The video shows students exercising and playing in the courtyard of Wensu County Middle School, situated by Sayram Lake in Xinjiang. This scenic location is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky.

The viral footage was captured by 26-year-old physical education teacher Zhang Dingzheng. A native of the area, Zhang returned to his hometown to work in August 2023 after graduating from Xinjiang Normal University.

"The school is located at a high elevation, unobstructed by its surroundings. Its inherent beauty, combined with the sight of students running and playing, is truly healing for the soul," Zhang stated in an interview last month. This interview followed the video's rapid success, which garnered 38 million views in just a few days.

Students from Wensu County Middle School, Xinjiang, in a video posted in April. Video: People's Daily

Many social media users have lauded the school's stunning backdrop as a "real-life fairy tale world". One commenter remarked, "The distant, poetic sky you long for is simply the backdrop for someone else's sports field."

Another person jokingly inquired, "Is the school still accepting applications? I want to enroll."

Zhang mentioned he frequently records daily school activities with his phone and shares them on his social media accounts, but this particular video attracted the most viewers. The school places a strong emphasis on physical education, encouraging each student to master a sport.

Zhang hopes to utilize his camera lens to convey the grandeur of northwest China's scenery. He also aims to promote his hometown, Wensu, an area bordering Kazakhstan.

"Wensu features natural geothermal hot springs and free hot baths. It also boasts mysterious areas like Muxu Pass and Feicui Lake. It is a hidden gem on the border," Zhang explained.

Hong Hanh (According to Yangtse Evening Post)