URUMQI -- On the Duku Highway in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, a long stream of cars, SUVs and mini RVs can be seen filing past numerous breathtaking scenic spots.

The 561-km highway that runs through the majestic Tianshan Mountains is only open from June to October every year and is believed to be the most beautiful route in China.

In recent weeks the highway has experienced a significant increase in traffic, with vehicles pouring in from all over the country.

This is just one of the many instances indicating that with China fine-tuning its COVID-19 prevention measures and Xinjiang offering a series of incentives, tourism is regaining vitality across the region.

An overall tourism boom in recent years has, meanwhile, encouraged more people of different ethnic groups in Xinjiang to join the sector and earn a piece of the pie, resulting in more income and greater prosperity.