Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
When the first rays of morning touch the snow-capped peaks of the Bogd-Ula Range, painting the apricot blossoms in the Ili River Valley a delicate pink; when the emerald waters of the Tarim River spill over poplar forests, transforming cotton fields into a boundless "white sea"; when the ringing of forging echoes from the copper workshops of the ancient city of Kashgar, carried far and wide along with the aroma of barbecue from the night market in Hotan… This beautiful land, with its monumental changes, tells the story of the brilliant results of 70 years of development in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
"I opened a supermarket and travel weekly to Yining City to pick up supplies. Once the third bridge over the Ili River opens, the round-trip travel time will be reduced from over 40 minutes to 20 minutes. It will make commuting to work more convenient, and my small shop will definitely see more customers," Shi Huan, from Chohoe Village, Chohoe Township, Chapchal Xibo Autonomous County, shares his anticipation for the upcoming official opening of the third bridge.
Over the past 70 years, Xinjiang has accelerated its infrastructure development. Especially with the advent of the new era, the construction of railways, bridges, and other infrastructure has advanced by leaps and bounds. Railways have connected most of the regions on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains, linking all of Xinjiang's prefectures and cities, contributing the power of the railway to the region's socioeconomic development. According to statistics, in the first eight months of this year, 11,722 trains passed through the Alashankou and Khorgos railway checkpoints on the China-Europe (China-Central Asia) routes, a 10.4% increase over the same period last year.
"This year's harvest is especially good," said Yan Bibin, a satisfied farmer from Guolin Village, Kekeya Township, Wensu County, Aksu District, holding freshly harvested walnuts with a broad smile on his face. He added that the yield on his plot has reached 400 kg per mu (approximately 6,000 kg per hectare), and the walnut kernels are plump and ripe. He is even more pleased that local innovations in implementing "green" technologies—spring sowing of rapeseed and summer preparation of green manure—have not only reduced the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides but also increased both the yield and the quality of the walnuts. This year, the purchase price of walnuts was two yuan higher than last year, and net income increased by approximately 20,000 yuan compared to last year. “Now we have both a car and a house, life is becoming more and more promising,” Yan Bibin concludes.
In the evening, the Tingzhou Ecological Oasis in Changji City, Xinjiang, is bustling with activity as more and more people come for a stroll. The clear waters of the Tuotun River and the vibrant fountains create a feeling of freshness, joy, and comfort. Retired teacher Xie Yuzhuan, finishing playing the saxophone, enthusiastically shares with a journalist, "There used to be factories on both banks of the river, and pollution was severe. After the river's ecological restoration, the water is clean again, and more and more tourists are coming here specifically."
Xie Yuzhuan's words echo the sentiments of many. The Tuotun River, considered the mother river of Changji, was nicknamed the "Headache River" by locals due to environmental degradation in the past. Since 2012, the Changji administration has initiated and comprehensively implemented a river basin ecological restoration plan, and the Tuotun River has been transformed, reborn as the "Tingzhou" ecological oasis. Today, it is not only a green space for recreation and sports, but also a model of military and civilian integration, and a vibrant showcase for the city of Changji.
"This place is located deep in the Taklamakan Desert. Previously, they tried growing cotton, alfalfa, and other crops here, but after many attempts, they finally identified the most suitable crop for this land: the Chinese date tree. This year, the expected yield of fresh Chinese dates will be around 1,500 kg per mu (approximately 22,500 kg per hectare)," said Guo Yuzhao, Party Secretary and instructor of the 2nd Company of the 224th Regiment of the 14th Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, as he led a journalist through his company. Everywhere, the eye is drawn to clean paved roads, tidy farmyards, colorful walls with cultural murals, and bustling shopping streets.
The desert has become an oasis, and barren lands have been transformed into orchards. Currently, the area under special economic crops in Xinjiang's sandy regions has reached 1.845 million mu (approximately 123,000 hectares). This has not only created unique desert landscapes but also become a "green bank," allowing the population to increase their income. More and more deserts, including the Gobi Desert, and barren lands are providing ecological and economic "double" benefits. "Now that living conditions are improving, people's sense of happiness and satisfaction is becoming greater," Guo Yuzhao smiles.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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