“To the Wonder”: Cultural heritage, modern development of the Kazakhs’ life in Xinjiang

By Wang Ruoxin, Wang Xinyuan, Junye Zhang

Since its premiere in May, the TV series “To the Wonder” has captivated audiences nationwide, sparking widespread discussions. Adapted from Li Juan's acclaimed prose collection “My Altay”, the series revolves around Li Wenxiu, a character inspired by the author herself. It begins with Li's return from the bustling city to her roots in a tranquil village in Altay Prefecture, the northernmost part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China. The series delves into the lives of Li and her family, depicting their daily interactions with Kazakh friends like Batay and Token against the backdrop of the pastoral wonder. With the series' popularity, Altay Prefecture has emerged as a source of fascination for audiences in search of "poems and dreams."

A still from the TV series “To the Wonder” shows the scenery of Altay, northwest China’s Xinjing Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

The image shows Alima during an interview with Guangming Online.

In this episode: Alima, who portrays Token in the series, recently joined Guangming Online to discuss her role and her insights into the cultural heritage and modern development of the Kazakh people in Xinjiang.

Character and Cultural Insights

When asked about her character Token, Alima described her as a typical Kazakh woman who is hardworking, diligent, and resilient. Despite facing numerous hardships, Token remains upbeat and optimistic. Alima attributes Token's positive outlook to the changing seasons in the pastoral areas. "In winter, the environment is very harsh, but in summer, everything turns green and beautiful," she explained. "This makes Token who she is—tough in challenging times and optimistic when troubles are behind her."

A still from the TV series “To the Wonder” shows Alima as Token grazing sheep. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Life and Modernization in Altay

Alima, a native of Altay who left as a teenager, shared her observations on the changes in her hometown. She noted significant improvements in the quality of life, particularly for herders, thanks to the housing project. This government initiative has provided herders with stable housing and modern amenities, transitioning them from a nomadic lifestyle to a more settled existence. Despite these changes, Alima emphasized that the simple and authentic spirit of the Kazakh people remains unchanged.

A still from the TV series “To the Wonder” shows Alima as Token tapping pine resin. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Kazakh Hospitality and Traditions

Kazakh hospitality, a prominent theme in the series, is also a key aspect of real-life Kazakh culture. Alima recounted an episode where a negotiation over sheep ends with the sheep being served for dinner, illustrating the Kazakh tradition of prioritizing hospitality over business. "We always treat our guests with milk tea and never let them leave without eating anything," she said, highlighting the deep-rooted customs of Kazakh hospitality.

A still from the TV series “To the Wonder” shows Alima as Token using pine resin as chewing gum. (Photo provided to Guangming Online)

Tourism Recommendations

With the surge in tourism interest in Altay, Alima recommended a self-drive tour to fully appreciate the vast and scenic beauty of the region. She advised dressing in layers due to the variable temperatures, especially in the mountains. For food enthusiasts, she recommended trying local specialties like hand-grabbed mutton, fried chicken, milk tea, Bawrsak, and Kazakh breakfast, which includes fresh milk tea with ghee and creme.