This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the autonomous region, so China Daily spoke to some of the region's oldest residents and asked them to share their personal stories and their visions for the future. Xu Wei reports.

1 Ajiahan Wuxur, 68, lives in Grape Valley in the prefecture-level city of Turpan. She never imagined that her homemade pilaf would be so well-received by her guests. Her family had always told her that the dish was delicious, but confirmation from outsiders was a welcome surprise.

Last year, Ajiahan Wuxur, one of the oldest entrepreneurs in Turpan's Grape Valley, opened a restaurant in response to a local government call for residents to boost tourism by providing catering services and accommodations for visitors.