The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, located in Northwest China, is expecting a significant influx of tourists in the autumn and winter seasons this year. The provincial-level region, known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and hospitality, is proactively preparing its numerous tourist attractions for these much-anticipated seasons.
Spanning over 1.66 million square kilometers, Xinjiang accounts for one-sixth of China’s total land area, making it the country’s largest provincial-level region. The area is renowned for its ethnic music and dance, a variety of delicious fruits, and its natural reserves of jade and gemstones.
According to Gao Zheng, director-general of the Bureau of International Exchanges and Cooperation at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Xinjiang serves as a significant link between Asia and Europe. Its strategic location along the Silk Road has facilitated trade and cultural exchanges between the East and the West. Gao shared these insights at a recent promotional event, highlighting Xinjiang’s breathtaking landscapes, rich resources, diverse cultures, and hospitable locals.
Xinjiang is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from glaciers and snow-capped mountains to deserts and vast plains. The region boasts prominent geographical features such as the Altay Mountains, Tianshan Mountains, Kunlun Mountains, Tarim Basin, and Junggar Basin. It’s also traversed by major rivers, including the Tarim River, Ili River, and Ertix River, creating a unique ecosystem where oases and deserts coexist.
As a vital hub along the ancient Silk Road, Xinjiang has fostered a unique culture. The region is a melting pot of various ethnic groups, including Han, Uygur, Kazak, Hui, Kirgiz, Mongolian, Tajik, and Uzbek. The world-renowned Kuche and Loulan civilizations trace their origins to this area, marked by significant cultural heritage sites like the Gaochang Ruins, Jiaohe Ruins, Beiting Ruins, and Kizil Caves.
Furthermore, Xinjiang has positioned itself as a key player in China’s winter sports tourism sector. The northern region of Altay, known for its long snow season that spans nearly 180 days each year, is developing a thriving ice and snow industry. Delida Nabi, director of the Altay Tourism Bureau, shared that efforts are underway to establish major ski clusters, including Keketuohai, Jiangjun Mountain, and Hemu ski resorts. These initiatives aim to offer a combination of snow sports and leisure vacations, appealing to a broad spectrum of winter tourists.
In recent years, Altay has played host to a variety of winter sports events, including the 2021-22 ISF cross-country skiing tour, the inaugural national ski mountaineering championship in 2023, and Xinjiang’s first winter sports games. These endeavors aim to showcase the region’s winter sports potential while promoting its stunning landscapes and unique culture.
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