technological innovation and aiming for win-win cooperation to promote high-quality development in the new energy aftermarket," said Li Wei, President of CATL's Aftermarket Business Department. Originally established in 2015 as CATL's After-Market Business Department, NING Service officially upgraded to an independent brand in 2024. Leveraging CATL's globally leading expertise in power battery technology, NING Service provides comprehensive chain services including battery inspection, maintenance, and recycling through directly-operated experience centers, authorized service providers, and a global service network for both enterprises and consumers. After ten years of efforts, NING Service has built a robust presence across 75 countries, operating more than 1,100 service outlets and managing 67 spare parts warehouses with a total area exceeding 370,000 square meters. Building on 24 various industry standards led or involved by CATL's after-sales team, and supported by self-developed service systems covering passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, energy storage product lines and 6 major application scenarios, NING Service has fulfilled the promise of "general faults repaired within 8 hours, complex faults within 72 hours", firmly holding the top position in the industry. Globally, CATL's overseas service network has achieved 24-Hour response, ensuring seamless service experience for global customers. Furthermore, NING Service collaborates with partners to establish professional new energy detection and repair training bases across 18 provinces and municipalities in China, addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in the national new energy aftermarket. It has cultivated over 8,600 industry specialists, building a complete talent ecosystem encompassing talent supply, cultivation, and management layout, continuously injecting fresh blood into the industry. Breaking Technical Barriers: Ending the "Replace-Only, No Repair" Maintenance Dilemma While bottom-impact incidents involving battery packs in new energy vehicles are relatively uncommon, they often result in severe damage requiring full pack replacement- a costly repair. Additionally, third-party repair processes pose safety risks, making it difficult to ensure vehicle and user safety. To address this issue, NING Service has innovatively launched its CTP repair service. Utilizing CATL original equipment components, the service strictly adheres to CATL's technical standards and quality requirements and comes with official warranty coverage, ensuring safe and reliable repairs. The repair service is significantly more affordable than full pack replacement, saving substantial repair costs for users and breaking the industry's "replace-only, no repair" deadlock for CTP batteries. During the battery pack repair process, NING Service consistently upholds standardized operating protocols - conducting repairs in a professional and dust-free environment with constant temperature and humidity while rigorously following the original equipment manufacturer's meticulous inspection and repair procedures. This stringent system precisely ensures the reliability of cell-level repairs, effectively eliminating the risk of secondary damage caused by improper handling or substandard parts, thereby safeguarding battery performance and safety at their core. Additionally, to further enhance service professionalism and safety, NING Service has independently developed a non-destructive testing device. This device can complete fault detection in just 15 minutes, achieving an accuracy rate of over 90%. Utilizing ultrasonic guided wave technology, the device enables precise internal damage detection without the need to disassemble the battery pack, effectively avoiding secondary damage that could result from disassembly and inspection. This not only ensures battery safety and longevity but also saves time and repair costs for users. The non-destructive testing device is expected to be officially launched by the end of this year. Leveraging the triple advantages of OEM's technology, genuine parts assurance, and authoritative certification, NING Service has successfully overcome the industry-wide challenges of "difficult and expensive battery pack repairs", providing customers with professional solutions that are both reliable and cost-effective. Closed-Loop Ecosystem: Comprehensive Management Across the Battery's Full Lifecycle NING Service is committed to providing new energy users with services that span the entire lifecycle of a battery – "from production and usage to recycling and regeneration". By integrating a professional battery health assessment system comprising 45 online analyses and 28 offline inspections, NING Service delivers authoritative battery testing and maintenance, helping users promptly identify potential risks, extend battery lifespan, and simultaneously enhance transparency and residual value in the used vehicle market. At the same time, leveraging the globally leading circular supply chain of Brunp Recycling, a CATL subsidiary, NING Service has established a "72-Hour Express Recycling" network, achieving triple the regional coverage rate of third-party platforms. By establishing an efficient green recycling supply chain, NING Service actively fulfills its commitment to sustainable development. In the future, consumers will be able to easily complete the recycling of retired batteries through NING Service's platform. Recovered batteries will undergo strict screening and classification, followed by tailored processing based on their condition and performance - either repaired and remanufactured, cascade utilized, or broken down for reusable raw materials. Through this model, NING Service not only provides consumers with a convenient recycling channel but also maximizes battery lifecycle extension and minimizes resource waste. Moreover, adhering to the philosophy of "co-creation", NING Service collaborates with high-quality industry partners to expand into diversified business areas such as electric vessel operations and the low-altitude economy. This collaborative approach extends the boundaries of service offerings and creates new growth opportunities. Through an open partnership model, NING Service not only drives its own sustainable business growth but also injects fresh vitality into the broader new energy industry. As a key strategic move by CATL in the aftermarket services sector, NING Service not only provides vehicle owners with superior technical support but also sets a new benchmark for the new energy industry through its closed-loop ecosystem approach. Currently, NING Service's flagship experience centers have been established in seven domestic cities in China, including Wuhan and Guangzhou. The store in Bangkok, Thailand, spanning over 2000 square meters and integrating CATL's global service standards, marks its first overseas location and serves as a crucial step for CATL's global technology deployment and service coordination. Looking ahead, NING Service will continue to drive innovation in maintenance technology, service models, and network expansion, injecting new momentum into the healthy, stable, and orderly development of the new energy vehicle aftermarket.
Arabian Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
China Debuts World's First Adjustable‑Sails Oil Tanker
China has introduced the world's first oil tanker equipped with adjustable sails, marking a notable step in maritime decarbonisation. The 250‑metre vessel features automated sails that harness wind power, cutting diesel use by up to 14.5 tonnes per day—equivalent to around 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The ship was launched at a major Chinese port on 13 July 2025. Naval engineers report that the sails adjust in real time to wind conditions, seamlessly integrating with traditional propulsion systems. Under favourable conditions, the sails alone can provide up to 10% of the vessel's forward thrust, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and trimming operational costs. Industry experts describe this as a breakthrough. Dr Li Wei, a maritime technology specialist at a prominent Chinese university, observed that 'this marks the first large‑scale application of intelligent sail technology in an oil tanker' and said that the design 'could serve as a blueprint for future green tankers'. While alternative zero‑carbon fuels remain the focus of long‑term strategies, sail augmentation presents a practical interim solution. ADVERTISEMENT The initiative aligns with global regulatory pressures. The International Maritime Organization has committed to halving greenhouse‑gas emissions from shipping by 2050. Flettner‑style rotor sails—used on vessels like the Viking Grace ferry—have shown up to 20% fuel savings on optimal routes. China's innovation refines that concept by adding adjustable sail arrays tailored for large oil carriers, suggesting broader applicability. Major energy and shipping firms are reportedly evaluating roll‑outs. A senior executive at a state‑affiliated shipping group noted plans to retrofit a fleet of oil and chemical tankers with adjustable sails by 2027, contingent on performance data. Initial trials aim to quantify actual fuel savings, spreadsheeting data on fuel burn, wind usage hours, and analytics from the ship's sail‑control system. Yet questions remain. Retrofit costs, structural modifications, and maintenance demand rigorous cost‑benefit analysis. Port infrastructure adaptation—such as clearance for sails and crew training—must also be addressed. Critics argue that, while useful, sail technology cannot fully eliminate emissions without complementary measures like low‑carbon fuels and electrification. Nevertheless, China's venture may shift the conversation. Shipbuilders in Europe, Japan and South Korea are racing to develop hydrogen‑ or ammonia‑powered vessels. China's move showcases an alternative decarbonisation route by optimising existing diesel‑powered fleets. Multi‑source interviews show growing interest from global charterers, some of whom are signalling willingness to pay premium freight rates for lower‑emission vessels. Maritime insurers are recalibrating risk models, acknowledging that adjustable sails could affect stability and route safety. The new tanker reportedly features advanced ballast‑control systems to compensate for wind forces and automated cut‑out mechanisms during storms. Trade analysts say China's state‑backed strategy gives it leverage in global standards talks. Should pilot data validate the 14.5‑tonne daily fuel savings estimate, Chinese shipyards could license or export the design. Such a trend could trigger wider international adoption, pressuring other nations to follow suit. Shipowners are watching. A European tanker operator, examining images and footage, expressed interest but noted the need for 'transparent data on lifecycle emission reductions and economic viability over 20‑year vessel lifetimes.' Current trials will last six months to a year, tracking metrics like fuel consumption, sail uptime, and maintenance costs. A detailed performance report is expected by mid‑2026, after which retrofit plans may accelerate.
The Star
06-07-2025
- The Star
A safer Penang for visitors
Helpful Tourist Police boost security and confidence for travellers GEORGE TOWN: The visible presence of the Tourist Police Unit (UPP) at Penang's key tourist hotspots has boosted security and confidence among visitors, especially the large number of Chinese tourists. Software engineer Li Wei, 32, from Shanghai, who is on his first solo visit to Penang for a short vacation, said he felt completely safe throughout his week-long stay here. 'I saw tourist police patrolling near Lebuh Armenian and since I am travelling alone, this gave me a safe feeling. 'Although I didn't need their assistance, it was comforting to know they are around and easily noticeable,' he said when met yesterday. Another visitor, retired teacher Chen Min, 58, from Chengdu, said the presence of the tourist police helped her get better oriented with the city. 'This is my second visit to Penang and I returned because I love the peaceful atmosphere and friendly people here. 'I went to Esplanade and Batu Ferringhi recently and noticed the tourist police stationed at both places. I approached them once for directions to a bus stop and they were polite and helpful even though we had some language barriers. 'Their presence really makes it easier for tourists like me to explore with peace of mind,' she said. Marketing consultant Emily Hartmann, 34, from Frankfurt, Germany, found it reassuring to have the UPP personnel around, especially at busy spots. 'Their presence makes me feel safer especially when travelling solo. I've seen similar tourist police at places like Bangkok and Barcelona, but here they seem more visible and proactive. 'It's a great initiative that is trusted and helps tourists feel welcomed and protected,' she said. Central police station chief ASP Muhamad Firdaus Ishak said four stations namely his in Lebuh Carnavon, Lebuh Pantai, Jalan Patani and Pulau Tikus are involved in providing UPP personnel on the ground. 'At the Central police station specifically, two to three officers are assigned to the unit from 8am to 8pm daily. They are deployed to areas with high volume of tourists and public traffic, particularly around Lebuh Armenian, Lebuh Cannon and Lebuh Acheh, all located within the Unesco World Heritage Site. 'During peak periods, the regular deployment of two to three UPP officers remains unchanged but other patrol officers, including those from the Motorcycle Patrol Unit (URB), will also conduct routine patrols in those areas to boost crime prevention efforts. 'The common issues often faced by tourists include misplacement of their belongings or needing directions to specific locations. 'Our aim is to not only enhance crime prevention, but also foster a sense of safety among the public, especially foreign tourists. 'With the increasing number of tourists from China, UPP officers have been encouraged to use auto-translation apps to facilitate communication. 'In addition, our station assigns two female Chinese officers on a rotational basis to assist with communication, especially with tourists from China,' he said. The UPP, which was established in 1998, suspended operations during the Covid-19 pandemic following the closure of borders worldwide, but was reactivated on Oct 2 last year. Currently, their operations are coordinated by respective police stations by districts. Besides foreign tourists, locals also benefit from the additional security and hospitality provided by the UPP personnel on the ground. Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Penang International Airport recorded 3.16 million passengers between January and May this year, a 7.37% increase compared to 2.94 million during the same period in 2024. 'Of the total, 1.7 million were international passengers, up from 1.5 million last year. 'Indonesia accounted for the highest number of international arrivals at 162,768, largely driven by medical tourism, while China followed with 76,532 arrivals, primarily for leisure travel. 'Other key markets included Singapore (59,728), Taiwan (17,672), Thailand (13,589) and India (10,735). 'China has risen from third place last year to second this year, while India, which is now in sixth place, wasn't in the top 10 last year,' he said. China was the only top source country to more than double its tourist arrivals to Malaysia in 2024 compared to the previous year, according to Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy in the Malaysia Tourism Statistics in Brief 2024. He said Malaysia recorded 37.96 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024, a 31.1% increase from 28.96 million in 2023. Total tourism receipts also rose significantly, reaching RM106.8bil, up 43.7% from RM74.3bil in 2023. Manoharan added that Singapore remained the leading source of international visitors, followed by Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, and India. The report highlighted particularly strong growth from China and India, with arrivals surging by 130.9% and 76.6% respectively, driven largely by Malaysia's visa exemption policy for both countries. The increase in visitors was supported by a 10.9% rise in weekly flight seat capacity. In terms of travel modes, 66.1% of tourists arrived by land and 28.9% by air. Penang International Airport alone welcomed 1.15 million tourists in 2024. Visitor spending in 2024 totalled RM106.8bil, with shopping accounting for the largest share at 37.4%. The influx of tourists also contributed to hotel occupancy, with Penang hotels registering an average occupancy rate of 56.8% across its 376 hotels and 26,692 available rooms.
Borneo Post
01-07-2025
- Borneo Post
"Sea of Death" becomes land of wonder
This photo taken on Sept. 7, 2023 shows the scenery of a desert scenic spot in Makit County of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Li An) URUMQI (July 2): Hop aboard, grip the handrail, press the gas, and it's time for an exhilarating adventure across the vast, rolling sand dunes on a four-wheeled quad bike. This thrilling experience is just one of many adventures visitors can enjoy at the N39 scenic area in Makit County of Xinjiang's Kashgar Prefecture. Located on the southwestern edge of the Taklimakan, China's largest and the world's second-largest drifting desert — often referred to as the 'Sea of Death' — this once-remote and seldom-visited wilderness has become a captivating destination. 'The ride was so much fun and so intense, we enjoyed it a lot,' said Li Wei, who brought her 18-year-old son for a post-graduation trip from Wuhu in east China's Anhui Province, a city some 4,000 km from Kashgar. 'Playing in the desert should be a great way for the kid to relax after the college entrance exam,' she added. Launched in 2016, the tourist site is attracting a growing number of visitors. The annual tourist visits have reached 500,000, with a consistent year-on-year growth rate of 7 to 15 percent, according to Dong Mingjiang, general manager of the tourism development company of the scenic area. 'Many of our visitors come from afar, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong, and we have also received many foreign visitors from countries such as the United States, Britain, Singapore and Thailand,' he said. Besides the four-wheelers, the site offers a wide choice of desert-based activities such as off-roaders, sand surfing, camel riding and desert camping. At the camel trekking area, Chen Wenbai mounted a camel and, under the guidance of staff, set off to explore the rolling sand dunes. The rhythmic chime of camel bells and the ethereal whistling of the camel herders echoed across the wilderness, creating a scene reminiscent of the ancient Silk Road. This aerial photo taken on Sept. 7, 2023 shows a campsite at a desert scenic spot in Makit County of Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Li An) 'It is my first time to see the big desert, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience,' said Chen, who traveled all the way from Zhuhai in south China's Guangdong Province to Xinjiang. Accompanying him were a dozen 'travel buddies' he met online, who had discovered this scenic spot through Xiaohongshu, the Chinese lifestyle online platform known overseas as 'rednote.' The name of the tourist site N39 means the 39 degrees north latitude, a line popular with adventurers and off-road enthusiasts to cross the Taklimakan Desert. The history of the N39 dates back to 1895 when Swedish explorer Sven Anders Hedin led his team along this line to cross the Taklimakan in vain. Today, witnessing an evolving landscape, the once-feared 'Sea of Death' is transforming into a sea of life and hope. Over the years, against the background of China's fight against desertification, people in Xinjiang have been cultivating drought-resistant plants such as populus euphratica, saxaul and red willow at the edge of the Taklimakan to fix the sand and improve the environment. In November 2024, a sand-blocking green belt stretching 3,046 km was completed to encircle the Taklimakan. In Makit, a total of 78,400 hectares of sand prevention and control projects, including 30,666 hectares of protective forests, have been completed. At the same time, the county has been tapping into the economic potential of the desert. Besides the N39 scenic area, it also established a tourist site featuring the Daolang (swordsman) culture and paintings created by local farmers. According to Pan Guoping, deputy director of the local culture, broadcasting and tourism bureau, in the first five months of 2025, the county received over 1.78 million tourist visits, a growth of 55.05 percent year-on-year. Tourism revenue during the period reached 732 million yuan (102 million U.S. dollars), up 61.58 percent. The tourist boom is evident around the Taklimakan. At the northern edge of the desert, Xayar County, Aksu Prefecture, boasts the world's largest and best-preserved pristine populus euphratica forest stretching along the Tarim River. Aerial photo taken on Oct. 22, 2020 shows the autumn scenery of desert poplar (populus euphratica) forest along the Tarim River in Xayar County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu) Thanks to the ecological restoration efforts such as ecological water conveyance and replanting, the county has created a wetland scenic area in the desert, integrating populus euphratica forests, lakes, wetlands and waterfowl habitats. In autumn, when the forests turn into a sea of golden yellow, this once-isolated area emerges as a popular destination, drawing visitors and photographers from near and far. At the southern margin of the desert, Yutian County in Hotan Prefecture has a long history of rose cultivation. As part of the sand control efforts, local communities have successfully cultivated drought-resistant and highly adaptable rose varieties suitable to their local desert conditions. The region now hosts a rose culture tourism festival annually, featuring an array of activities including song and dance performances, cultural exhibitions, rose-themed experiences, gourmet food tasting, agricultural product fairs, and sports events. The booming tourism industry is offering immense opportunities for locals. Four years ago, after graduating from Shanghai Normal University, Aynur Emer returned to her hometown of Makit and became a tour guide at the N39 scenic area. Now, at just 25 years old, she is the scenic spot's deputy general manager. Growing up in a farming family, Aynur Emer often found herself reflecting on the desert that dominated her childhood memories — a place of hardship she hoped to leave. 'The back door of our house opened directly onto the desert,' she recalled. 'During sandstorms, the roads would disappear entirely. Coming back from the market, I frequently struggled to find my way home.' As a little girl, she never imagined that the desert could become a tourist destination. Yet today, thanks to environmental improvements and a burgeoning tourism industry, the desert has transformed in her eyes from a source of struggle to one of beauty and prosperity. 'When I was young, I dreamed of traveling to see stunning landscapes far from home,' Aynur Emer said. 'But now, the best view is right at my doorstep.' -Xinhua China outdoor activities Taklimakan Desert tourism
