Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region buzzed with excitement as President Xi Jinping joined a grand gathering in Urumqi on Thursday to mark the 70th anniversary of its founding. The visit from September 23 to 25 aims to inspire a modernized Xinjiang rooted in unity, prosperity and cultural richness.
In his address, the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission called for a "socialist modern Xinjiang": a region where diverse communities thrive together, environmental stewardship meets economic growth, and residents enjoy peace and contentment.
Local voices paint a vivid picture of progress. Halimulati Rexiti, a performer from the Turpan City Song and Dance Troupe, says, "My hometown has changed tremendously. All ethnic groups live like one family, united like pomegranate seeds." Ma Lingxiang, a community head in Urumqi, adds, "Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, our sense of security, happiness, and fulfillment has been steadily improving."
Official data underscores the transformation: Xinjiang’s GDP reached over 2 trillion yuan (around $281.4 billion) in 2024—203 times its 1955 level—with an average annual growth rate of 8 percent. The population has surged from 4.78 million in 1953 to 25.85 million in 2020, while poverty relief programs lifted more than 3 million rural residents out of destitution by the end of 2020.
Officials across the region reaffirm their commitment to the CPC’s governance strategy. Bai Lin from Hetian says, "We will unite and forge ahead to promote ethnic exchanges and integration, living up to the general secretary’s expectations." Tang Peike, a village official, pledges to "develop industries with Xinjiang strengths and help villagers achieve common prosperity."
Meanwhile, Peng Ziyuan, deputy Party secretary of Xinjiang Cultural Tourism Investment Group, envisions making Xinjiang a global tourism destination by integrating its unique resources and deepening cultural-tourism initiatives.
As Xinjiang accelerates development, the region becomes a lens for understanding China’s balancing act between rapid growth and social cohesion—offering a case study for young global citizens on how policy, culture and community can interweave to shape regional futures.
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Xi's Xinjiang visit inspires local people to build a modernized region
cgtn.com
