Core Insights - The article highlights the cultural and tourism development in the Yili Old Town, Xinjiang, emphasizing the integration of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) into immersive tourist experiences [1][6] - The local government and businesses are actively promoting traditional crafts and ICH, transforming them into engaging DIY activities for visitors [1][6] Group 1: Cultural Heritage and Tourism Integration - Yili Old Town is recognized for its unique residential architecture and cultural heritage, often referred to as a "museum of residences" [1] - The area has prioritized the introduction of ICH workshops and traditional craft stores, allowing tourists to experience the charm of ICH firsthand [1][6] - Local artisans, such as Cao Hongbing, are innovating traditional leather-making techniques by incorporating local cultural elements into their products, enhancing the tourist experience [2][4] Group 2: Local Artisans and Innovations - Cao Hongbing, a representative inheritor of local leather-making skills, is blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design, creating popular cultural products like sheep leather paintings [4] - The "Guiji·Horse Culture Integration Store" features unique hand-painted horse leather products, appealing to younger audiences and promoting local heritage [4] - The local government provides support, such as rent reductions, to encourage the preservation and innovation of ICH, fostering a vibrant cultural tourism environment [4][6] Group 3: Community Engagement and Experience - The initiative aims to make traditional skills a part of daily life and cultural memory, ensuring that ICH remains relevant in contemporary society [6] - By nurturing inheritors and creating innovative experience projects, the local community is revitalizing traditional crafts like leather-making and horse leather painting [6]

Core Insights - The article highlights the cultural and tourism development in the Yili Old Town, Xinjiang, emphasizing the integration of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) into immersive tourist experiences [1][2][3] Group 1: Cultural Heritage and Tourism Integration - Yili Old Town is recognized for its unique residential architecture and cultural heritage, often referred to as a "museum of residences" [1] - The local government has focused on transforming ICH projects into DIY experiences for tourists, allowing them to engage with traditional crafts [1][3] - The preservation of the original ecological scenes, such as "blue streets, horse-drawn carriages, workshops, and residences," is prioritized while introducing ICH workshops and traditional craft stores [1] Group 2: Local Artisans and Innovations - Local artisans, such as Cao Hongbing, are innovating traditional leather craftsmanship by incorporating local cultural elements into their products, like sheep leather paintings [2] - The integration of local cultural motifs into creative products has made them popular among tourists, enhancing their understanding of Xinjiang's culture [2] - The "Guiji·Horse Culture Integration Store" features unique handmade artworks on horse leather, showcasing the region's heritage and attracting younger audiences [2] Group 3: Future of Cultural Heritage - The aim of ICH preservation in Yili Old Town is to reintegrate traditional skills into daily life and contemporary culture [3] - By nurturing inheritors and innovating experiential projects, traditional crafts like leather making and horse leather painting can thrive within the tourism sector [3] - The development of ICH in Yili Old Town is seen as a way to revitalize both local culture and tourism, fostering a vibrant cultural exchange [3]