Preserving History in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
A newly released white paper highlights significant progress in safeguarding cultural heritage across the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Titled "CPC Guidelines for Governing Xinjiang in the New Era: Practice and Achievements," the document outlines strengthened legal frameworks and institutional efforts to protect historical sites and traditions.
Legal Frameworks Yield Results
By 2024, Xinjiang established 195 cultural heritage protection institutions and 150 museums, while verifying 9,545 immovable cultural relics. Six sites earned UNESCO World Heritage status, with 133 locations designated as nationally protected cultural relics. The region also secured UNESCO recognition for three intangible cultural heritage items, alongside 141 national-level and 567 regional-level listings.
Balancing Modernization and Tradition
"Xinjiang's cultural diversity is a shared human treasure," the white paper states, emphasizing collaboration between authorities and local communities. New digital archiving systems and tourism initiatives aim to make historical artifacts accessible while boosting cultural education.
