Covering one-sixth of China's territory, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region draws visitors with its rich folk customs and natural beauty. China Daily photographer Zou Hong got a glimpse of its charm during a recent trip.

Tourists from Dalian, Liaoning province, dance with performers wearing traditional costumes in a village in Yining, Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, on Sept 29. (ZOU HONG / CHINA DAILY)

Students from Yining No 12 Primary School pose for a group photo on Sept 28. (ZOU HONG / CHINA DAILY)

A worker bakes naan bread in a traditional oven in Ili on Sept 28. (ZOU HONG / CHINA DAILY)

A craftsman carves a portrait on a piece of oxhide in Ili on Sept 29. (ZOU HONG / CHINA DAILY)

A painting decorates a pedestrian street in Tekes county, Xinjiang, on Sept 27. (ZOU HONG / CHINA DAILY)

Employees disinfect a bazaar in Yining city on Sept 30. (ZOU HONG / CHINA DAILY)

Herders demonstrate their horsemanship for visitors at the Kalajun Grassland, a World Natural Heritage site, in Tekes county, on Sept 27. (ZOU HONG / CHINA DAILY)