Journalists visit the Bozklik Buddha Grottoes in Shanshan County, Turpan.

Foreign journalists enjoy insightful visit to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China 

Journalists from 40 countries expressed enthusiasm and were impressed by the warm hospitality, amazing experiences, and strong relationships formed during their visit to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in China as part of the “China Up Close” field trip.
CCTV+ organised the media event under its “China Up Close” initiative, hosting a special field trip to Xinjiang from June 13-22.
Xinjiang, an autonomous territory in northwest China, is a vast region of deserts and mountains. It’s home to many ethnic minority groups, including the Turkic Uyghur people. The ancient Silk Road trade route linking China and the Middle East passed through Xinjiang, a legacy that can be seen in the traditional open-air bazaars.

Journalists watch on as coffee is brewed at the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi.	Artefacts on display at a museum in Turpan.

The visiting journalists came from mainstream media outlets across the Global South.
The trip offered them a chance to experience the region’s rich customs, history, and culture, and to witness firsthand the remarkable economic development resulting from Xinjiang’s reform and opening up.
As a key hub on the ancient Silk Road, Xinjiang boasts a long cultural heritage, warm and welcoming people, and stunning natural landscapes.
The journalists were warmly welcomed by authorities and residents in the cities of Urumqi, Turpan, Shanshan County (Turpan), Hami, and Yiwu County (Hami).
They visited Ximen Village, museums, the Karez Irrigation System, the Yarhu Grottoes, Jiaohe Grape Valley, Bezeklik Buddha Grottoes, Flaming Mountain Town, Muqam Center in Lukchin Town, the Kumtag Desert, Loulan Winery, the Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre of Hami, Alton Ancient Street, Kataly Village in Huayuan Town, a melon and fruit industry exhibition, and other initiatives related to high-quality development.
They also explored the National Renewable Energy Information Management Centre, Naomaohu Town, and a sodium-based tower-type concentrated solar power generation project.
One of the main attractions was the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, especially its night market, which featured traditional dancing, musical performances, ethnic products, and local crafts.

Journalists visit a solar power plant in Hami.

Impressions of the visiting journalists
Mr Min Zin, a news producer from Myanmar, said: “This region has many historical sites. This was my first visit to Xinjiang and it has been an amazing experience. Xinjiang has great tourism potential. I was particularly impressed by the horse racing demonstrations and the music, dances, songs, and traditional instruments. The food was delicious, and some of the towns still feel untouched.”
Ms Helen Degefa, from the Capital newspaper, the oldest private English newspaper in Ethiopia, shared: “The visit to Xinjiang was incredibly interesting. I learnt about China’s rich culture and I believe Xinjiang has great potential as a tourism destination. The ancient cities, deserts, and grottoes were highlights for me. I hope to return with my family and friends in the near future.”
Ms Regina Ernesto, a representative from STV Mozambique, said:
“I was honoured to visit Xinjiang. It was a unique and memorable experience. I especially loved learning about the history and culture. At Grape Valley, I was amazed at how China has combined tradition with technology. The dancers, music, and flavours made it a spectacular experience. I now understand more about Chinese culture and history, and I hope to return to this historically rich region.”
Ms Theodora Abla Amedetor-Yakanu, from the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, said: “The Xinjiang media event is a great platform for China to showcase its strengths. Personally, I’ve learned a lot. One thing I deeply appreciate is China’s dedication to preserving its heritage. It’s important for future generations to understand and value the contributions of their ancestors. Xinjiang is a vast, beautiful region with diverse landscapes. Their efforts to preserve both tangible and intangible heritage are commendable.”
“Their innovative energy sector is impressive and could inspire partnerships with other countries. I felt genuinely welcomed by the people and enjoyed the local cuisine. Overall, it was a great event that helped me better understand and appreciate the region.”
The journalists were invited by the CCTV Video News Agency (CCTV+), which plans to organise similar visits in the future following the success of this field trip to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Visiting journalists and local dancers share in a dance in Turpan.

Journalists view horse riding in Urumqi.

By Sangkhomsay Phoubphanouvong
 (Latest Update June 30, 2025)