Once echoing with the sounds of camel bells, the ancient trade routes in Xinjiang now reverberate with the roars of engines. Occupying one sixth of China's territory, Xinjiang has shed its old image as a remote border area and transformed into a dynamic frontier for China's westward opening up.
Well-connected transportation
Xinjiang leads the way in China with the largest number of airports. Currently, there are 27 civilian transport airports in operation, with over 120 air routes in total. These routes radiate to major domestic cities as well as those in Central Asia and Europe, making long-distance journeys achievable in a single day. The Lanzhou-Urumqi High-Speed Railway, the North Xinjiang Railway from Urumqi to Alashankou (Alataw Pass) and the South Xinjiang Railway from Turpan to Kashi (Kashgar) stretch from east to west like iron dragons. Expressways such as the Beijing-Urumqi Expressway, the Lianyungang-Huoerguosi (Khorgas or Horgos) Expressway and the Turpan-Hetian (Hotan) Expressway are smooth thoroughfares. This comprehensive transportation network has overcome Xinjiang's vastness, which was once a hindrance to connection.
Thriving economic and trade exchanges
As the core area of the Belt and Road Initiative, a China-proposed strategy to boost connectivity along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes, Xinjiang's doors to the outside world are opening wider, with vibrant business activities. Along its more than 5,700-km border, ports of entry like Huoerguosi, Alashankou and Hongqilafu (Khunjerab) are bustling day and night. The rise of cross-border e-commerce has placed the possibility of "buying and selling globally" at one's fingertips. Thanks to the cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones in several places including Urumqi and Kashi, consumers can receive chocolates from Central Asia and cosmetics from Europe the next day with a simple tap on their phones. Meanwhile, high-quality dried fruits and textiles from Xinjiang are sold overseas. In border trade zones, mobile payments and multilingual exchanges have become the norm, injecting new life into the ancient Silk Road in the digital age.
Harmonious and inclusive culture
The unique charm of Xinjiang lies in the harmonious coexistence of diverse cultures and barrier-free experiences. Convenient cross-border tourism routes have made it easy to visit neighboring countries. In daily life, people of different ethnic groups live in harmony and develop together. The widespread coverage of 5G base stations ensures the accessibility of Internet services, and powerful real-time translation tools effectively eliminate language barriers. No matter where you come from, communication in Xinjiang is smooth and seamless. Here, diverse cultures are themselves a beautiful landscape, and modern technologies provide a solid guarantee for in-depth experience and emotional connection.
The well-connected transportation network has bridged geographical distances, while economic and trade exchanges have created prosperous opportunities, and the harmonious cultural landscape and seamless smart services have shortened distance among people. Come to Xinjiang and feel the freedom and vitality flowing along the ancient Silk Road. Mobility is the most powerful answer this land has to offer.
