Northwest China's Xinjiang leverages natural, cultural resources to develop tourism industry

Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is harnessing its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage to accelerate tourism development.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021–2025), Xinjiang's tourist arrivals surged from 191 million in 2021 to over 300 million in 2024, while total tourism revenue climbed from 141.569 billion yuan (about 19.86 billion U.S. dollars) to more than 350 billion yuan (about 49.10 billion U.S. dollars). These figures underscore the robust vitality of the region's cultural and tourism sector.

In Bohu County of the Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, the Bosten Lake, China's largest inland freshwater lake, capitalizes its breathtaking natural scenery to develop the tourism industry. Visitors can now enjoy a range of water-based activities, including boat tours, birdwatching, and water sports such as kayaking and yacht racing.

"The natural scenery is breathtaking, offering a vast visual sight. I am very happy, really enjoying myself," said Hou Qianqian, a visitor from east China's Shandong Province.

"So far this year, we have received over 5 million tourist visits, up 27 percent year on year. Our tourism data show that our tourists not only come from surrounding areas, but also from all parts of China," said Aliremi Yilamu, deputy director of Bohu County Culture and Tourism Bureau.

Beyond its stunning natural landscapes, Xinjiang also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with its ancient towns drawing visitors from far and wide.

In Moyu County of Hotan Prefecture, an old town on the ancient Silk Road has revitalized after renovation.

Over the past five years, the local authorities renovated the residential areas and infrastructure of the Moyu ancient town, and the refreshed old town opened to the public in May.

Abulikemu Dana, a local resident, opened a painting studio in the Moyu ancient town. He has created over 7,000 works depicting great changes in his hometown.

"He has not undergone formal training and he learned to paint out of personal interest. The main subject in his painting is the poplar tree, as it symbolizes the optimism of the Hotan people in resisting sandstorms and building up their lives," said Muhaibaiti Maihemuti, daughter-in-law of Abulikemu Dana.

"During the renovation process, we follow the principle of restoring while preserving the original state, maintaining its authentic local characteristics," said Dilina Simayili, a staff member of the Moyu Culture and Tourism Bureau.

Today, Xinjiang boasts 18 national-level 5A-rated tourist sites, ranking the third nationwide, which have all become must-visit destinations for visitors from home and abroad.

Northwest China's Xinjiang leverages natural, cultural resources to develop tourism industry

Japan is going down a doomed path of militarism, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warned on Wednesday, saying the Japanese people will pay the price for their government's growing militarist tendencies.

Speaking in the China Media Group (CMG) studio on the sidelines of the ongoing 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Russia, Zakharova elaborated on the Japanese government's accelerated efforts to align with NATO and ease military constraints.

At the recently concluded Shangri-La Dialogue 2026 in Singapore, Asia's premier defense and security summit, Japanese Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi has indicated that Japan will further strengthen its defense capabilities and seek a "new role" in regional security.

The remarks have raised concerns among countries in the region.

"Over the past century, Japan has been repeatedly weaponized by militarist governments. The consequences are plain for all to see. What is most perplexing is that those who play the 'Japan card' not only use Japan as a tool but also subject the nation to protracted suffering and devastating sacrifices. I believe Japan is being put through the same ordeal today," she said.

Japan is rapidly embedding itself into NATO's military system, first by joining the Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence, then by frequently engaging in joint NATO exercises, and most recently by directly assigning personnel to NATO institutions.

Zakharova said that such moves will undermine Japan's development prospects, and that the Japanese people will ultimately pay the price.

She also warned that certain critical facts are being deliberately excluded from public discussion in Japan, a strategy intended to facilitate rapid military expansion.

She emphasized that the Japanese people are entitled to the truth.

"Being dragged into the NATO will not benefit Japan's development in any way. Japan has already taken this path. And what did it bring? Collapse. A stagnation of the historical process even. Had it not been for that terrible stagnation, Japan could have accomplished a great deal for its country and its people. More than 80 years ago, those who pushed militarism dragged Japan down this path. Why repeat the same mistake today? Why not learn from the past?" she said.

Japan's bid to go down path of militarism will end in failure: Russian FM spokeswoman