Twins Han Shang (1st L), Hu Sheng (1st R) pose with a pair twins from Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture after a parade of the Mojiang International Twins Festival in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 2, 2026. For Uzbek twins Han Shang and Hu Sheng, born in 1994, an annual festival in southwest China has become the center of their lives. Since first attending the 14th Mojiang International Twins Festival in Yunnan Province, the brothers, who first came to China to study in Chengdu, have become regular participants in the global gathering.

They recall being amazed by seeing so many twin pairs in Mojiang on their first visit, and later introducing the festival to their parents, who were surprised that China hosts such an event dedicated to twins.

The brothers have witnessed the region's infrastructure transformation firsthand. The once-arduous journey involving flights and long-distance buses has been replaced by direct high-speed trains to the county. During these annual visits, they have formed lasting bonds with fellow twins, such as the Cao brothers from Xi'an and the Di brothers from Kunming.

Today, their connection to China extends far beyond the festival. Hu Sheng has settled in Chengdu to start a business, while Han Shang manages cross-border trade between Uzbekistan and China. For them, Mojiang bears witness to their growth and serves as a bridge between their homeland and China. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Han Shang (R) and Hu Sheng (L) chat with their old friend Wang Ziping in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Combo photo shows group photos of Han Shang (R) and Hu Sheng in 2023 (up) and May 1, 2026, in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Han Shang (R) and Hu Sheng participate in a parade of the Mojiang International Twins Festival in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Han Shang (R) and Hu Sheng select handicrafts during an event held in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Han Shang (L) and Hu Sheng pose for photos during the 19th Mojiang International Twins Festival in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Han Shang (1st L) and Hu Sheng (2nd R) pose during a parade of the 19th Mojiang International Twins Festival in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Han Shang (3rd R) and Hu Sheng (4th R) pose for photos during a folk event in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Han Shang (R) and Hu Sheng receive interviews during the Mojiang International Twins Festival in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Twins Han Shang (rear L), Hu Sheng (rear R) pose with twins Cao Shihao (front, 1st L), Cao Shijie (front, 1st R) and others in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Han Shang (L) and Hu Sheng pose for photos after a parade of the Mojiang International Twins Festival in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 2, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Han Shang (L) and Hu Sheng enter a park in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province, May 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Combo photo shows group photos of twins Han Shang, Hu Sheng and twins Di Zhentong, Di Zhencheng from Kunming in 2019 (above, photo by Xinhua) and May 1, 2026 (below, photo by Xinhua photographer Chen Xinbo) in Mojiang Hani Autonomous County, southwest China's Yunnan province. (Xinhua)