By Hou Weili

Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has set a new record as it welcomed 300 million tourist visits this year, a 14 percent increase compared to last year. It is of note that during the first 11 months of 2024, the region received nearly 4.8 million inbound tourists, a surge of 50 percent from the previous year. These visitors from overseas contributed to a whopping of $4 billion to the regional tourist earnings.

Aerial photo taken on May 23, 2024 shows tourists visit Hemu scenic spot in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. As of now in 2024, Hemu scenic spot has received a total of 445,500 tourists, a year-on-year increase of 68.04 percent. (Photo by Ardak Bashan)

Figures speak loudly. Tourism in the region is gaining momentum and emerging as a window for world people to see a real Xinjiang.

In August this year when tourism was made the ninth pillar of the regional economy, Xinjiang set a target of welcoming 350 million tourists by 2026. Given the 300-million figure in 2024, such a target seems a bit prudent. An enchanting tourism destination with majestic natural landscapes and a vibrant tapestry of Chinese ethnic cultures, Xinjiang has just tapped into the surface of its tourism resources. With the current momentum, the sector is on track to boom and play a greater role in shoring up the regional economy. Jobs will be created, and people will have more incomes.

Tourism also opens a window for world people to experience the real Xinjiang. Over recent years, the region has become the target of a ferocious disinformation campaign by anti-China forces in the West.

For those who truly want to learn about Xinjiang and make Xinjiang part of their career or business adventure, a trip will be a journey of knowing. Visit farmland, factories, bazaars, schools, mosques and even ordinary people’s home, and you will reach your own conclusion and get your own judgement.

Those who visited have found that Xinjiang is a totally different place from what is depicted by some biased Western media.

They saw government documents, road signs and neon boards have both Mandarin and Uygur writings, and found that the languages and cultures of Uygur and other ethnic groups are well preserved. In face of this, they know how ridiculous the so-called “genocide” accusation is.

They saw big machines rumbling around cotton fields, and found that agriculture has been highly mechanized in Xinjiang. In face of this, they know how untenable the “forced labor” accusation is.

They also saw religious venues are well furnished with government funding, and found that local Muslims are free to go to mosques and observe their religious traditions or seek spiritual solace there. In face of this, they know how defamatory the “religious oppression” accusation is.

In today’s Xinjiang, people of different ethnic groups are living together happily and harmoniously, and dedicated to creating a vibrant and thriving economy and building their home better and better. Xinjiang has full confidence in opening its door to whomever, friends or critics. The 25 million Xinjiang people will give every visitor a big hug. Just come and check on people’s life in person, listen to their voices and experience a “filter-free” real Xinjiang.