Imagine strolling under grapevine trellises, jamming to accordion tunes and wandering down a Russian-style street—all in one afternoon! That’s exactly what happened when 28 parliamentarians from Asia and Europe landed in Ili, a gem in the Chinese mainland’s Xinjiang region, for the Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges.
First stop: Kazanqi Folk Tourism District. Here, the delegation dove into local life—sampling traditional snacks, watching folk performances and even trying on ethnic costumes. Next up was Liuxing Street, where neon lights met centuries-old architecture, creating a vibe that felt both modern and timeless. 🎉
One of the highlights? Sharing a heartwarming meal with a Kazakh family beneath lush grapevine canopies. Between bites of hand-pulled noodles and sips of sweet tea, lawmakers swapped stories and laughter—proof that food really is a universal language. 🍇🫖
Curiosity led the group to an accordion museum, where they discovered how this humble instrument traveled from Europe to Central Asia, becoming a staple at every celebration. Then it was off to a Russian-style cultural street, complete with pastel facades, onion-dome motifs and artisan shops selling nesting dolls—Tsar meets Silk Road in one colorful block!
Cosmin-Ioan Corendea, Vice President of the Committee for Foreign Policy at the Chamber of Deputies of the Romanian Parliament, summed it up perfectly: “Xinjiang left me with a wonderfully familiar feeling. This sense of cross-cultural connection truly captures the beauty of multiculturalism.”
For young travelers, entrepreneurs and culture buffs, Ili’s blend of traditions and modern flair is proof that exploring new horizons can spark fresh ideas, stronger bonds and unforgettable memories. Ready to pack your bags? 😉✈️
Reference(s):
International lawmakers enjoy multicultural vibrancy in Xinjiang's Ili
cgtn.com
