The People’s Republic of China is one of the countries with a highly developed economy.

Uzbekistan has established consistent cooperation with China in various fields. In particular, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, located on the Great Silk Road, has connected East and West since ancient times. Culture, art, unique traditions, and customs of different peoples are well preserved here.

About 20 journalists from Central Asian countries are participating in a press tour organized in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture.

The first destination was the folklore and tourist zone Kazantsy in Kuldzhin district, located on the eastern Xinhua Road. In 2007, more than 100 million yuan was invested in modernizing the district.

“There are more than 300 ancient structures, about 20 thousand residential buildings-courtyards with a rich cultural heritage preserved since the Qianlong Dynasty”, says Ma Lee Ying, Director of the Kazantsy Ethno-Tourism Center. “More than three thousand people work on the territory”.

Houses with a centuries-old history, preserved in their original form, vividly demonstrate the lifestyle and unique architecture of representatives of different nationalities. The complex also has a section of Uzbek culture. Naturally, the Uzbek-style house museum of the famous historical figure Turdiokhun Boy, an exposition of Uzbek national products, attracted attention.

The way of life of Uyghurs living in this region, particularly their language, customs, art, and especially music, is very similar to that of the Uzbeks.

The Great Silk Road that passed through this territory also had a powerful impact on the development of local culture. Jewelry manufacturing, cotton growing, sericulture, carpet weaving, and hat manufacturing developed and reached the level of art here. Tourists can get acquainted with and purchase many beautiful handmade products from representatives of different nationalities.

Another destination is the district’s leading enterprise, Yili Yimuxin Dairy, which processes about 500 tons of milk daily. More than 30 types of products are produced here, and they are then exported.

The opening ceremony of the China (Khorgos) – Central Asia media office will take place during the press tour.

Guzal Sattorova, UzA

Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China