Hu Min
A vibrant mini bazaar in Jing'an District transported office workers straight from a busy WeWork co-working venue to the foot of the Tianshan Mountains on Monday, showcasing Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region's food, creative activities and newly launched customized travel routes designed for young urban explorers.
Hosted by STAY, a leading cultural and tourism operator of western China regions, the "Encounter Tianshan · Xinjiang Fair" pop-up event sought to offer urban dwellers a refreshing escape amid Shanghai's fast-paced work culture. Visitors sampled authentic milk tea, sweet Hami melon and local dried fruits, joined DIY sessions and learned about immersive travel experiences across Xinjiang.
A feast of Xinjiang specialties is featured at the bazaar.
Organizers drew inspiration from online discussions that Shanghai lacks a relaxed midday break culture. They partnered with WeWork's Weihai Road branch in Jing'an, a hub for entrepreneurs and creative talent, to set up an immersive mini bazaar modeled on traditional Xinjiang households. Colorful Xinjiang silk cushions and tea tables laden with fresh fruits like grapes, melons and nuts brought the warm hospitality typical of Xinjiang homes to Shanghai. Attendees wrote down travel wishes for future trips to the region.
The event marked the public debut of Bibabao, one of China's first artificial intelligence agents tailored for cultural tourism. The digital IP takes the form of a young snow leopard from the Tianshan range. Its name echoes Bibabu, a beloved cartoon character popular among post-1980s and post-1990s generations, blending nostalgic joy with the wild beauty of Xinjiang.
The bazaar is set up at WeWork Weihai Road venue.
Powered by self-developed technology, Bibabao supports lifelike conversations, rapid responses and flexible model switching. Every interaction contributes to real-world conservation efforts for wild Tianshan snow leopards, merging digital tourism with environmental protection.
STAY unveiled four exclusive private tour routes during the gathering. With nearly a decade operating in Xinjiang and running 13 boutique homestays across the region, including the largest homestay network in Kanas scenic area, it offers small-group private journeys that avoid crowded tourist circuits.
Xinjiang's breathtaking beauty
The seven-day "Secrets Among Spruce Forests" itinerary targets family travelers, covering Yining, Yizhao Highway, Kalajun Grassland, and Sayram Lake. The nine-day "Wild Road Adventurer" route features lesser-known off-road trails and iconic driving routes for self-driving enthusiasts.
The seven-day "Autumn Retreat in Altay" caters to slow travelers and photography fans, visiting the stunning Ahe Highway and landscapes featured in the hit TV drama "My Altay." The seven-day "Private Winter Pastures of Ili" delivers quiet snowscape getaways with fewer visitors, ideal for winter photography.
Organizers said the cross-city initiative linking Shanghai and Xinjiang aimed to introduce young urban dwellers in Shanghai to Xinjiang's diverse scenery and sustainable, low-density travel options.
The bazaar draws big crowds.
Sweet melons from Xinjiang are featured.
The bazaar draws big crowds.
