Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Miriguli Wu) news: From May 29 to June 1, 2024, a delegation from Soka Gakkai of Japan arrived in China's Xinjiang, and visited its Urumqi City and Turpan City. During their stays in Xinjiang, the members of the delegation communicated and exchanged with people of all ethnic groups in China’s Xinjiang, and learned about the economic and social development of China's Xinjiang.

Photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows delegation members from Soka Gakkai of Japan visit the Planning Hall of Urumqi Cultural Center in Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/ Miriguli Wu)

At the Planning Hall of Urumqi Cultural Center, the delegation members immersively experienced the prosperity of the ancient Silk Road with modern technology. They acquired an in-depth understanding of the development and changes of Urumqi, its construction achievements, and witnessed the vigorous development of Xinjiang under the initiative of jointly building the Belt and Road. Everyone expressed that Xinjiang's economy is bursting with vitality, presenting a stable, peaceful, and thriving atmosphere everywhere. "The development of Xinjiang in China is very rapid, with bustling cities and towering buildings," said delegation member Kenji Iwata. He added that the open and confident Xinjiang owns a promising future.

In the tea art room of the Education and Practice Base at Xinjiang Normal University, the delegation, guided by the instructors, experienced making tea by adding tea powder, mixing tea paste, etc. "Integrating traditional Chinese culture into the classroom is a remarkable way of education," said one of the members of the delegation. "Chinese traditional culture will continue to be passed down and develop further. We look forward to further strengthening exchanges with China’s Xinjiang in academic, educational, artistic, and other fields."

Photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows the delegation members from Soka Gakkai of Japan learn about Diancha, or tea-whisking, a way of preparing tea that dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), in the tea art room of the Education and Practice Base at Xinjiang Normal University in Urumqi City, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/ Miriguli Wu)

The members of the delegation listened carefully to the introductions, inquired about and understood the stories behind the cultural relics. In front of the delegation are the stone tools from the pre-Qin period, the seal of the Sihe Mansion in the Han Dynasty, the tapestry unearthed at the Niya site, and the "Five Stars Rise in the East, Benefiting China," the wonder of a Han-Dynasty brocade armband, telling the long-standing historical origins of Xinjiang, China. "It's like walking in the old times, seeing the long history and splendid Chinese culture at first hand." Another member of the delegation stated that China's Xinjiang is a multicultural region with warm and hospitable people living a happy and fulfilling life. "I definitely will share the wonderful feelings of this trip with family and friends, especially the younger generation."

Turpan is an important place along the ancient Silk Road with profound cultural heritage. After visiting the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Cave Site, Sugong Pagoda, the Grape Valley scenic spot, Jiaohe Ancient City, and the Karez, everyone is unanimous that Xinjiang has beautiful scenery, splendid culture, and historical relics, which fully demonstrate that Xinjiang has been a region in China where multiple ethnic groups and religions have coexisted since ancient times. The coexistence and integration of diverse cultures make Xinjiang full of vitality.

During the visit, the delegation held discussions with relevant parties in Xinjiang. Members of the delegation expressed that various undertakings in China's Xinjiang have achieved remarkable results, and what they have seen and heard here has left an incredibly beautiful impression. Through this visit, it is hoped that China's Xinjiang and Japan can leverage the advantages of the association to promote exchanges, especially building bridges of friendship among young people, continuously enhancing friendship between the two sides, and promoting common development.

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