Editor's note: In 2023, Expat Eyes received contributions by authors who come from across the world, speak different languages, and work in various professions. Among them are French journalist, Russian professor, Pakistani youth, Brazilian editor, as well as international students studying in China. They expressed their love for the beautiful Xinjiang, their admiration for its prosperity and development, as well as their thoughts on its future. From a personal perspective based on firsthand experience, they presented the world a Xinjiang that may be different from what has been depicted by Western media. 

As we ring in 2024, Expat Eyes asks our contributors to give their New Year greetings to our readers and share their hopes for Xinjiang in the coming year. We also take this opportunity to extend an invitation to all friends from across the world: welcome to Xinjiang!

Adnan Hameed, program and media officer at China Cultural Center in Pakistan

As the clock resets, let’s envision a harmonious blend of ethnicities, languages, and traditions in Xinjiang. Let communities unite, fostering a shared tapestry of cultural appreciation. Let’s embrace economic opportunities to uplift every corner, creating a prosperous landscape for all. A New Year resolution for 2024, we can work to bridge gaps, and forge connections that amplify understanding and cooperation. In the year ahead, we are confident in the region’s resilience as it surges forward, embracing innovation and sustainable growth. May this year in Xinjiang be marked by inclusivity, economic vitality, and a shared commitment to a brighter future. Happy New Year!

Gulnara Tolmacheva, Russian teacher at the China University of Petroleum-Beijing at Karamay, Xinjiang

My wish for Xinjiang is that it will emerge as a thriving hub for economic and cultural exchanges. With its diverse ethnic groups working towards friendly unity, Xinjiang is striving to create a harmonious and developed society. With beautiful natural landscapes, the tourism industry has flourished, contributing positively to the region’s economy. In the fields of education and technology, significant progress has been made, leading to an improved standard of living for its people. May every corner be filled with happiness and tranquility in the coming year. I sincerely wish Xinjiang and its people greater success on their path of development. May peace and prosperity always accompany this beautiful land.

Sylvain Dulac, French journalist

Dear friends in Xinjiang,

May 2024 be a year of serenity, gatherings, and harmony for families and friends in Xinjiang. May each one of you preserve your health, achieve what you desire and fully flourish. I wish you cherish hope, love, and trust as treasures, as they are what allow us to move forward against the wind, to rise when we stumble, and to hold on in times of difficulties. May you and your loved ones happy and healthy.

Rafael Henrique Zerbetto, foreign editor at the Asia-Pacific Center of China International Communications Group

Xinjiang is fascinating for its beautiful landscapes, delicious food, unique architecture, traditions and art crafts and great ethnic diversity. In recent years, the people of Xinjiang have made many social and economic achievements, and the improvements in people’s lives tell much more than words. A new year has come, bringing hope for those willing to work hard to make dreams come true. My best wishes to the people of Xinjiang in this new year. May 2024 be full of blessings, love, peace, and prosperity for all.

Abdumajidzoda Idibek, Tajik student studying in Sichuan University in southwest China’s Sichuan Province

This year is my second year studying in Sichuan, and due to my busy schedule with studies, I don’t have much time to visit other provinces in China. I saw through the internet that Xinjiang is a very beautiful place, with snowcapped mountains, grasslands, deserts, lakes, and very tempting specialty food. I hope to have the time and opportunity to travel to Xinjiang in the future, see the beautiful scenery there, and taste the delicious food there. I also sincerely hope that Xinjiang can develop better and better, and the scenery will become more and more beautiful. I will definitely go there to see it.

Ye Lu, journalist at International Daily, Indonesia

In 2023, I was fortunate enough to visit Xinjiang, a hub along the Silk Road, at the most beautiful autumn season. I experienced firsthand the charm of the legendary ancient city of Kashi, witnessed the “kekeya spirit” of turning barren desert to fertile oasis, and got shocked by the stunning landscape of the Tianshan Tuomuer Grand Canyon and the majesty of the Tianshan Tianchi Lake.

In just one week, we flew from one city to another, but could only visit parts of the southern Xinjiang. I sincerely hope that there will be another opportunity to learn more about northern Xinjiang in 2024. At the same time, as an Indonesian reporter, I will continue to share the Xinjiang experience of “getting rid of poverty and becoming prosperous” with Indonesian readers, and also encourage Chinese companies to develop industries like catering and grape brewing in Indonesia.

Here, I am sending the greeting from Indonesia to wish Xinjiang fast development and great prosperity in 2024.

Planner: Jie Wenjin

Reviewers: Hou Weili and Cheng Li