Ethnic unity powering social progress, prosperity(2)

Direct beneficiaries

In Xinjiang, people have tasted the fruit of ethnic unity and become its direct beneficiaries. They are determined to be more united in the future, which is also crucial for China's development, said Cai Lei from the Xibe ethnic group.

Cai owns a guesthouse on the outskirts of Urumqi, which is a popular wedding venue. "We have hosted weddings for couples from the Kazak, Hui and Uygur ethnic groups, which follow different customs and traditions," he said.

Cai's employees are also from different ethnic backgrounds.

"I hope they can share their unique customs and traditions with the guests and turn the guesthouse into a place to showcase the diverse cultures in Xinjiang. Meanwhile, we are also one big family."

The social stability brought by enhanced ethnic unity in recent years has made people feel greatly encouraged and confident about Xinjiang's future, Cai said. That's why many Xinjiang people who went to other parts of China for work or business have come back after seeing the great potential of their home, he added.

"It's clear that ethnic solidarity has become a critical guarantee for Xinjiang's social progress and prosperity," he said. 

Building together

Xinjiang is now in the best period of development in its history, featuring unprecedented economic and social progress, marked improvements in people's well-being and a stronger sense of gain, happiness and security among residents, according to a white paper issued on Friday.

Titled "Communist Party of China Guidelines for Governing Xinjiang in the New Era: Practice and Achievements", the white paper was unveiled at a news conference held by the State Council Information Office in Beijing.

"People have all benefited from such development even in remote areas of the region," said Cai.

As an example, he pointed from the guesthouse balcony to a nearby highway under construction that runs through the mountains. The highway is part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, which is set to slash travel time to just three hours by crossing the Tianshan Mountains. It will feature the world's longest expressway tunnel.

"After becoming operational, the mountains will no longer divide northern and southern Xinjiang. It will further improve the lives of so many people," Cai said.

He added that more than ever, Xinjiang people have reached the consensus that they are members of the Chinese nation. That's why many children will say they belong to the Chinese nation first when asked about their ethnicity, he said. "We often see tourists posting such videos on social media. And you can tell that the children feel proud of that from the bottom of their hearts," Cai said.

Ouyincaolimeng, from the Mongolian ethnic group, said all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are united in support of diversity.

An increasing number of people have shown interest in preserving the cultures and traditions of different ethnic groups, which have been supported by governments at all levels. Many young people do an outstanding job of promoting ethnic cultures via social media, said Ouyincaolimeng, an intangible cultural heritage representative inheritor of Mongolian traditional costumes.

"We are proud of being both a member of the Chinese nation and our ethnic group. Take me as an example, I am proud to be Chinese first. And when I travel outside the region, I am proud to say that I am from Xinjiang," said Ouyincaolimeng, who goes by one name.

"When asked about my ethnicity, I will proudly tell them about the rich history of the people from the Mongolian ethnic group in the region," said the owner of a traditional Mongolian costumes showroom at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar — one of the most popular spots for tourists in Urumqi.

Li from the Guyuanxiang community, which is next to the Grand Bazaar, said all the residents want to see more people visit Xinjiang, especially tourists from overseas.

"We know that there are many rumors spread about Xinjiang, but they can all be easily cleared up by a visit to the region. More importantly, they (the visitors) can see how people from different ethnic groups live harmoniously together; and our life and the region's future will only get better," Li said.