Models heat up Xinjiang desert with Atlas silk

Models present Atlas silk in the Taklimakan Desert in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Aug 25, 2015. The three models, from Hotan prefecture, Moyu county and Luopu county, are winners of the "Atlas Queen" contest held in Xinjiang recently. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Atlas is a traditional type of Xinjiang silk that means "graceful" in Uyghur word. Known for its softness, lightness, and bright colored patterns, it is made by tie-dye technique and is extremely popular among Uygur women in China's Xinjiang.

Nowadays, the traditional silk garment has been fused with modern design and is becoming more fashionable.