In Kuqa, Xinjiang, an elderly man named Abudulkadeer Memetmin runs a teahouse that has become a symbol of community warmth. Located in Qiuci Alley (巷), his teahouse offers simple pleasures. For just 2 to 5 yuan, visitors sip tea, play cards, and chat, creating a lively atmosphere that blends tradition with daily life. “People come here for the company, not just the tea,” says Abudulkadeer, who turned his home into the teahouse after retiring as a truck driver in 2021, following the local government’s renovation of the alley in 2023.
Qiuci Alley, once a place of rough roads and collapsing walls, has been transformed. The renovation project preserved its original buildings while improving water, electricity, and road conditions. Over 4,000 residents volunteered to clear debris, decorate with antiques, and restore the alley’s charm. Now, the 1.2-kilometer street dazzles with brightly colorful doors, diamond-shaped lattice windows, ancient courtyards, and roadside flowers, drawing visitors to its blend of Qing Dynasty and Republic of China architecture.
The transformation has boosted tourism significantly. With 32 million yuan invested, the alley now hosts 55 businesses — from snack stalls to intangible cultural heritage studios. More than 1.55 million tourists have visited, creating 360 jobs and generating 210 million yuan in revenue. Wang Xinyu, who opened a café named after her dog, says the alley’s ethnic-style buildings and murals attract travelers seeking an authentic experience.
Women in the area have also gained new opportunities. A workshop supports female entrepreneurs, like tailor Nurgul Memet, whose income doubled after moving her shop to the alley. She teaches local women to craft dresses and bags from Atlas silk, allowing them to earn up to 5,000 yuan monthly. Ma Xiaoyan, an intangible cultural heritage enthusiast, runs a studio where visitors learn traditional crafts, blending Xinjiang’s traditional culture with modern designs.
Today, Qiuci Alley stands as a testament to how tradition and modernity can thrive together. Its carved doors, historical homes, and vibrant murals not only preserve cultural heritage but also breathe new life into the community. As Abudulkadeer notes, the alley now buzzes with locals and tourists alike, proving that small changes can create big wonders in preserving both culture and community spirit.
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