China: Snow Leopard Rescued After Wandering Into Desert in Xinjiang

A snow leopard, a nationally protected animal in China, was rescued after wandering into the Kumtag Desert in Turpan, Xinjiang on March 21, 2026. The footage shows the animal resting motionless on the sand and later inside a transport cage following the rescue. Officials confirmed it had no visible external injuries and was in good physical condition before being handed over to the forestry department for further care and observation.

China: Exhausted Snow Leopard Found in Desert Rescued by Wildlife Team in Xinjiang

A weakened snow leopard was rescued after being found wandering in the Kumtag Desert in Turpan, Xinjiang, on March 21, 2026 — far from its usual mountainous habitat. Rescuers carefully guided the calm but exhausted animal into a transport cage before transferring it to a wildlife rescue center. Authorities confirmed it would be released back into the Tianshan Mountains if no injuries were found.

China: Tourists Spot Rare Snow Leopard Roaming Desert in Xinjiang

A rare snow leopard was spotted wandering in the Kumtag Desert in Turpan, Xinjiang, on March 21, 2026, far from its typical high-altitude habitat. Surprised tourists filmed the animal as it moved across the sandy terrain before alerting local authorities.

Snowfall Landscape at Aydingkol Lake

Snowfall Landscape at Aydingkol Lake

TURPAN, CHINA - JANUARY 11, 2026 - Snowfall landscape at Aydingkol Lake Scenic Area, the lowest-altitude place in China, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on January 11, 2026.

Snowfall Landscape at Aydingkol Lake

Snowfall Landscape at Aydingkol Lake

TURPAN, CHINA - JANUARY 11, 2026 - Snowfall landscape at Aydingkol Lake Scenic Area, the lowest-altitude place in China, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on January 11, 2026.

Snowfall Landscape at Aydingkol Lake

Snowfall Landscape at Aydingkol Lake

TURPAN, CHINA - JANUARY 11, 2026 - Snowfall landscape at Aydingkol Lake Scenic Area, the lowest-altitude place in China, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on January 11, 2026.

Snowfall Landscape at Aydingkol Lake

Snowfall Landscape at Aydingkol Lake

TURPAN, CHINA - JANUARY 11, 2026 - Snowfall landscape at Aydingkol Lake Scenic Area, the lowest-altitude place in China, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on January 11, 2026.

Snowfall Landscape at Aydingkol Lake

Snowfall Landscape at Aydingkol Lake

TURPAN, CHINA - JANUARY 11, 2026 - Snowfall landscape at Aydingkol Lake Scenic Area, the lowest-altitude place in China, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on January 11, 2026.

New Energy Base in Turpan

New Energy Base in Turpan

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 20, 2025 - Aerial view of the site of the 1GW solar thermal and photovoltaic integrated project of State Power Investment Corporation in Turpan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on August 20, 2025.

New Energy Base in Turpan

New Energy Base in Turpan

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 20, 2025 - Aerial view of the site of the 1GW solar thermal and photovoltaic integrated project of State Power Investment Corporation in Turpan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on August 20, 2025.

New Energy Base in Turpan

New Energy Base in Turpan

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 20, 2025 - Aerial view of the site of the 1GW solar thermal and photovoltaic integrated project of State Power Investment Corporation in Turpan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on August 20, 2025.

New Energy Base in Turpan

New Energy Base in Turpan

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 20, 2025 - Aerial view of the site of the 1GW solar thermal and photovoltaic integrated project of State Power Investment Corporation in Turpan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on August 20, 2025.

New Energy Base in Turpan

New Energy Base in Turpan

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 20, 2025 - Aerial view of the site of the 1GW solar thermal and photovoltaic integrated project of State Power Investment Corporation in Turpan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on August 20, 2025.

New Energy Base in Turpan

New Energy Base in Turpan

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 20, 2025 - Aerial view of the site of the 1GW solar thermal and photovoltaic integrated project of State Power Investment Corporation in Turpan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on August 20, 2025.

New Energy Base in Turpan

New Energy Base in Turpan

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 20, 2025 - Aerial view of the site of the 1GW solar thermal and photovoltaic integrated project of State Power Investment Corporation in Turpan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on August 20, 2025.

New Energy Base in Turpan

New Energy Base in Turpan

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 20, 2025 - Aerial view of the site of the 1GW solar thermal and photovoltaic integrated project of State Power Investment Corporation in Turpan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on August 20, 2025.

New Energy Base in Turpan

New Energy Base in Turpan

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 20, 2025 - Aerial view of the site of the 1GW solar thermal and photovoltaic integrated project of State Power Investment Corporation in Turpan, Turpan, Xinjiang, China on August 20, 2025.

Robot Perform in Xinjiang

Robot Perform in Xinjiang

TURPAN, CHINA - MARCH 22, 2025 - Robots perform on stage in Tuokexun County, Turpan, Xinjiang province, China on March 22, 2025.

Robot Perform in Xinjiang

Robot Perform in Xinjiang

TURPAN, CHINA - MARCH 22, 2025 - Robots perform on stage in Tuokexun County, Turpan, Xinjiang province, China on March 22, 2025.

Robot Perform in Xinjiang

Robot Perform in Xinjiang

TURPAN, CHINA - MARCH 22, 2025 - Citizens watch a robot perform on stage in Tuokexun County, Turpan, Xinjiang province, China on March 22, 2025.

Robot Perform in Xinjiang

Robot Perform in Xinjiang

TURPAN, CHINA - MARCH 22, 2025 - Robots perform on stage in Tuokexun County, Turpan, Xinjiang province, China on March 22, 2025.

Robot Perform in Xinjiang

Robot Perform in Xinjiang

TURPAN, CHINA - MARCH 22, 2025 - Robots perform on stage in Tuokexun County, Turpan, Xinjiang province, China on March 22, 2025.

Uygur Autonomous Region Scenic Area

Uygur Autonomous Region Scenic Area

A drone photo taken on Oct. 16, 2024 shows attendees of the 6th World Media Summit experiencing camel riding at a desert in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The 6th World Media Summit opened on Monday in Urumqi, capital city of Xinjiang. Attendees of the Summit would visit various places of Xinjiang during the Summit period. Photo by Xinhua/Chen Yehua/ABACAPRESS.COM

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 17, 2024 - An artist performs intangible cultural heritage strike iron flower during the 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug. 17, 2024.

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 17, 2024 - An artist performs intangible cultural heritage strike iron flower during the 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug. 17, 2024.

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 17, 2024 - An artist performs intangible cultural heritage strike iron flower during the 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug. 17, 2024.

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 17, 2024 - An artist performs intangible cultural heritage strike iron flower during the 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug. 17, 2024.

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 17, 2024 - An artist performs intangible cultural heritage strike iron flower during the 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug. 17, 2024.

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 17, 2024 - An artist performs intangible cultural heritage strike iron flower during the 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug. 17, 2024.

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 17, 2024 - An artist performs intangible cultural heritage strike iron flower during the 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug. 17, 2024.

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

Strike Iron Flower During The 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 17, 2024 - An artist performs intangible cultural heritage strike iron flower during the 30th China Silk Road Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug. 17, 2024.

Turpan Grape Festiva

Turpan Grape Festiva

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 16, 2024 - Models present a grape-themed fashion show during the opening ceremony of the Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug 16, 2024.

Turpan Grape Festiva

Turpan Grape Festiva

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 16, 2024 - Spectators watch a drone light show at the opening ceremony of the Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug 16, 2024.

Turpan Grape Festiva

Turpan Grape Festiva

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 16, 2024 - Hundreds of varieties of grapes are displayed at the Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug 16, 2024.

Turpan Grape Festiva

Turpan Grape Festiva

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 16, 2024 - Spectators watch a drone light show at the opening ceremony of the Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug 16, 2024.

Turpan Grape Festiva

Turpan Grape Festiva

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 16, 2024 - Hundreds of varieties of grapes are displayed at the Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug 16, 2024.

Turpan Grape Festiva

Turpan Grape Festiva

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 16, 2024 - Models present a grape-themed fashion show during the opening ceremony of the Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug 16, 2024.

Turpan Grape Festiva

Turpan Grape Festiva

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 16, 2024 - Hundreds of varieties of grapes are displayed at the Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug 16, 2024.

Turpan Grape Festiva

Turpan Grape Festiva

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 16, 2024 - Spectators watch a drone light show at the opening ceremony of the Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug 16, 2024.

Turpan Grape Festiva

Turpan Grape Festiva

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 16, 2024 - Spectators watch a drone light show at the opening ceremony of the Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug 16, 2024.

Turpan Grape Festiva

Turpan Grape Festiva

TURPAN, CHINA - AUGUST 16, 2024 - Models present a grape-themed fashion show during the opening ceremony of the Turpan Grape Festival in Turpan, Xinjiang province, China, Aug 16, 2024.

Turpan in China's Xinjiang turns grape leaves into gold

STORY: Turpan in China's Xinjiang turns grape leaves into gold SHOOTING TIME: May 23, 2024 DATELINE: May 27, 2024 LENGTH: 00:01:06 LOCATION: TURPAN, China CATEGORY: ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Xinjiang's Turpan 2. various of "dolma" (file) 3. various of Xinjiang's Turpan and local farmers 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): SIKANDAR WULARAYN, Local villager 5. various of Xinjiang's Turpan STORYLINE: Turpan, a major grape-producing region in northwest China's Xinjiang, has found a clever use for its previously discarded grape leaves. These leaves are now exported to Mediterranean countries to be used in making "dolma," a popular delicacy wrapped in grape leaves. This initiative has provided a new and lucrative income source for local farmers. In Shanshan County, villagers are busy pruning grapevines and hand-selecting grape leaves. The leaves will then be delivered to collection points for assessment, weighing, and payment. SOUNDBITE (Chinese): SIKANDAR WULARAYN, Local villager "In the past, we would feed the

Turpan Watermelon Supply

Turpan Watermelon Supply

TURPAN, CHINA - MAY 21, 2024 - Farmers load high-quality watermelons they just picked into a truck at a watermelon planting base in Turpan, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, May 21, 2024.

Turpan Watermelon Supply

Turpan Watermelon Supply

TURPAN, CHINA - MAY 21, 2024 - Customers display high-quality watermelons at a watermelon planting base in Turpan, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, May 21, 2024.

Turpan Watermelon Supply

Turpan Watermelon Supply

TURPAN, CHINA - MAY 21, 2024 - Farmers load high-quality watermelons they just picked into a truck at a watermelon planting base in Turpan, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, May 21, 2024.

Turpan Watermelon Supply

Turpan Watermelon Supply

TURPAN, CHINA - MAY 21, 2024 - Farmers load high-quality watermelons they just picked into a truck at a watermelon planting base in Turpan, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, May 21, 2024.

Turpan Watermelon Supply

Turpan Watermelon Supply

TURPAN, CHINA - MAY 21, 2024 - Farmers load high-quality watermelons they just picked into a truck at a watermelon planting base in Turpan, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, May 21, 2024.

Turpan Watermelon Supply

Turpan Watermelon Supply

TURPAN, CHINA - MAY 21, 2024 - Farmers pick high-quality watermelons at a watermelon planting base in Turpan city, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, May 21, 2024.

Turpan Watermelon Supply

Turpan Watermelon Supply

TURPAN, CHINA - MAY 21, 2024 - Farmers load high-quality watermelons they just picked into a truck at a watermelon planting base in Turpan, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, May 21, 2024.

Turpan Watermelon Supply

Turpan Watermelon Supply

TURPAN, CHINA - MAY 21, 2024 - Farmers load high-quality watermelons they just picked into a truck at a watermelon planting base in Turpan, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, May 21, 2024.