An elegant, blue horse-drawn carriage makes its way along the road, the rhythmic clopping of hoofs blending with the jingle of bells that echo through the air.

It's a novel and certainly a relaxing way for tourists to explore the lanes and corners of the Kazanqi folk tourism area in Yining city, Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Horse-drawn carriages were once a common sight. In the past, when there were no taxis, people used them.

Home to about 300 examples of different styles of architecture dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Kazanqi is known for the seemingly ubiquitous blue color of its doors, windows, columns, porches and walls.

Many of the area's residents are from the Uygur ethnic group and they have kept their customs, while other residents are from ethnic groups such as the Hui and the Kazak.

Wang Yuanyuan, a 30-year-old office worker from Chongqing, took a 16-day road trip to Xinjiang in September with her friend.

When they stopped at the entrance of a Kazanqi courtyard to admire its beauty, the owner, who was in her 60s, came out and greeted them warmly, and gave them a tour of her home.

"Kazanqi has many beautifully decorated houses," Wang says. "The hospitable owner chatted with us about her life, offered us snacks, and even asked us to dine with her."