Xinjiang is a popular travel destination, and Ili prefecture is a must-visit area with rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.

Random, friendly encounters with residents aside, tourists can also visit one of the 88 designated homes.

As part of a project initiated in 2008 by the local authorities, it offers opportunities for tourists to get a taste of the area, literally, through floral tea, and specialty snacks like dried fruit.

They can also have cultural experiences, such as learning how to make fruit preserves, or traditional snacks.

"Since opening our courtyard to tourists eight years ago, our income has gone up greatly," says Abdunawi Kadimjan, a 71-year-old man from the Uygur ethnic group.

Over the years, he has learned some Mandarin for basic communication. He greets tourists in his courtyard, while his wife shows them how to make cookies. The couple are happy that even during the offseason, they can still make around 5,000 yuan ($707.5) on average per month.

"Residents can benefit from having tourism on their doorstep, which also brings young people back to work in their hometowns," says Kanarya Yarmamat, deputy director of the city's culture, sports, radio, television and tourism bureau.