URUMQI, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- In the arid hinterland of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, a reed-fringed pond is producing something typically associated with coastal waters, namely oysters.
In June, about 1.25 tonnes of juvenile oysters arrived in Alaer, a city on the northern edge of the Taklimakan Desert, China's largest desert, for a cultivation trial. In late September, the first batch of locally raised oysters, began reaching the market.
"The oysters are mainly sold in Xinjiang, where they have proved very popular. Demand has exceeded supply," said Chen Wuqun, general manager of Xinjiang San'a Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., which operates the aquaculture base where the oysters are raised.
This latest success marks another step in Alaer's efforts to turn its natural conditions, traditionally seen as constraints, into resources.
Alaer has large quantities of saline-alkali water, which was once considered difficult to use. In recent years, local efforts have been underway to unlock its potential, including experiments to raise seafood.
Under the country's pairing assistance program for Xinjiang, the coastal province of Zhejiang in east China has partnered with Alaer, bringing financial resources, technical expertise and talent to support the city's development in line with its local conditions.
Chen, an experienced aquaculture operator from Zhejiang, saw opportunities in the region and started a business here in 2023, initially developing 100 mu (around 6.7 hectares) of ponds. He then gradually expanded the area to 1,200 mu this year.
He noted that Xinjiang has certain advantages for aquaculture, including abundant sunshine that favors algae growth and less water pollution.
However, saline-alkali water cannot be directly used for aquaculture. "Its chemical composition must be carefully adjusted to approximate seawater conditions and meet the specific requirements of different species," said Ma Weiyun, a technician at Chen's company.
Overcoming these technical challenges required extensive research and experimentation. Wang Huan, a professor at Ningbo University in Zhejiang, expressed initial uncertainty about whether the project would succeed, as there was little experience to draw on under similar conditions.
Nonetheless, the research team spent months at the experimental site monitoring water quality and fine-tuning its composition, eventually making oyster farming possible in Alaer.
Aquaculture farms in Alaer now raise a variety of species, including mud crabs, groupers, sea bass, whiteleg shrimp and razor clams.
In 2025, Alaer produced roughly 11,700 tonnes of aquatic products, generating 360 million yuan (about 53.6 million U.S. dollars) in fishery output value. The total output of aquatic products in Xinjiang stood at 206,000 tonnes last year.
Local people are benefiting from this growing industry. Consumers in Xinjiang now have greater access to fresh seafood, while the industry is also creating jobs and income opportunities for residents, Chen said.
Hou Jianghong, an employee at another aquaculture company in Alaer, was previously reliant on temporary jobs. Hou now has an annual income of over 70,000 yuan.
"Joining a developing industry and earning more money gives me more confidence in the future," he said.
The ecological value of seafood farming is also evident. "As the water's salinity and alkalinity decrease during the farming process, it can be reused to irrigate vegetation and crops," said Chen.
Encouraged by this year's success, Chen plans to expand his oyster farming endeavors next year. "As we become more familiar with the local conditions, I believe we can do even better." ■
