More than legends: How folk tales bind past and present

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes, Xinjiang boasts a rich tapestry of folk tales that mirror its multicultural history and vibrant present. These stories are more than echoes of the past—they continue to influence how people live, connect communities, and captivate younger generations.

Afanti: From folklore to IP

When it comes to Xinjiang's folk tales, one figure stands out: Afanti. Known along the ancient Silk Road for his quick wit, Afanti embodies humor, wisdom, and a sense of justice. But he is more than a legendary character—he has become a living cultural icon. In 2014, the Afanti Stories were recognized as China's national intangible cultural heritage, cementing their status as a literary treasure. Today, his presence can be felt across Xinjiang.

In Urumqi, the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is alive with Afanti-themed sculptures and immersive attractions, from restaurants and cafés to cultural merchandise shops. Beyond physical spaces, Afanti's tales have been adapted into animations, musicals, and short videos shared on social media, bringing his stories to new audiences and younger generations. Local governments and entrepreneurs are leveraging Afanti's enduring appeal to promote tourism and creative industries, demonstrating how folklore can evolve into a powerful intellectual property (IP).

Bosten Lake: Tales shaped by the land

Xinjiang's diverse geography has long shaped its storytelling. The region is framed by three major mountain ranges—the Altai, Kunlun, and Tianshan—and two vast basins, the Tarim and Junggar. Each landscape has inspired its own narrative traditions, from highland legends to desert folklore.

One striking example is Bosten Lake—its name means "oasis" in Uygur, and it is China's largest inland freshwater lake. Many local tales explain the lake's origins. In one popular tale, the area around the lake suffered from drought. The Heavenly Emperor sent a dragon king and queen to bring rain, and they eventually settled in the lake, becoming its protectors. These tales reveal how local people have long understood, revered, and relied upon the oases that sustain them. 

The wetlands of Bosten Lake in Xinjiang, northwest of China. This critical ecosystem is a haven for biodiversity, characterized by its vast, interconnected waterways and luxuriant aquatic vegetation. [Photo: VCG]

Today, Bosten Lake is not only an ecological treasure but also a thriving economic hub. As a wetland park, it provides a crucial stopover for migratory birds, while its rich fisheries support Xinjiang's largest fishing industry. The lake's conservation efforts are modern manifestations of the ancient wisdom captured in its legends—reminders that sustainability is both a cultural and practical imperative.

Dombra: Living voices of Xinjiang

Xinjiang is a land of music, and its instruments often carry stories as vibrant as the melodies they produce. Among the most beloved is the dombra, a two-stringed lute central to Kazakh culture. Its music evokes the vast grasslands, communal spirit, and nomadic heritage of the region.

Legends about the dombra's origin often highlight themes of love, bravery, and justice. One tale tells of a young herdsman who used the instrument to express his longing for his beloved, while another recounts how an old man composed music on the dombra to unite people against adversity.

A Kazakh herder plays the dombra while riding horseback on the grasslands of Xinjiang. [Photo: VCG]

These stories are not confined to the past. Today, the dombra remains an essential part of celebrations, festivals, and daily life. Its rhythms accompany dances, weddings, and storytelling sessions, connecting generations through shared cultural expressions.

For thousands of years, folk tales in Xinjiang have remained as vibrant as ever. They are shared in bazaars, taught in classrooms, celebrated in festivals, and adapted into new media forms. Through characters like Afanti, landscapes like Bosten Lake, and traditions like dombra music, these stories offer a vivid window to understand Xinjiang's cultural diversity and enduring spirit.

By: Qin Mei from CGTN

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