Expat Eyes | Xinjiang — I hope one day I can return to it-TIANSHANNET-天山网

Until April, Xinjiang was a blank page to me. When I was invited to visit northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, I first felt enormous excitement, and right after that a question came to my mind: I knew nothing about it.

I searched on social media for information about it… and nothing had been posted by a Brazilian yet. In a way, that gave me a mission: to be the first Brazilian to post about everything related to Xinjiang, especially because I wanted the first impressions for Brazilians to be positive.

When I arrived in Xinjiang, I already knew that both I and all of Brazil would love it. All ethnic groups here live in harmony and share their cultures with great joy.

Photo shows Larissa Soares in traditional Xinjiang ethnic costume in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

I felt at home even on the other side of the world, and of course the surprises did not end there. Of all the provinces I have visited, Xinjiang is the one with the best people I have ever met. Everyone was always extremely open, helpful, and welcoming.

Even though language was a barrier, it was never an obstacle for new friendships to emerge.

It was so incredible to learn about the customs of various ethnic groups, as well as their traditional music and dances. The best part of all was that everything was done with so much joy, and they always invited me to dance with them. These were moments of great happiness that I will always carry with me.

What can I say about the food? Xinjiang is unique. The union of its ethnic groups created something fabulous: a mixture of spices and ways of preparing different kinds of food that I had never experienced in my life and that are an explosion of flavors. I returned to Brazil already recreating some of them here because I did not want to forget the unique flavors I experienced there.

One of the things that took my breath away was the natural diversity of Xinjiang. In just one hour of travel, we could see snow-covered mountains, flowers blooming in spring, places with desert climates, and even canyons. With temperatures ranging from 27°C to -8°C, it is breathtaking.

There are many beautiful places to visit, such as Sayram Lake, the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, the camel farms, and the local handicrafts, which are beautiful and unique.

Photo shows Larissa Soares at Jianglaicheng, the second-phase pedestrian street of the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Urumqi, the capital city of the region, has a unique charm, combining technology with tradition. It is a place where equine culture stands out.

Xinjiang is unique. It is beautiful, and it deserves to be better recognized by the world. Here in Brazil, the first page about Xinjiang was written through my eyes and through my passion for the region.

I hope one day I can return.

Photo shows Larissa Soares at Baktu Port in Tacheng Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Photo shows Larissa Soares at Sayram Lake in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Larissa Soares is a Brazilian content creator.

Producer: Xing Peiyu

Supervisor: Liu Yang

Reviewers: Cheng Li and Wang Xiabing

Editor: Gulnigar Amat and Munire Osmanjan