Wondrous Xinjiang: Young policewoman safeguards tourism resort, environment

by Xinhua writers Jin Bowen, Liu Hongxia

URUMQI, March 15 (Xinhua) -- In the remote village of Hemu, located in the border region of Altay Prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a young policewoman was on a daily night patrol.

"Winter in Hemu is not only long but chilly, especially this year, with temperature hitting a record low," said Jiang Huifang, who just began her career in August last year and was assigned to Hemu in December.

Recalling one patrol last month in minus 43 degrees Celsius, Jiang, 25, said she had to clench her fists inside her gloves to retain some warmth, with her eyelashes freezing together.

As the youngest and also the only female officer in the village, Jiang's colleagues favored her a lot, affectionately calling her nickname "Xiao Fang," a character from a traditional Chinese folk song.

"In this picturesque ancient village, especially during winter, ski lovers gather here, turning it into a lively hub. Along with the influx of visitors, various situations may occur," said Jiang's colleague Wang Jianqiang, adding that the young lady adapted quickly and did a quite good job.

On this Chinese Lunar New Year's Eve, while they were about to enjoy the holiday feast, they received an alert about someone carrying fireworks into the village. Jiang and her team immediately responded to the scene. Given that Hemu is a national protected natural area, fireworks were strictly prohibited here, she said.

Jiang and her colleagues tracked down the tourist, took the fireworks and temporarily stored it in the police station until the tourist left the village.

"Every time we help tourists and villagers solve problems, I feel a sense of accomplishment," Jiang said. "These may seem like trivial matters, but we are safeguarding this place. We are here to serve the people."

Noting that her mother is also a police officer, and her father worked in the judicial system, Jiang said they inspired her much and made her determined to be part of the grassroots.

After graduating from a university in Wuhan, the capital city of central China's Hubei Province, last year, she received offers from several companies. Despite tempting opportunities in Wuhan, she chose to join the border police force in Xinjiang.

"I often saw beautiful scenery of Kanas in Altay Prefecture online. The landscapes are stunning, and Hemu is on the border of our motherland. I hoped to work here. Unexpectedly, my dream has come true," Jiang explained.

Just four months, the young lady has fallen deeply in love with Hemu. "The village's scenery is breathtaking and the local villagers are so hospitable," she said.

During her free time, she enjoys skiing at the nearby Jikepulin international ski resort with tourists and villagers. She believes that skiing not only keeps her physically active but also strengthens her relationships with the local community.

The Jikepulin ski resort has greatly increased the number of winter sports enthusiasts seeking lodging in the area. There are 211 homestays in operation in Hemu this winter.

During the 2024 New Year holiday, a daily average of 8,000 tourists visited the ski resort. Though it is near the end of this snow season in Hemu, the resort still receives some 1,000 visitors every day.

As an amateur photographer, Jiang captures moments in the village, aiming to showcase the safety and beauty of Hemu. "I hope to make more people know about Hemu and the stories of our border police," she said.