In Xinjiang, carpets retain their magic as industry grows

A carpet factory in Northwest China is helping boost trade between the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and Central Asia, as well as to preserve traditional Uygur culture.

"Carpets are a must for every Uygur household, regardless of economic status," said Karim Mamattinez, director of the Xinjiang Parlak Carpet Factory in Urumqi. "Some people drape all their walls at home in exquisite carpets. It is a symbol of wealth and good fortune."

He said Xinjiang was once a big importer of Turkish and Iranian carpets, as local manufacturers mainly produced handwoven carpets - less than 300,000 square meters a year locally. But that can no longer meet the increasing demand in the region, he said.