ABOUT XINJIANG

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang - Chinese : 新疆) is located in northwestern China. The largest province-level administrative region of China, Xinjiang is a sparsely populated area that accounts for more than 1/6 of China's total territory and a quarter of its boundary length. Xinjiang covers an area of 1.66 million square kilometers, about 4 times the size of the State of California. Located in the hinterland of Eurasian continent, Xinjiang borders eight countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirghiziastan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, India and Afghanistan. Visit Xinjiang government website: http://www.xinjiang.gov.cn/

GEOGRAPHY

Xinjiang is divided into two basins by Mount Tianshan. Dzungarian Basin is in the north, and Tarim Basin is in the south. Xinjiang's lowest point is 155 meters below sea level (lowest point in the PRC as well). Its highest peak is 8611 meters above sea level on the border with Kashmir. Xinjiang is also the largest agricultural area in China.

ECONOMY

Xinjiang is known for its fruits and produce, including grapes and melons. Cotton, wheat, silk, walnuts, and sheep are produced. Xinjiang also has large deposits of minerals and oil.

Xinjiang's nominal GDP was approximately 187 billion RMB (about 24 billion USD) in 2003, and increased to 220 billion RMB in 2004, due to the China Western Development policy introduced by the State Council. Its per capita GDP for 2003 was 9,710 RMB (1210 USD). Oil and gas extraction industry in Aksu and Karamay is booming, with the pipeline project connecting to Shanghai, China's largest city located on the east coast.

Xinjiang's exports amounted to 3.047 billion USD, while import turned out to be 2.589 billion USD in 2004. Most of the overall import/export volume in Xinjiang was directed to and from Kazakhstan through Ala Pass. China's first border free trade zone (Horgos Free Trade Zone) was located at the Xinjiang-Kazakhstan border city of Horgos. Horgos is the largest land port in China's western region and it has easy access to the Central Asian market.

TOURISM

Xinjiang boasts rich and diverse tourist resources. Landscapes here are both unique and beautiful. Snow-capped mountains stand in very hot land, and deserts neighbor on oases. Over 1000 kinds of wild animals and plants live in Xinjiang, including many types of unique grass, trees and animals. 23 natural reserves have been established, of which 4 are national parks. Some famous scenic spots maybe have already been known to you, such as Tianchi Lake , Kanas Lake, Bosteng Lake and Bayanbulak Grassland. In Xinjiang there are many historical sites. Of them, well known both at home and abroad are Jiaohe Ancient City, Gaochang Ancient City, Loulan Ancient City, Kizil Thousand-Buddha Cave and Apak Hoja Tomb (commonly known as Xiangfei Tomb). Xinjiang is well known as the home of songs and dance, where folk custom is unique.