On-site visits improve cultural experience of beautiful Xinjiang: scholars

By Xue Lingqiao 

(ECNS)-- “People need to know about the real Xinjiang, where various ethnic minorities coexist and thrive,” said renowned historian Ji Lianhai in an interview at a sharing session of “Xinjiang Through the Eyes of Locals” held in Beijing on Thursday. He added that the coexistence and thriving of diverse cultures, the spectacular natural scenery and long history are three keywords in his impressions of Xinjiang.

Different ethnic groups live in harmony

Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has been a multiethnic region since ancient times, where various ethnic groups thrive, and harmoniously coexist, to jointly build a beautiful homeland on the vast areas both north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. 

During the event, Wang Meng, a renowned writer and former Culture Minister of China recalled his time living in Xinjiang from 1963 to 1979, saying the 16-year life in the region contributes to his literary creations, resulting in the publication of his work under the title "Zhe Bian Feng Jing" (Unique Landscape) in 2013.

Recollecting his memorable years in Xinjiang and the history of Yili, Wang expressed his gratitude to the people of Xinjiang. 

“Xinjiang is now on the track of rapid social and economic development, and its culture and education are advancing”, Wang said, adding that he wishes and aspires for a better Xinjiang.

Ji has been to Xinjiang for over 10 times and has been deeply impressed by the harmonious coexistence of various ethnic groups.

“People of all ethnic groups live in harmony in Xinjiang. The prosperity of Xinjiang will be beneficial not only for local development but also for China’s and global development,” Ji told ECNS in the interview.

He also mentioned that the peaceful coexistence of diverse ethnic groups to build Xinjiang has always been mainstream since Zhang Qian, an envoy of the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC-25 AD), began his journey to the Western regions over 2,000 years ago. 

Similar feelings are shared by an Internet influencer from Taiwan, who said that the people in Xinjiang are warm-hearted and always ready to share what they have.

Dr. Nazmus Sakib is a Bangladeshi pediatrician. Having visited cities like Karamay in Xinjiang, he believes Xinjiang is a place of multicultural integration. 

“Xinjiang is a place where many ethnic groups live together in harmony by exchanging and integrating their cultures,” said the Bangladeshi pediatrician, adding that the intermingling of diverse cultures makes Xinjiang rich in folk arts, music, dance and food, and people who visit there can have a variety of life experience.

Natural scenery spectacular

“Located in northwest China, Xinjiang boasts three mountains and two basins, where visitors can find almost all landscapes except for the sea,” said Ji, on his travels to Xinjiang and his love for the region.

He told ECNS that many of the landscapes in Xinjiang are significantly different from other parts in China. Kalajun grassland in Xinjiang’s Tekes County covers over 1,000 square kilometers and it is nearly impossible to travel around all its scenery in limited visits.

“Xinjiang is the most popular destination in the Chinese mainland among students,” said the Internet influencer from Taiwan to the session, while sharing her personal survey at the campus in Taiwan.

Sakib also contributed his views of Xinjiang on the social media platform, to share with foreign students what the real Xinjiang is like, especially the beautiful natural scenery and diverse cultures.