In the heart of Yinchuan, the capital of northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, lies the Changcheng Garden community—a vibrant mosaic of cultures and ethnicities. Home to over 18,000 residents across 19 residential areas, this community stands as a testament to China’s commitment to fostering ethnic unity. With 38 percent of its residents hailing from ethnic minority groups, including Hui, Manchu, Mongolian, and Tibetan, Changcheng Garden embodies the harmonious coexistence of diverse traditions.
During traditional Chinese festivals like the Spring Festival, and ethnic minority celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr, the community comes alive with shared joy and cultural exchange. Residents of all ethnic backgrounds gather to celebrate together, weaving a rich tapestry of unity and mutual respect. This spirit of inclusion has made Changcheng Garden a shining example of interaction and integration among different ethnic groups.
In June, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Changcheng Garden, expressing his delight at the harmonious living conditions he witnessed. “Ethnic unity is very important,” President Xi emphasized. “The 56 ethnic groups unite together to forge the community for the Chinese nation. The Chinese nation is a big family.” His words resonated with the community’s ethos, reinforcing the significance of solidarity in China’s national narrative.
The dedication to ethnic unity extends beyond Changcheng Garden. Speaking at a meeting in Beijing, where 352 groups and 368 individuals were honored as role models for ethnic unity and progress, President Xi called for the consolidation and development of national unity. He highlighted the importance of advancing the building of the community for the Chinese nation, urging continued efforts to strengthen bonds among all ethnic groups.
Historic Progress in Ethnic Minority Regions
Improving the lives of people from all ethnic groups has been a focal point of President Xi’s leadership. His numerous visits to ethnic minority areas—including the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region—reflect a hands-on approach to understanding and addressing the unique challenges these regions face. Engaging in face-to-face conversations, he listens to local communities, discussing strategies for development and prosperity.
Significant strides have been made in alleviating poverty in ethnic minority areas. A total of 420 impoverished counties in ethnic autonomous regions have been lifted out of poverty. Remarkably, extreme poverty has been eradicated among all 28 minority ethnic groups with small populations. Between 2016 and 2020, the impoverished population in the five autonomous regions—Inner Mongolia, Guangxi, Xizang (Tibet), Ningxia, and Xinjiang—and the three provinces with large multi-ethnic populations—Guizhou, Yunnan, and Qinghai—decreased by 15.6 million.
Cultural exchanges and interactions among ethnic groups have also flourished. Events like the National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of China and the Ethnic Minority Art Festival of China provide platforms for showcasing diverse cultural heritage and fostering mutual understanding. These gatherings not only celebrate the unique traditions of each group but also promote a shared sense of national identity.
At the recent meeting in Beijing, President Xi acknowledged the unprecedented progress made in ethnic relations. He praised the efforts in developing relations of equality, solidarity, mutual assistance, and harmony among ethnic groups. The economic and social development of ethnic areas, along with the improved livelihoods of ethnic minority populations, signify a new era of unity and collective advancement.
Reference(s):
How China advances building the community for the Chinese nation
cgtn.com
