Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of the People’s Republic of China is one of the country’s most vibrant and distinctive regions, boasting exceptionally rich resources for the development of both domestic and international tourism.

A unique combination of natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure makes it a key tourist hub in western China.

Natural diversity and unique landscapes

XUAR encompasses the mountain ranges of the Tianshan and Altai, the sandy expanses of the Taklamakan Desert, the high-altitude lakes of Kanas and Sayram, as well as the picturesque valleys of the Ili and Tarim rivers. The region is home to more than 80 nature reserves and parks, which preserve unique ecosystems and rare species of flora and fauna.

Cultural heritage and ethnic diversity

The region is home to over 13 ethnic groups, including Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Han Chinese, Tatars, and others. This rich diversity is reflected in the architecture of the ancient cities of Kashgar and Hotan, in national handicrafts, folklore, traditional music, and cuisine. XUAR occupies a special place along the historic Silk Road, preserving monuments, caravanserais, and trading quarters that are over a thousand years old.

Modern tourism infrastructure

In recent years, the region has actively invested in the development of transportation and hospitality facilities. Modern airports have been built in Ürümqi, Kashgar, and Altay, and the network of high-speed railways has expanded. Tourism clusters are being developed, featuring international hotel brands, cultural and entertainment centers, and eco-tourism zones.

Growth in tourist arrivals

According to the regional Department of Culture and Tourism, more than 265 million tourists visited XUAR in 2024, a 15% increase compared to the previous year. Tourism revenues exceeded 250 billion yuan (over 35 billion US dollars), underscoring the region’s growing appeal to travelers from around the world.

Popular tourist routes

Among the most sought-after destinations are tours to ancient Kashgar, trips to the high-mountain resort of Kanas, jeep tours across the Taklamakan Desert, leisure activities at Sayram Lake, and ethnographic programs that include visits to traditional settlements and tastings of local cuisine.

International cooperation

Thanks to its strategic location and border crossings with eight countries, XUAR is actively developing cross-border tourism, participating in joint cultural festivals and fairs, and promoting the “Silk Road Tourism” brand at international exhibitions.

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is steadily reinforcing its status as the tourism jewel of western China, offering visitors a unique combination of ancient history, natural wealth, and modern comfort.