The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, established in 1955, has transformed from a remote northwestern territory into an economic powerhouse with its GDP skyrocketing from 1.23 billion yuan to 2.05 trillion yuan (approximately $290 billion) in 2024. This 1,600-fold growth over seven decades underscores China's focused development strategies in infrastructure, energy, and cross-border trade.
Key drivers include agricultural modernization – cotton production now accounts for 90% of China's total – and industrial diversification into petrochemicals and solar manufacturing. The region's highway network expanded from 8,800 km in 1978 to 217,000 km today, while high-speed rail links now connect major cities. Cross-border trade through Xinjiang's 20 land ports reached $45 billion in 2023, cementing its role as a vital hub for China's Belt and Road Initiative.
