by Zhao Xiaopeng

At the turn from late summer to early autumn, it is the most beautiful season in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The sky is clear and blue; the grasslands are lush and stretch as far as the eye can see; grapes ripen and made into fine wines. During this vibrant season, a group of Pakistani guests from media and think tanks arrived in Xinjiang to enjoy the gifts of nature here and to experience the local customs and culture.

Preservation of traditional folk arts 

On the first day, the Pakistani delegation had a special visit to the Xinjiang Muqam Art Theatre, a venue dedicated to showcasing the Uygur Muqam, a comprehensive performing art that integrates singing, dancing, and musical instrument performances. At the theatre, they enjoyed a spectacular Muqam performance.

Uygur Muqam performers. [Photo/Zhao Xiaopeng]

“The traditional music in Urumqi is distinctly Eastern. While listening, you might not even realize whether you’re in Urumqi, Istanbul, Tehran, Kabul, Peshawar, or Lahore. This music is a thread that connects the cultures of the entire region. There’s no stronger bond than culture, and music and dance are core elements of this connection,” noted Murtaza Solangi, former Minister of Information and Broadcasting of Pakistan.

“For centuries, Xinjiang has been a crucial part of the Silk Road, linking Pakistan to China. Cultural similarities abound between the two regions. I hope more Pakistanis will come here to experience these shared cultural ties firsthand,” Mr. Imran, a Pakistani columnist, added. 

Today, Xinjiang remains a region inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, where the Uygur, Han, Kazak, Hui, and many other ethnicities coexist in harmony. In the Kazanqi folk tourism area, a popular scenic spot in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, the Pakistani delegates experienced the traditional lifestyle of the Uygur people. 

The streets and lanes here retain the appearance and layout from a century ago. Strolling along the old streets of Kazanqi, the clip-clop of hooves and the pleasant jingling of horse bells can be heard continuously. These are the unique horse-drawn carriages of Kazanqi. The Pakistani delegates rode in these carriages, passing by rows of courtyard houses painted in Moroccan-style blue, before finally stopping in front of one such residence. 

Pakistani guests dance with Uygur performers at the Kazanqi folk tourism area in Yining, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.[Photo/Zhao Xiaopeng]

The host was already standing at the entrance, warmly welcoming the Pakistani guests who had traveled from afar, inviting them to taste the prepared naan bread, Xinjiang milk tea, raisins, pastries, and more.

Sitting under a vine with bunches of grapes hanging from it, Mr Imran said, “This is my first visit to Xinjiang, and honestly, I did not expect it to be as developed as the rest part of China. However, after several tours, I found it to be on par with other provinces and exceptional in the blend of modernization and cultural preservation. The efforts to safeguard the cultural heritage of this region, alongside its economic progress, are truly commendable”.

Protection of ethnic minority languages

If it is not surprising that the Uygurs, the majority ethnic group in Xinjiang, have managed to preserve and promote their culture and art, then the cultural preservation of the Xibe people, who make up only a minuscule fraction in China, is nothing short of astonishing.

In Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, approximately 700 kilometers from Urumqi, a newspaper, the world’s only newspaper published in the Xibe language is being printed. It’s named Qapqal News, a source of pride for the Xibe people. The newspaper has four editions and 100 issues throughout the year, with an annual circulation of around 240,000 copies. 

Ms.Wu Xinhong, editor of the third literary section of Qapqal News, briefed the Pakistani delegation on the history of the newspaper. [Photo/Zhao Xiaopeng]

At this stage in human history, we are facing a massive extinction of languages. Currently, the Xibe ethnic group in China has about 190,000 people, accounting for approximately one ten-thousandth of the total population of China. Nevertheless, the Xibe language will not fade away, unlike the plight faced by many other languages around the world.

Regarding this, Tan Dongchu, an official responsible for cultural exchanges of Qapqal county, stated that the language preservation is attributable to the state's supportive policies for Xinjiang, along with the Xibe people's initiative and drive to develop their language, which they take great pride in. 

Guo Xingang, president of Qapqal News, added that there is a growing number of young staff working at the newspaper, and the Yili Normal University has established a Xibe language major, ensuring there will be no shortage of successors.

After learning about the 78-year history of the newspaper and visiting the printing equipment once used by the newspaper, Maarij Farooq, deputy editor of Daily Ittehad, remarked, “The way they have preserved their culture and language here is truly remarkable. If this is not considered the protection of ethnic minority groups, I don't know what is”.

Provision of equal development opportunities

Xinjiang's efforts in cultural preservation extend to even the smallest administrative units, such as the countryside. In the village of Wuzongbulake in Qapqal Town, one can observe intricate murals adorning the exteriors of residents' homes, lush grapevines spilling over courtyard walls, groups of elderly gentlemen engrossed in poker, and occasionally, a pack of children carrying basketballs curiously eyeing their Pakistani visitors. 

This joyous, warm, and harmonious scene might make one think they are in a historic old neighborhood, but in fact, this village was only established in 2013, just 10 years ago.

In a village in Qapqal Town, Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, elderly men are playing poker. [Photo/Zhao Xiaopeng]

Yang Yang, Party Secretary of Wuzongbulake Village told the reporter that, residents in the village, mainly Kazaks, were relocated from six other villages in Qapqal Town, where they were prone to geologic hazards, poor transportation, and limited economic opportunities. Since the relocation began in 2013, the government has invested RMB 130 million in livelihood programs, so that the village can enjoy a pleasant environment, convenient transportation, and infrastructures. 

The villagers fully embrace the unique charm of Kazak culture, crafting a village that embodies Kazak folk traditions, which has led to a thriving tourism industry. Activities such as naan-making, embroidery, and roasting whole lambs are prevalent. If you possess any of these skills, you can earn a good living right in your hometown.

“Coming back to China after a decade, I feel the changes here are almost transformative. After interactions with ordinary Chinese people, I've found that regardless of their occupation, they are more confident and more satisfied with their lives. Especially in Xinjiang, the people here have a sense of ease and joy. Anyone who is misled by disinformation should set foot on this land and see with their own eyes,” concluded Qamar Bashir, Former Press Secretary to the President of Pakistan.