As fireworks lit Urumqi's sky on September 25, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region celebrated seven decades of transformation, showcasing its evolution from a remote frontier to a vital hub along the Silk Road Economic Belt. General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping joined locals in commemorating achievements spanning infrastructure, cultural preservation, and economic modernization.
From Desert Roads to Global Trade Routes
Xinjiang's highway network has expanded 76-fold since 1949, now spanning 230,000 kilometers of paved roads connecting every village. This infrastructure boom supports a regional GDP that tripled from 2012 to 2024, reaching 2.05 trillion yuan ($287.9 billion). Cross-border trade flourished alongside new rail links, with annual imports/exports growing 173% over 12 years.
Homes, Hospitals, and Hope
Over 11 million residents have moved into government-built homes since 2012, part of Xinjiang's commitment to allocating 70% of annual budgets to民生 (people's livelihood) projects. Healthcare access reached 100% standardization in rural clinics, while life expectancy more than doubled to 77 years. Southern Xinjiang now offers 15 years of free education, contributing to a 99% compulsory education retention rate.
Where Ancient Traditions Meet Modern Tourism
The region's 150 museums and 1,126 cultural centers preserve Uygur heritage while driving economic growth. Cultural tourism attracted 302 million visitors in 2024, with historic sites like the Kizil Thousand-Buddha Caves becoming international attractions. 'Our cultural assets are living history,' noted a local guide during the anniversary celebrations.
