A YOUNG shepherdess named Huiran from Yuli County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has attracted wide attention on the internet as she can butcher a sheep in eight minutes. Her cute appearance and skillful technique of butchering a sheep give internet users a strong sense of contrast, gaining 2 million followers on a social media platform in two days. Known to her fans as “gentle desert butcher,” Huiran runs a Douyin account called “The Gray Wolf’s Sheep,” where she shares glimpses into her life as a shepherdess. In Huiran’s videos, when she shook the package of snacks in her hands, a big flock of sheep would immediately come to her as they heard the sound, and internet users usually found funny and interesting. She also posted videos of making Xinjiang dishes, feeding a lamb and killing worms for it, and even a video of her crying after losing a sheep. Moving from Shandong Province, Huiran, 21, works for her family’s sheep farming business. All the short videos vividly show a young shepherdess’ ordinary but happy daily life in Xinjiang. “I enjoy my life,” Huiran said. “As I am getting attention, I want to help the villagers to sell their agricultural products on the internet and get more people to know about Xinjiang.” Huiran said she will continue to show netizens the most authentic rural life. Behind the influencer was the county’s intention to use the internet to help with rural revitalization. In recent years, Yuli has vigorously promoted local internet influencers through cultural activities and livestreaming to show people rural life and promote rural tourism. (Global Times) | 