By Justin Zhang

A homestay program has helped boost ethnic people’s income in Turpan of Xinjiang, as a growing number of holiday-goers from outside Xinjiang choose to spend their holidays at local farmer’s homes.

A total of 179 households of minority groups are in that business in Turpan, 59 of which are listed as star homestay recipients. The 179 households employ more than 8,000 people, Ekber Khal, deputy director of Turpan tourism bureau, said on May 10.

Tourists could appreciate folk dancing, collect grapes and enjoy local food during their stay. Turpan is famous for its grapes and local culture.

Kayazi Rikepu, a grape grower, joined the homestay program in 2004, when there were not many visitors and he and his family can well host them. But an influx of visitors in recent years prompted him to employ three workers. He has a net income of 50,000 yuan from that business every year.

 Kayazi Rikepu invites a journalist into his homestay.

Having lunch in Kayazi Rikepu's homestay

Kayazi Rikepu sends off his guests.