Experiencing Xinjiang

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China is a unique place. In Chinese peoples eyes， Xinjiang is characterized by elegant minority ethnic dances， a rich variety of fruits and gorgeous natural scenery. However， in many foreigners minds， the region is known for religious and ethnic disturbances.

The difference of perceptions has resulted from the ways through which people get to know the region. Many Chinese have learned about Xinjiang by visiting the place on their own or sharing the experience of people who have lived or worked there. On the contrary， most foreigners havent been to the region and have learned about it primarily via Western media reports. Unfortunately， many of those reports are biased owing to a lack of understanding or out of political intentions.

Then which perception is a truthful representation of Xinjiang？ Beijing Review dispatches reporters every year to Xinjiang in a bid to render objective reports of the region through face-to-face interviews with local people.

Xinjiang has maintained social stability and robust economic growth in recent years. According to official statistics， Xinjiangs GDP grew 8.8 percent last year， 1.9 percentage points higher than the national level. Local residents per-capita disposable income increased 11.7 percent， 2.8 percentage points higher than the national average.

The local peoples freedom of religious belief has been respected and guaranteed. Multiple religions are practiced in the region， including Islam， Buddhism， Protestantism， Catholicism and Taoism. Currently， there are 24，800 religious sites such as mosques， churches and temples as well as 29，300 clerical personnel in the region. The region also plays host to eight religious academies and 112 religious organizations. Over the past few decades， various ethnic groups culture， history and art have been well preserved and passed down.

The most prominent challenge to Xinjiangs stability is religious extremism. Terrorist activities in the region have subsided as a result of the crackdown by the government； however， they have not been completely eradicated.

Religious extremism should have been intolerable for the international community. However， some Western media outlets have touted extremists in Xinjiang as “fighters for freedom of religious belief and ethnic equality.” They have failed to take an impartial stance on a matter of principle.