Unique cultures

In 2010, the last census by the State Council and the National Bureau of Statistics, showed that the Salar population was about 130,000.

In China, 28 ethnic groups with populations of less than 300,000 are defined as "ethnic groups with less population". And the Salar is one of them.

In 2016, the State Council mapped out a plan to boost the development of the 28 ethnic groups through tourism in the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20).

The plan aims to reduce poverty via tourism, with emphasis on developing destinations with unique cultures.

Ma Chengwen, a Salar, who is the head of the tourism bureau in Haidong city, which also covers Xunhua, says: "We are working with travel agencies within Qinghai province. As of now, tourists from Qinghai province and outside are 50-50. But we expect more tourists from outside due to the highway network,"

"Xunhua county is a perfect destination for those who want to know about the Salar ethnic group. You must try our delicious cuisine and see our traditional architecture," he says.

According to him, Xunhua plans to build a museum for its intangible heritage such as wedding ceremonies and costumes.

Also, since 2005, the county has been holding an annual challenge for swimmers from home and abroad to cross the Yellow River.

[email protected]