Located in northwestern China, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region, called Xin for short, is the largest in all the province-level administrative regions of China. Occupying one-sixth of Chinese territory and bordering eight countries, namely Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirghiziastan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, India and Afghanistan, the beautiful city is dotted with a lot of historical landmarks. PHILIP OJISUA, who visited the Xinjiang recently, captured the beauty and ambience of the city and its people.RECENTLY, the China Radio International invited select Photo Journalists from 10 countries across the world to undertake a tour of Xinjiang. They were drawn from such countries as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Iran, Kenya, Indonesia, Malawi and Pakistan, including Nigeria. The tour, titled, 'Xinjiang Through My Lens,' was to introduce Xinjiang to the wider audience of readers from the select countries.China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous region has profound historical tie with many other countries in Asia and Africa in the areas of religion, ethnic, culture and old tradition.Xinjiang, called Xin for short, is located in northwestern China and is the largest in area in all the province-level administrative regions of the country. In history, Xinjiang served as the key controlling section of the well-known Silk Road, while now it is an unavoidable part of the railway leading to the second Eurasia Continental Bridge.In ancient times, Xinjiang used to be called Western Region. And it has been an inalienable part of China since then. In 60 B.C., the city officially became a part of China's territory. It was in that year the central government of the Western Han Dynasty founded the Western Region Frontier Command. In 1884, the government of the Qing Dynasty established Xinjiang Province. In 1949, Xinjiang was liberated through peaceful means. October 1, 1955 saw the establishment of the Xinjiang Uygur as an autonomous region.Presently, there are 14 prefectures (including prefectures, autonomous prefectures and prefecture-level cities) and 88 counties (including cities and cities at county level) under the government of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This is in addition to 33 counties (county-level cities) in border areas. The Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) is an important component part of Xinjiang and has 174 aregimental agricultural and stockbreeding farms under it. By the end of 2004, the population of Xinjiang had reached 19.6311 million.Xinjiang boasts rich and diverse tourist resources. Its landscapes are unique and beautiful. You will be attracted by wild landscapes and its peculiar combination of natural sights. There are snow-capped mountains standing in very hot land, while deserts neighbour oases. Over 1000 kinds of wild animals and plants are found in Xinjiang, including many unique grasses and trees. The city's 23 natural reserves are established, with four recognised at the national level. Some of its famous scenic spots include Tianchi Lake, Kanas Lake, Bosteng Lake and Bayanbulak Grassland. The city also boasts of many historical sites, some of which include Xinjiang and Jiaohe Ancient City, Gaochang Ancient City, Loulan Ancient City, Kizil Thousand-Buddha Cave and Apak Hoja Tomb (commonly known as Xiangfei Tomb). Xinjiang is also well known as the home of songs and dance, where folk custom is unique.
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