Bi Yading in Xinjiang Lop Nur Desert (FILE)

Who is the best guide to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region? The answer is likely to be Bi Yading, a well-known name in the tourism industry of Xinjiang. Few people know tourism in Xinjiang better than Bi, who has been to and carefully studied almost every scenic spot, whether it is open or will open in the future. Owing to a wealth of experience and knowledge, he has been hired as a visiting professor in the tourism departments of seven colleges in Urumqi, Xinjiang's capital city, and as guest host on travel shows for Xinjiang TV.

Born in 1946 in northeast China's Liaoning Province, Bi has loved hiking since he was a little boy. After graduating from Central Institute of Finance and Banking -- the former name of the Central University of Finance and Economics -- in 1969, he was assigned to work in a middle school in Urumqi as a Chinese language teacher. Though it was not until he was transferred to Xinjiang Tourist Administration in 1982 that his explorations began. Traveling to the scenic spots across Xinjiang, he took a lot of photos and travel notes, which were published in the travel guide books popular among tourists. As his fame continued to grow, he was frequently invited to give lectures to tourism workers within and beyond the region. In his fifties, he quit his job and became a freelancer, devoting himself to promoting Xinjiang.

As an expert in Xinjiang, Bi is frequently asked which sight is his favorite. "My answer is nowhere in particular. Every scenic spot in this magic land, which covers one sixth of China's total area, is so unique that no one can be chosen as the representative of the diversified landscape. In other words, you can enjoy the scenery everywhere."

In addition to the scenery, Bi has been touched by the hospitality and kindness of the area's people. "In Xinjiang, when you smile, others smile back. You can feel the trust from people's eyes and smiles."

As a tea drinker, Bi takes a portable cup and some tea with him everywhere. "I am never worried about refilling," he said, "Just walk into any restaurant you pass by and give the waiter your cup, you will get a cup of hot water."

What impressed him most is the people in southern Xinjiang. "If you see some men eating a watermelon by the roadside, they will offer you some as soon as you approach them. If you are lost and ask for directions, a crowd would gather round you and show you the way. When you buy something in the bazaar, the vendor would give you a handful of dried fruit or some fresh fruit for free."

Bi Yading at home (XINJIANG METROPOLIS DAILY)

In Bi's career as a guide, there are many more touching stories. He once took a group of tourists around Yutian County of Xinjiang. While there, they visited an impoverished family living in the middle of the desert. The hostess brought out one watermelon to welcome them. But she found the watermelon unripe after splitting it. She felt so sorry that she brought another one without hesitation. The only fruit the family had was two watermelons. Taking a piece of watermelon from the hostess, a girl in the tour group was moved to tears. "Sincere gestures like that can transcend all linguistic and cultural barriers." Bi said with emotion.

Bi has enriched his life with energy and pleasure. "Whoever has been to Xinjiang will fall in love and never forget it," he said.