As the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region enters 2026, its trajectory of modernization continues to accelerate, driven by sustained economic growth and social stability. Marking the 71st year since its establishment, the region exemplifies how strategic governance and ethnic unity have transformed developmental challenges into opportunities.
Economic Momentum Unmatched
Xinjiang's GDP growth remains a cornerstone of its progress, with 2024 figures surpassing 2 trillion yuan ($280 billion). Preliminary data for the first three quarters of 2025 shows a 5.5% year-on-year increase to 1.56 trillion yuan, building on a decade-long average annual growth rate of 7% since 2012. This economic vitality is bolstered by record-breaking foreign trade, which grew 14.1% year-on-year to 459.2 billion yuan between January-November 2025.
Desert Transformed, Connectivity Achieved
Four cross-Taklimakan Desert highways and the Hotan-Ruoqiang Railway—forming the world's first circular desert rail network—have slashed transit distances by 300-500 km. Parallel ecological efforts saw the completion of a 3,046-km green barrier in 2024, curbing desertification while enabling new trade routes with Belt and Road partners, which accounted for 87.7% of Xinjiang's foreign trade in 2025.
Social Progress in Focus
Healthcare access now reaches every village, with life expectancy rising to 77 years from 30 in 1949. Per capita disposable income grew 6.6% year-on-year to 20,060 yuan in Q1-Q3 2025, while tourism revenue exceeded 302 billion yuan through September. The region maintains its 32-year streak as China's top cotton producer, with 97% mechanization in key processes.
A Vision Realized
As Xinjiang strengthens its modern industrial system, authorities emphasize inclusive development through improved elderly care, education, and public housing. With trade to ASEAN and Latin America surging and 260 million tourist visits recorded in 2025, the region's role as China's northwestern gateway continues to expand—a testament to coordinated national support and the CPC's governance framework.
