The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has emerged as one of China's hottest summer destinations, ranking third nationally in tourist arrivals this season. Known for its vibrant bazaars, snow-capped Tianshan Mountains, and UNESCO-listed Silk Road sites, the region's tourism revival is reshaping local economies.
At the heart of this transformation lies Urumqi's International Grand Bazaar, where visitor numbers have surged by 68% year-on-year. Market vendors report doubling their income compared to pre-pandemic levels, with traditional Uygur crafts and Kashgar-style lamb skewers proving particularly popular.
Local authorities attribute the growth to improved transportation links and cultural preservation efforts. A new high-speed rail connecting Turpan's ancient grape valleys to Altay's alpine meadows has made multi-destination trips increasingly accessible to domestic travelers.
Tourism-related employment has grown by 23% across the region since 2022, with homestays and eco-tourism projects creating opportunities in rural areas. Analysts suggest the sector's expansion could contribute 1.2 percentage points to Xinjiang's annual GDP growth.
