XINJIANG: Through our eyes

Chinese Culture

Filming at sunset

From the series XINJIANG: Exploring China’s new frontier

For the past three weeks, we’ve been exploring China’s western frontier —the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It’s been labeled many things: mysterious, isolated, underdeveloped, and conflicted. It’s known for terrorism and unrest in many western media. While China’s domestic media gives it an image of fast growing, opening, harmonious, and one of the most beautiful places in the world. In fact, Xinjiang is all these things. We’ve covered a wide range of topics, and met people from different ethnic groups. In the final episode of our special series, our reporter Han Bin wraps up his journey to Xinjiang, and provides his perspectives, through our lenses and interviews.   

A region of magical landscapes, and a land of contrasts and charm… With rarely seen places, and untold stories. China’s northwestern frontier –Xinjiang

Our journey took us across a sixth of China’s land mass. It’s China’s new frontier in many ways: Protecting tradition amid modernization, “Living in the Old City gives my spirit freedom to soar,” said Rustam Abudueni.

XINJIANG: Through our eyes

Xinjiang’s complexity defies any simple answer. Everywhere we go went, we met extraordinary people. They love their traditions.

“Conditions are harsh, but that’s the life of nomads. It just like the 5 fingers cannot be the same,” said Zibidehan Subi.

They seek a better life, each live in their own way and have their own dreams.

XINJIANG: Through our eyes

Everywhere you can feel the rhythm of change. There’s no one picture of Xinjiang.

Its image is largely decided by how you see it and by whom you talk to.

And Xinjiang keeps changing…