Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has welcomed a seasonal tourism surge with enhanced services and experiences for visitors.
The autonomous region's Kalajun Grassland in Ili River Valley boasts breathtaking beauty. More than 10,000 travelers come here every day. In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, they can also participate in recreational activities such as rock climbing and zip-lining.
"The experience is truly wonderful. It's already very beautiful when seen from the ground, but watching the Kalajun Grassland from the air presents a completely different color," said Shu Chao, a visitor. To welcome the summer tourism peak, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture has created several low-altitude tourism routes, connecting the Nalati Grassland, Kuerdening scenic area, Kalajun Grassland and Zhaosu Grassland together.
Since Xinjiang's Duku Highway resumed operation on June 1, the average daily number of vehicles passing through has exceeded 35,000. The Duku Highway, which allows visitors to enjoy all four seasons in one day and connects the different landforms and landscapes of the northern and southern Xinjiang, has further fueled the ongoing tourism boom.
To facilitate self-driving tourists, the local authorities have also added rest stops and parking points along the route.
This year, Xinjiang has been focusing on developing new tourism products and business forms such as RV tours, low-altitude tours and hiking adventures to help extend the consumption chain. From January to May this year, Xinjiang received over 90.34 million domestic and foreign tourists.
Xinjiang welcomes travel surge with enhanced tourist services
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
