ChineseToday | A herder and his transfer journey to summer pasture in NW China's Xinjiang

XINYUAN, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Xinjiang, home to lush pastures, is one of China's key livestock production base. The Ili River Valley on the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains boasts abundant grassland resources. Every June, local herders took their livestock to summer pastures at higher altitudes where grass is abundant.

Balatijan Eremubai, a 43-year-old herder, lives with his family in a village in Narat Township of Xinyuan County. As this year's summer transfer comes, Balatijan made good preparations. In the past, horses were the main form of transport for the herdsmen and their belongings, but for now driving vehicles makes the journey easier and quicker. Balatijan drove vehicles to transport belongings and his family members to the summer pasture only in two days. And he can focus on driving sheep on the third day in a traditional way.

Vehicles using facilitates the life of the herders. Meanwhile the improvement of the infrastructure in the pastoral areas has brought continuous benefits to their daily lives. At the settlement built up for herders, medical, educational and cultural services are also available.

The three-day journey was arduous, but Balatijan said such works were worthwhile. And he is confident about this year's income.