Expat Eyes | Xinjiang: Where Landscapes Meet Living Heritage

Recently, Xinjiang has gradually become familiar among Thais due to its breathtaking landscapes and ethereal beauty, which are widely broadcast through Chinese dramas aired in Thailand. The snow-covered mountains, emerald-green lakes, boundless verdant grasslands, and endless deserts stretching beyond the horizon, the natural beauty of Xinjiang—once a vital hub along the ancient Silk Road—have sparked a wave of fascination and inspired many Thais to witness these landscapes firsthand.

When I took my first trip to Xinjiang, China, my expectations were naturally high. Yet, the sheer abundance and pristine beauty of the landscapes did not disappoint me in the slightest; the mountains appeared grander, the skies clearer, and the landscapes more vibrant than I had ever imagined— these realities proved to be a hundred times more magnificent than any photos or information on the internet could ever convey.

However, what truly captured my heart most during this journey was not the scenery itself, but the profound richness of Xinjiang’s artistic and cultural heritage.

Pravethida Anomakiti (Mean) at the Tourism Comprehensive Service Area of Sayram Lake, Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Before traveling, most of the information I found online focused heavily on famous tourist attractions. But the moment my feet touched this land, I discovered that the true soul of Xinjiang lies in its people, vibrant cultures, music, stories, and ways of life that have been carried forward for generations.

Xinjiang is home to many ethnic groups—Han, Uygur, Kazak, Mongolian, and others—each with distinct customs, lifestyles, and artistic traditions, forming a cultural mosaic unlike anywhere else I have visited. What impressed me deeply was not only the diversity itself, but also how people mutually respect each other while proudly and gracefully showcasing their heritage with confidence and warmth.

I remember watching people from different ethnic groups sharing meals together, each proudly introducing their own signature dishes to others. Laughter filled the air as music began to play, followed by circles of dancing where people exchanged traditional movements from their respective cultures. The joy felt genuine, effortless, and deeply human.

Those moments left a lasting impression on me.

There was a certain emotional abundance among the local people—a visible pride in who they are, where they come from, and the traditions they continue to uphold. Their happiness and sincerity overflowed, enveloping visitors like myself in an atmosphere of warmth and belonging. I believe anyone who visits Xinjiang with an open heart would feel the same.

During my visit, I encountered numerous museums, cultural centers, and heritage institutions dedicated to safeguarding local traditions and stories. Places such as the Xinjiang Museum, the Tacheng New Era Civilization Practice Center, and the Emin County Memory Museum stand as reminders that culture is not merely something to admire temporarily, but something to actively protect for future generations.

Traditional practices such as Mongolian Long-tune Folk Songs and Jangar Epic continue to be safeguarded through dedicated cultural heritage centers and educational initiatives. These traditions are more than performances or arts, they are living expressions of memory, identity, and collective experience.

Pravethida Anomakiti (Mean) in Tacheng Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Back in Thailand, interest in Xinjiang continues to grow. On Facebook, a public group called "Travel to Xinjiang", founded in 2024, has already gathered more than 19,000 members who actively exchange travel information. After visiting Xinjiang, my ultimate wish is for my fellow Thai people to appreciate not only the grand scale of Xinjiang’s natural scenery but also the profound, enduring richness of its arts and cultural legacy.

Pravethida Anomakiti (Mean) is from Thailand and currently works as a Social Media & Content Creator for Thai News Agency.

Producer: Xiao Chunfei

Supervisors: Ding Tao and Jie Wenjin

Planners: Jie Wenjin and Cheng Li

Reviewers: Wang Xiabing and Hou Weili

Editors: Gvlzar Mijit and Marziye Nurshat