The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region marked its 70th anniversary this week with celebrations attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first head of state to personally take part in such an event in the region’s history.
Xi, joined by other senior leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC), traveled to western China to commemorate the moment when Xinjiang transitioned from a provincial status in 1955 to become the country’s second autonomous region, following Inner Mongolia.
After reviewing reports from local government and party officials, Xi urged efforts to “build a modern socialist Xinjiang characterized by unity, harmony, prosperity, wealth, cultural progress, and a sound ecological environment, where people live and work in peace and contentment.” He emphasized that over the past 70 years, Xinjiang has undergone “profound changes,” leading all ethnic groups to safeguard national unity, ethnic solidarity, and social stability while advancing economic and social development.
Wang Huning, chair of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, delivered the keynote speech, stressing that Xinjiang’s “brilliant achievements” were made possible under the CPC Central Committee’s strong leadership.
China’s autonomous regions
China currently has five autonomous regions: Tibet (Xizang), Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Xinjiang, and Guangxi. Regional autonomy, enshrined in the Constitution, serves as a governance model in areas with large ethnic minority populations. These regions operate at the same administrative level as provinces, but with greater cultural and legislative flexibility. Beyond them, there are also 30 autonomous prefectures and over 120 autonomous counties across the country.
The concept was shaped in the 1950s, with then-Prime Minister Zhou Enlai playing a central role. Zhou promoted the integration of minority cadres into the CPC and called for cultural and linguistic protections. In his 1957 speech “Some Questions on Our Country’s Ethnic Policy,” he insisted that ethnic languages must be respected and supported, with dominant local languages serving as the main written medium in autonomous areas.
Economic growth and poverty reduction
A new government report highlighted Xinjiang’s progress since 2012, when China entered what it calls the “New Era of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics.” The white paper CPC Guidelines for Governing Xinjiang in the New Era: Practices and Achievements noted that more than 3 million people were lifted out of rural poverty, achieving a “complete victory” against poverty by 2020.
Between 2012 and 2024, Xinjiang’s GDP grew from 750 billion yuan to over 2 trillion yuan (about US$280 billion). Employment rose 11.6% in the same period, reaching 13.9 million in 2024. Urban employment alone accounted for 8.18 million jobs, or nearly 59% of the total.
Xinjiang has also emerged as a key hub in the Belt and Road Initiative, with China-Europe freight trains through the region surpassing 16,400 trips in 2024.
Ethnic diversity
Bordering eight countries, such as Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, India, Mongolia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan, Xinjiang is one of China’s most ethnically diverse regions. While Uyghurs make up the largest group, the region is also home to Kazakhs, Mongols, Hui, and Han Chinese. Of China’s 56 recognized ethnic groups, around 50 are represented in Xinjiang.
BdF visited Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, established in 1952, where Mongols now make up just 5% of the population but retain cultural and administrative autonomy. Local leader Ayigul Jumatai described her village as a “big family” of Uyghurs, Mongols, Han, and Kazakhs living together. The Mongol presence dates back to the 18th century, when Chahar groups settled in the area to help secure China’s western frontier.
Local officials often describe ethnic coexistence with the metaphor of “pomegranate seeds,” many distinct yet united. “Our communities have long lived in harmony, respecting each other’s differences while finding common ground,” said Huang Xueli of Bortala’s Culture and Tourism Department.
Culture and tourism
Cultural development has also expanded. Xinjiang now has 195 institutions for cultural heritage protection and 150 registered museums. Tourism has surged, with visitor numbers growing from 48.6 million in 2012 to over 302 million in 2024.
“Come visit Xinjiang!” said Repkat Abduwali, a tour guide from Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, in an interview with BdF. “Try our local food, see the beauty of our land, and experience the diversity of our people.”
