Until 2008, the 250 inhabitants lived isolated in Hemu, a village in the deep Altay Mountains in China. As the road came, and the world got access to their skiing culture, the technology and tourists changed their indigenous way of living totally.
Both the culture and their traditional skis are still made in the same way as of tens of thousands of years ago – if you pay for it.
Bolaxake (14) and Ahnar (12) are dreaming to become great snowboarders. But to the lack of snow this season, they rather take their horses out for a run.
Qu Kai (88), to the right, is a legendary skimaker. Now he is too old to work. But he still says yes to interviews for the price of 500 NOK.
In 2017, the Chinese government offered half of Hemu LED-lamps saying it would look good for the tourists.
Manati (23) believe that 2017 was a all-time record year when it comes to tourism. It's said that 200.000 tourists was in the area around Hemu.
Every year, especially Chinese tourists use their holidays to come to the area around Hemu to enjoy the great nature.
Local kids wearing traditional clothes and skis for a Chinese tv-team.
Ma Liqin (38) travels to see how skis are made in other parts of the world. He has also been in Jotunheimen, Norway.
Aergen (22) is a driver for tourists who want to come to the Kanas-area. Today he had an 8-hour drive and just got home to his wife and baby to relax before his next trip.
As winter still makes it hard for inhabitants to use their cars, some need a horse to get back home.
Ahnar (12) are waiting for the snow to get better so he can practice his snowboard skills.
Heijun Ma (48) and Bu Yun (48) are dancing in the snow lightened by the LED-lamps.
