Scenic spot in Xinjiang provides free food, accommodation to stranded tourists hit by snowstorms

The Kanas scenic spot in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has garnered widespread praise online for its commendable act of providing free food and accommodation to stranded tourists amidst heavy snowstorms.

A staff member from Hemu Shanzhuang, a hotel within the scenic spot, confirmed with the Global Times on Sunday that many tourists have dialed to verify the reports about complimentary meals and accommodation. It has been confirmed that stranded tourists can indeed avail of free meals and accommodation at the hotel.

Xinjiang witnessed its first and longest-lasting snowfall of 2024 starting from January 6. Snowfall has been mainly concentrated in the northern part of the region, including Altay and Tacheng, according to the Xinjiang Meteorological Bureau.

As of January 11, at least 13 avalanches have occurred on the roads from Burqin county to Kanas, Hemu, and other scenic areas due to heavy snowfall in the Altay mountainous area. The snow depth in some sections reached over three meters. 

During the continuous snowfall, local traffic police department implemented traffic controls on impacts sections of road starting from January 8, resulting in tourists being stranded in Kanas, Hemu, and other scenic areas.

On Saturday, the Burqin county issued a notice on its official video platform, stating that from January 11 until the roads are cleared, free food and accommodation will be provided to stranded tourists in three villages - Kanas village, Hemu village and Baihaba Village - within the Kanas Scenic Area.

A spokesperson for Burqin county also confirmed the news with thepaper.cn and he stated that the current snowfall situation has weakened, and the traffic police are making every effort to clear the roads and reopen them as soon as possible.

The act of offering free food and accommodation garnered widespread praise online. Numerous netizens expressed that such move is incredibly heartwarming. "A place as lovely as this is definitely worth visiting," one netizen commented.