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
In 2025, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its founding. This anniversary is of particular significance for China: the region, once considered a marginalized region, has now become a symbol of the country's prosperity and cultural diversity. For me, as a journalist who has traveled throughout Xinjiang numerous times in recent years, this anniversary is more than just a calendar date. It's an opportunity to share my personal impressions of how life in the region is changing, how cities and villages are being transformed, and how tourism infrastructure is becoming increasingly modern while retaining its Eastern charm.
Every time I visit Xinjiang, I begin in Ürümqi, the administrative center that embodies the dynamism of the entire region. Ürümqi amazes with its combination of modernity and traditional Eastern spirit. New neighborhoods, shopping and cultural centers, and wide avenues are springing up before our eyes. Yet, at the same time, places remain where one can feel the breath of antiquity. The city seems to tell the story of Xinjiang's development, where past and future coexist without conflict.
One of the most powerful experiences in Urumqi was visiting the enormous horse complex. This facility is more than just a sports or tourist attraction. For me, it became a symbol of how Xinjiang carefully preserves traditions while simultaneously weaving them into modern life. The horse has always been an important part of the region's culture, and seeing these traditions come to life in new forms was especially inspiring.
Equally vivid memories are associated with trips to high-altitude lakes. Here, nature seems designed to capture the imagination. Clean air, crystal-clear water, and majestic mountains all around—these are unforgettable images. But what's truly astonishing is how seamlessly the tourist infrastructure has been created in these places. Convenient routes, neat recreation areas, modern hotels and services—all designed to preserve the pristine beauty while providing travelers with comfort. It's in places like these that you realize Xinjiang has found harmony between preserving nature and its wise use.
Every visit to the region is incomplete without experiencing its cultural diversity. A visit to the famous Grand Bazaar in Urumqi was especially memorable. This place is more than just a market. It's a true oriental world, full of colors, aromas, and sounds. Everything is sold here: from spices and dried fruits to traditional jewelry and handicrafts. But the most important thing is the atmosphere. At the bazaar, you feel like you've entered the heart of Xinjiang, where ancient traditions live on, where every corner is filled with history and hospitality. I would say that the Grand Bazaar is Urumqi's cultural calling card, a place where you can walk through the pages of history in a few hours and feel like part of an oriental fairy tale.
The Ili-Kazakh Autonomous Okrug holds a special place in my memories. Here in Khorgos, I've repeatedly witnessed the city change before my eyes. Until recently, it was a quiet border town, but today it's a modern city center, breathing the spirit of a new era. Khorgos has become much greener: parks, new streets, and spacious squares have appeared. The architecture has acquired a modern look, yet the city retains that distinctive oriental flavor that makes it unique. Khorgos is an example of how to preserve the soul of a city while giving it a modern edge.
The importance of Khorgos is difficult to overstate. Today, it has become a key hub for international cooperation, particularly within the Belt and Road Initiative. Active trade and joint projects are underway here, giving the city a special status—it has become a bridge between China and Central Asia. For me, as a journalist from the region, this example is particularly valuable: it demonstrates how new opportunities are born at the intersection of cultures.
But perhaps the most valuable thing I find in Xinjiang is its people. Over the years of traveling, I've made many friends in this region, and every return for me is not just a business trip, but a reunion with loved ones. Their genuine hospitality, openness, and desire to share their world make Xinjiang special. Here, over a cup of tea, you can talk about life and history, traditions and modernity, and in these conversations, a true understanding of the region's spirit is born.
I've traveled extensively throughout China, and each region has left its own unique impression on me. But Xinjiang always holds a special place. Here, modern development and ancient traditions, Eastern exoticism and the dynamism of new projects, the grandeur of nature and the comfort of human interaction are wonderfully intertwined. And every time I leave here, I know I'll definitely return again.
Seven decades is an era. During this time, Xinjiang has evolved from a remote region to one of China's most striking examples of development. It has managed to preserve its unique identity while simultaneously becoming a region of opportunity, open to the world. Xinjiang's anniversary is a celebration not only for its residents but for everyone who has ever come into contact with this region. For me, it is a celebration of memories, impressions, and friendships that make Xinjiang part of my personal journey.
Author: Anushervon Rasulov
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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