On any given weekend, throngs of anglers converge at Yukak Qigetu village in Shule county, Kashgar prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, to enjoy a leisurely day by the fishing ponds.

"These ponds were once abandoned pits," said Liu Zhisheng, head of the fishing project developed with assistance from Dongying, East China's Shandong province.

The area has been transformed into a rural demonstration site integrating agriculture, culture, sports and tourism, featuring competitive fishing, dining, lodging, leisure activities and aquaculture, forming a comprehensive rural complex.

Since 2023, the village has hosted two national fishing championships and Xinjiang's first recreational fishing tournament. Beyond sports events, the village organizes bonfire parties and electronic music festivals.

"The project has created jobs for over 100 locals through homestays and rural restaurants," said Arzigul Abdureyim, the village Party secretary.

Last year, the per capita income of the villagers reached 19,800 yuan ($2,758), up 2,000 yuan from the previous year.