Time-traveling "general" draws crowds at Jiayu Pass in NW China

Li Sen makes short videos at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 26, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Fang Xin)

Li Sen shows the ancient "visas" at his stall at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 26, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Fang Xin)

Visitors buy ancient "visas" at Li Sen's stall at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 14, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Visitors buy ancient "visas" at Li Sen's stall at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 14, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

Li Sen (R) poses for a photo with a visitor at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, Sept. 26, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Fang Xin)

Li Sen makes ancient "visas" for visitors at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 14, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

Li Sen checks a handwritten booklet at his stall at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 14, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

Li Sen makes an ancient "visa" for visitors at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 13, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Li Sen puts on a costume of thick armor at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 14, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

This photo taken on July 14, 2023 shows a view of Li Sen's stall at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

Li Sen arranges his stall at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 14, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Liu Jinhai)

Li Sen leaves the Jiayu Pass scenic area after work in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 13, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Fang Xin)

Li Sen leaves the Jiayu Pass scenic area after work in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 13, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Fang Xin)

Li Sen leaves the Jiayu Pass scenic area after work in Jiayuguan City, northwest China's Gansu Province, July 14, 2023.

Li Sen, 43, earns a living by playing the role of an ancient "general" at the Jiayu Pass scenic area in the city of Jiayuguan, northwest China's Gansu Province. Visitors can buy ancient "visas" at his stall. These documents are designed by Li and form an essential part of the role-play, allowing tourists to travel back into ancient China.

Looking to the future, Li plans to systematically organize the historical and cultural information related to the pass, while developing more cultural and creative products for tourists. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)