Women setting their sights higher in Xinjiang

Road to prosperity

More women in Xinjiang are working diligently, determined to pursue better lives for themselves and those close to them.

From the shaded patio at the home of 49-year-old Nuryam Ruzi, a Uygur resident of Agexiang village, Kuqa city, mountains in the distance glow in the afternoon sun.

The mountains are close to the Dushanzi-Kuqa highway, one of the most scenic roads in China－and also a route to prosperity for villagers such as Nuryam.

"In recent years, many tourists have been coming to this area. When they arrive, they ask us if there are any places to stay where they can get a meal," said Nuryam, whose husband works in the fields and son is a policeman in Korla, Xinjiang. "In my home, there's a lot of space, but not many people," she added.

At the end of last year, Nuryam decided to open a homestay, one of about 30 such establishments in Agexiang. Young people in the area have played a vital promotional role by listing homestays such as hers on popular online platforms.

"In the high season for tourism, I can make 200 yuan to 300 yuan ($31 to $46) a day and have a good income," she said happily, sporting an ankle-length summer dress printed with daisies.

Life has changed dramatically for Nuryam and her family members. As unskilled farmers, they were impoverished for a time while paying for her son's college tuition. They escaped from poverty in 2017 with help from the government.

Xinjiang has embraced business development as one of its measures to alleviate poverty, and more women in the region are pursuing entrepreneurial paths.

Attracted by positive reviews for Nuryam's homestay, a family of three arrived to check in－evidence that her hard work is paying off.