A woman's journey from travel blogger to innkeeper in Xinjiang
Lin Pinpin, a 26-year-old travel enthusiast, has captured the hearts of over 760,000 followers on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo, with her inspiring tales of adventure. [Provided to seexinjiang.com]
In the vast expanse of Xinjiang's picturesque landscapes, one young travel blogger has found her calling as a homestay manager, bringing the unique essence of this enchanting region to life. Lin Pinpin, a 26-year-old travel enthusiast, has captured the hearts of over 760,000 followers on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo, with her inspiring tales of adventure.
Lin started traveling during her college years in 2016. Skilled at planning itineraries, she often posts detailed travel guides online, hoping to help other travel enthusiasts. During the summer vacation of 2017, she visited Xinjiang for the first time, spending 10 days in scenic spots like Kanas, Nalati, Bayinbuluke, and Grape Valley. She posted a travelogue and guide titled "Traveling Alone in Xinjiang", which brought her account a surge of popularity, gaining over 5,000 new followers. Since then, she has traveled to over 100 cities in China, but Xinjiang has always been her favorite. She has visited almost all the attractions in southern and northern Xinjiang during different seasons.
"I have always been moved by the scenery of Xinjiang. There are various types of landscapes, each with its own characteristics. From spring flowers to summer grasslands, and autumn leaves to winter snow, I love them all," Lin said.
In January this year, she was invited to take over the homestay in Qiongkushitai village, Tekes county, Ili Kazakh autonomous prefecture.
Encouraged by her followers, Lin arrived in Xinjiang at the end of April. While setting up the homestay, she started sharing her daily life as a homestay manager through a diary series titled "My Days as a Homestay Manager in Xinjiang" on social media platforms Weibo, Xiaohongshu, Douyin, and WeChat.
In her updates, there are dazzling starry skies, vast and spectacular grasslands and snow-capped mountains, the smiling faces of local herdsmen, and the joy of galloping on the grassland.
"Guests went horseback riding and only returned after sunset. After they finished their dinner, I called the neighbors to join us, playing the dombra and singing songs, sitting together by the pavilion in the cool evening breeze. It was a moment of comfort and romance," she said.
"After dinner, my friends called me to see the night sky, and I was amazed. It was the season that we can see and enjoy the whole Milky Way."
Her photos and words aroused more curiosity for Xinjiang. In the last few months, she has gained over 40,000 new followers on Weibo.
As the homestay manager, she meets tourists from all over the country every day, listening to their travel experiences. "A positive mindset is crucial during travel," she noted.
Netizens often ask Lin why the scenery in Xinjiang is so unique. "When you truly come to Xinjiang, everything becomes unique", she answers.