'The varied cultures help make Urumqi so unique'

As a master communicator and visual artist, Ertay sees much beauty in the world. And he says he strongly believes in the Kazak folklore that togetherness is happiness.

The 32-year-old photo-journalist moved to Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, from his native Altay prefecture 13 years ago with the duel goal of integrating and protecting his cultural identity.

"Urumqi is a multi-cultural city with a fast flow of information. It is where different people can show their talents," said Ertay, who is ethnic Kazak and also speaks Mandarin, Uygur, Kirgiz and some Russian dialects. "That's why I chose to stay after leaving Xinjiang University instead of going home.