High up in the Ili region of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on the Chinese mainland, the snow-capped peaks of Aktas are the ultimate winter backdrop. ❄️🏔️
There's a Kazakh proverb that goes, "The spruce's roots run deeper than its crown," and nowhere is that deeper connection more visible than here, where culture and nature blend into poetry.
Imagine stepping into a yurt lit by lanterns, the air buzzing with traditional folk tunes. Guests in vibrant Kazakh costumes gather around tables piled high with Beshbarmak (boiled meat and noodles), buttery baursaks (fried dough balls), and kumis, a slightly fizzy mare's milk drink. Every bite tells a story of nomadic heritages and the region's wild beauty.
As you clink tea cups and share smiles under the snowy sky, you feel part of something timeless. This isn't just a wedding; it's a full-on celebration of life, community, and the mountains that cradle it all. Whether you're dreaming of an epic winter trip or craving offbeat cultural inspo, this Kazakh feast in Ili is pure magic. ✨🌨️
Reference(s):
Talk Xinjiang｜Wedding Banquet Surrounded by Snow-capped Mountains
cgtn.com
