Gong Yue, a young entrepreneur from Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, shows a scarf he designed with traditional elements of Xinjiang to a visitor at an exhibition in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 16, 2026. (Xinhua/Ji Xiaodong)

　　BEIJING, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- A slim, sky-blue scarf caught the eye of young visitors at an exhibition in downtown Beijing, with its contemporary zodiac motifs offering a fresh take on Xinjiang's traditional Atlas silk, known for its vivid colors and distinctive patterns.

　　The scarf was the work of designer Gong Yue, a young entrepreneur from Korla, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, at an exhibition showcasing specialty agricultural products and cultural and creative products from Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture.

　　Gong's booth features a wide range of creative cultural products designed and made by him and his team. Drawing on local materials and traditions, these products vary from Atlas silk tissue holders and mouse pads to refrigerator magnets with ethnic wedding themes, to cashmere scarves featuring contemporary interpretations of traditional Xinjiang motifs.

　　Born in 1996 in Korla, Gong used to work in a pharmaceutical firm in Shanghai. He later returned home and launched a business with two friends.

　　The idea grew out of his habit of bringing Xinjiang specialties and souvenirs to colleagues in Shanghai, whose positive responses convinced him that locally inspired products could appeal to consumers beyond the region.