Sand therapy turns Xinjiang's deserts into a tourist magnet

The healing powers of the sun and the sand have turned the vast swathes of deserts in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region into hot travel destinations, catering to the well-being of those who believe in natural remedies and also promoting the local tourism industry.

Many visitors to the region are flocking to Turpan — a city located about 180 kilometers southeast of the regional capital Urumqi — where a health center offers comprehensive packages that include accommodations and therapies involving sand and Chinese medicinal herbs.

Sand therapy is a traditional treatment among the Uygur ethnic group. Xinjiang has a long history of using the therapeutic properties of hot sand, combined with other treatments, to promote blood circulation, alleviate rheumatic diseases and improve sleep quality.