Lives of people in Turpan, NW China's Xinjiang (3)

Muqeddes Weli (center), a social media influencer, helps grape growers sell grapes via a live-streamed video at a vineyard in Turpan, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, May 28, 2021. (People's Daily Online/Kou Jie)

With its dry and sunny climate, Turpan city has a long history of growing grapes and is famous for its local grape industry. The grape industry has become one of the critical economic means to alleviate poverty and boost incomes in the city. Many grape growers have jumped onto the live streaming bandwagon in order to reach potential customers and expand their sales channels, inviting social media influencers to tout their sweet grapes on live-streaming e-retail platforms. "Selling grapes online has tripled my family's annual income," said Muqeddes Weli.