Smiles and Vitality: Indonesian Islamic delegation tours Xinjiang

Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Shen Zuxiao) news: An Indonesian Islamic delegation visited China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from May 11 to 15, 2026, touring Urumqi, Kashi Prefecture and the Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture. During their five-day trip, the delegation visited mosques, bazaars and scenic spots, engaging with locals along the way and witnessing firsthand the region's social stability, economic development, ethnic unity and religious harmony.

Photo taken on May 12, 2026 shows the delegation visits a themed exhibition marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Wang Xin)

The first stop was the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, where bustling crowds and a dazzling array of goods showcased the thriving tourism industry. From dried fruit stalls to handicraft shops, from traditional musical instruments to Atlas silk, delegation members frequently stopped to inquire about products, deeply impressed by the prosperous market and the contentment of people of all ethnic groups.

At the Xinjiang Wild Horse Ancient Ecology Park, the delegation learned about the long history of the ancient Silk Road and the unique charm of Xinjiang's horse culture, guided by park staff.

Inside the themed exhibition celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, photos, data and physical models systematically showcased the tremendous achievements Xinjiang has made over seven decades in the economy, people's livelihoods and education. Delegation members listened attentively to the commentary, frequently taking out their phones to record what they saw.

Siti Khadijah, chair of the Pancabudi Development University Foundation of North Sumatra in Indonesia, said that from past poverty and backwardness to today's skyline of high-rise buildings, convenient transportation and people living and working in peace and contentment, it is a remarkable leap, the development experience of China's Xinjiang is worth learning from for many countries.

At the Xinjiang Islamic Institute, the delegation toured teaching buildings, a library and other facilities, and received briefings from institute officials on curriculum design, faculty strength and student development. They gained a firsthand understanding of the efforts Xinjiang has made to respect and protect freedom of religious belief, and fully commended the various measures the region has taken to improve conditions at religious venues and ensure the normal needs of religious believers are met.

The delegation then held a symposium with officials from the Xinjiang Islamic Association, the Xinjiang Islamic Institute and religious figures. The two sides exchanged views on policies for freedom of religious belief, protection of the lawful rights and interests of the religious community, and deradicalization efforts in accordance with the law.

Hasan Matsum, chair of the Medan branch of the Majelis Ulama Indonesia, said that freedom of religious belief in China's Xinjiang is fully guaranteed, and they saw the real living conditions of Muslim people and the positive role religious figures play in social development.

At the Xinjiang Museum, precious cultural relics dating from the pre-Qin period to the Qing Dynasty were quietly displayed, silently narrating the stories that unfolded in Xinjiang throughout the long river of history. Delegation members listened attentively to the commentary, asked about the historical context behind the relics, and appreciated the profound historical and cultural heritage of Xinjiang.

The vice president of Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatra in Indonesia said that through these relics, they had gained a deeper understanding of the historical trajectory of China's Xinjiang and a more intuitive appreciation of the current state of harmonious coexistence among all ethnic groups.

"One has not truly been to Xinjiang without visiting Kashi." Walking through the ancient city of Kashi, the delegation found exquisite handicrafts, bustling crowds and steaming hot food. Amid the rich atmosphere of everyday life, the happy lives of people of all ethnic groups were on full display.

Photo taken on May 14, 2026 shows the delegation visits the Memorial Hall for the Conservation and Comprehensive Management of Kashi's Old City in Kashi Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Parhat Ahmat)

At the Memorial Hall for the Conservation and Comprehensive Management of Kashi's Old City, a combination of graphic and textual historical materials and life-size displays — including a large number of precious historical photos, physical exhibits, scene restoration models and multimedia interactive installations — gave the delegation an in-depth understanding of the historical appearance of the ancient city, its preservation and renovation projects, and the course of urban development.

Dendi Adi Saputra, director of student affairs at Andalas University in West Sumatra, said that the Chinese government has achieved a perfect balance between ancient city preservation and urban development, preserving historical roots while allowing ancient culture to thrive in modern society.

In recent years, governments at all levels in Xinjiang have supported improvements to mosque infrastructure to provide convenience for religious believers. After visiting the Id Kah Mosque, the delegation spoke highly of the measures Xinjiang has taken to train religious personnel, improve conditions at religious venues and ensure the normal needs of religious believers are met.

The delegation also visited the Fragrant Concubine Garden Scenic Area. Now a national 4A-level tourist destination integrating cultural exhibition, sightseeing and folk experience, the garden left a deep impression. Indra Wahidin, president of the Perhimpunan Tionghoa Indonesia (The Chinese Indonesian Association), who has visited Xinjiang five times, said with emotion there was only the Tomb of the Fragrant Concubine years ago, and now it is beautifully restored and bustling with visitors — a perfect blend of traditional culture and modern tourism, the changes are truly remarkable.

At the Kashi Cross-border E-commerce Import and Export Commodity Exhibition and Trading Center, where a wide variety of goods from various countries were on display and a vibrant commercial atmosphere prevailed, the delegation learned in detail about Kashi's process of opening-up and the achievements in its import and export trade, sensing the city's international flavor with eyes full of admiration.

At the Baisha Lake Scenic Area and the Karakul Lake Scenic Area in Akto County, the azure waters set off the majestic snow-capped mountains. Crowds of visitors filled the scenic spots. Delegation members were amazed by Xinjiang's unique cultural and tourism resources and praised the booming momentum of the region's tourism industry.

Photo taken on May 14, 2026 shows the delegation pose for a group photo at the Baisha Lake Scenic Area in Akto County, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Jia Zhipeng)

Though the five-day visit was brief, it gave the delegation a whole new understanding of China's Xinjiang. Before departing, members said the people here wore happy smiles on their faces and the bustling streets were full of the warmth of everyday life. They vowed to bring the true stories of Xinjiang back to Indonesia and expressed their hope to visit this captivating land again in the future.

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