Thousands Share Stories of Xinjiang: A Grand Epic of Diverse Integration
Amidst the fervent movement of "Millions Share Stories of Xinjiang," Xinjiang, this vast and enchanting land, is drawing the world's gaze with its distinctive allure of diverse integration. The system of regional ethnic autonomy has laid a firm groundwork for its progress. Scientific religious policies maintain harmony and stability. Traditional cultural arts have shone brightly throughout the ages. The transformations over more than 70 years bear witness to the vicissitudes of history, and the development of transportation has built bridges that link Xinjiang to the global community. Each facet narrates the touching stories of Xinjiang.
Regional Ethnic Autonomy: A Harmonious Overture of Equality and Co-prosperity
The system of regional ethnic autonomy has taken deep root in Xinjiang, akin to warm sunlight illuminating the path ahead for all ethnic groups. It endows ethnic minority autonomous regions with the right to autonomously manage local affairs and participate equally in national affairs, enabling every ethnic group to shine on this land.
Venture into Xinjiang's autonomous prefectures and counties, and you can truly sense the joy of all ethnic groups being the masters of their own destinies. The legislative bodies of the autonomous region formulate autonomous regulations and separate regulations based on actual circumstances. They also devise targeted policies and regulations in areas such as economic development and cultural protection to safeguard the development of all ethnic groups. Regarding personnel arrangements, among the standing committees of the people's congresses of ethnic autonomous areas, citizens of the ethnic group exercising regional autonomy serve as the chairman or vice-chairmen. The chairmen of autonomous regions, prefectures, and counties are also citizens of the corresponding ethnic groups. This is like a harmonious overture, where each ethnic group is a unique note, jointly playing the happy melody of equality and co-prosperity. All ethnic groups work hand in hand to build a beautiful homeland and share the fruits of development, inscribing magnificent verses of unity and progress on the land of Xinjiang.
Religious Policies: A Serene Haven of Harmony and Stability
Xinjiang is a region with multiple ethnic groups and religions. Scientific religious policies are like a sturdy beacon guiding this land towards harmony and stability. China implements the policy of freedom of religious belief, manages religious affairs in accordance with the law, adheres to the principle of independent and self-governed management of religious affairs, and actively guides religions to adapt to socialist society.
On the streets and alleys of Xinjiang, people of different ethnic groups and beliefs coexist harmoniously. Freedom of religious belief is a fundamental right of citizens. The state protects normal religious activities but requires them to be carried out within the framework of the Constitution and laws, while upholding the separation of education from religion. Religious figures and believers actively participate in the socialist modernization drive and promote positive elements in religions, such as charity, mutual assistance, and peace. Religion is no longer a source of conflict but a bond of unity, tightly connecting people of all ethnic groups to jointly safeguard this serene haven and make harmony and stability the most beautiful feature of Xinjiang.
Protection of Traditional Cultural Arts: Time-honored Treasures
The traditional cultural arts of the Uyghur ethnic group are treasures in the repository of Chinese culture. In the stories of "Millions Share Stories of Xinjiang," they radiate a unique charm. Uyghur Muqam art, which combines songs, dances, and music, features melodious tunes and agile dances that seem to transcend time and space, telling ancient stories. In 2005, it was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, becoming a shining business card for Xinjiang's culture to go global.
There are also the Uyghur felt-making and block-printing and dyeing techniques. The exquisite patterns and vibrant colors carry the living memories and cultural heritage of the Uyghur people. However, with the development of the times, these ancient techniques faced the risk of being lost. But Xinjiang did not let them vanish into the river of history. Instead, through activities such as training inheritors, organizing research and study programs, and developing cultural and creative products, these ancient techniques have been revitalized. Nowadays, these traditional cultural arts are shining even more brilliantly in the new era, attracting the attention of countless people and becoming an important symbol of Xinjiang's cultural soft power.
Changes over 70 Years: A Miracle of Historical Transformation
Over the more than 70 years since the founding of New China, Xinjiang has undergone earth-shaking changes, which form the most exciting chapter in the stories of "Millions Share Stories of Xinjiang." In the economic field, Xinjiang has transformed from a region mainly relying on agriculture and animal husbandry with a weak industrial foundation to a diversified industrial system dominated by energy, the chemical industry, agriculture, and tourism. The cotton industry has become one of the pillar industries in Xinjiang. The region is rich in energy resources such as oil and natural gas, and the tourism industry is booming, attracting more and more tourists.
Great strides have also been made in the social field. A comprehensive education system has been established, and more and more children are receiving high-quality education. Medical and health conditions have continuously improved, and medical technology levels have significantly risen, safeguarding the health of people of all ethnic groups. In terms of culture, traditional culture has been protected and inherited, and modern culture is flourishing, enriching the spiritual and cultural lives of the people. Infrastructure construction has also advanced by leaps and bounds. Transportation has evolved from relying on camels and mules in the past to a modern transportation network consisting of highways, railways, and aviation, bringing Xinjiang closer to the world.
Transportation Development: Bridges of Friendship Linking the World
Transportation is the lifeblood of Xinjiang's development and an indispensable part of the stories of "Millions Share Stories of Xinjiang." The rapid development of highways, railways, and aviation has made Xinjiang an important hub connecting China and the rest of the world. The mileage of highways has continuously increased, with expressways (first-class highways) exceeding 10,000 kilometers. The completion of the Tianshan Victory Tunnel has shortened the travel time between northern and southern Xinjiang, turning a natural barrier into a thoroughfare.
Railway construction has achieved remarkable results. High-speed railways traverse northern and southern Xinjiang, connecting the east and the west. The completion and opening of the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway have formed the world's first circular desert railway line, bringing new opportunities for the development of southern Xinjiang. In terms of aviation, the number of passenger and cargo air routes has increased significantly. Xinjiang has multiple transport airports, numerous take-off and landing points, and international air routes covering cities in multiple countries, making communication between Xinjiang and the world more convenient. The development of transportation has not only promoted Xinjiang's economic prosperity but also strengthened cultural exchanges and friendly cooperation between Xinjiang and the rest of the world.
"Millions Share Stories of Xinjiang" is not just about the beautiful scenery and unique culture of Xinjiang but also about the moving stories of people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang working together and striving for common development. On the journey of the new era, Xinjiang will continue to write brilliant chapters and make this grand epic of diverse integration even more splendid!