At China's 2026 two sessions, cultural-tourism integration was a key topic among deputies and CPPCC members, signaling the government's focus on combining culture with tourism development [1]. On Friday, Kong Feifei, an NPC deputy and Deputy General Manager of Ili Cultural Tourism Industry Group Co. Ltd., told the Global Times that Xinjiang’s diverse geography and cultural heritage make it a prime destination for filming, which in turn boosts tourism [1].
Kong noted that Xinjiang offers a wide range of natural settings suitable for film and television productions. She described three main types of filming locations in the region: the Gobi and Yadan landforms, expansive grasslands and mountain areas, and the humanistic and highland scenery of southern Xinjiang [1]. "Xinjiang boasts diverse landforms, unique landscapes, and a profound cultural heritage, covering all types of scenes needed for film and television production," Kong said [1].
In recent years, Xinjiang has served as a backdrop for numerous productions. The Pegasus series, My Altai, and Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert have all filmed in Xinjiang, bringing the region greater prominence and drawing tourists to the area [1]. This popularity reflects how on-location filming can create tourist interest by showcasing local culture and natural beauty.
The integration of cultural content with tourism aligns with broader national goals discussed at the two sessions. It emphasizes using China’s rich cultural resources to enhance tourism appeal and local economies [1].
Kong’s comments on Friday reinforce Xinjiang’s growing role as a cultural and filming hub that supports regional tourism growth through media exposure [1].
