The Gateway of Civilizations
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China’s largest administrative division, lies at the heart of Central Asia’s ancient Silk Road. Known for its breathtaking deserts, snow-capped mountains, and diverse cultures, Xinjiang represents the spirit of unity through diversity, heritage, and progress — linking East and West for thousands of years.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
The name “Xinjiang” (新疆) means “New Frontier.” For centuries, it has been a crossroads of civilizations — Chinese, Persian, Turkic, and Islamic — serving as a bridge between Asia and Europe.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 138 BCE | Han Dynasty opens the Silk Road through Xinjiang |
| 8th century | Islam spreads across the region via Central Asian traders |
| 1759 | Qing Dynasty formally incorporates Xinjiang into China |
| 1884 | Established as Xinjiang Province |
| 1955 | Officially designated as the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region |
| 2000s–Present | Major infrastructure and economic reforms under the Belt & Road Initiative |
Xinjiang remains a vital gateway for China’s trade, energy, and cultural exchange with Central Asia.
🧭 Basic Regional Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区) |
| Regional Capital | Ürümqi |
| Largest Cities | Ürümqi, Kashgar, Hotan, Aksu, Karamay, Turpan |
| Chairman (2025) | Erkin Tuniyaz |
| Area | ~1.66 million sq km (largest in China) |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~26 million |
| Major Rivers | Tarim River, Ili River, Manas River |
| Climate | Continental arid – hot summers, cold winters |
| Time Zone | China Standard Time (UTC +8) |
| Dial Code | +86 (099x prefixes) |
| Top-Level Domain | .cn |
| Regional Motto | “Unity in Diversity, Peace through Development” |
⚖️ Government and Administration
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| Party Secretary | Ma Xingrui |
| Chairman | Erkin Tuniyaz |
| Legislature | Xinjiang Regional People’s Congress |
| Judiciary | Xinjiang High People’s Court |
| Autonomous Status | High degree of cultural and administrative autonomy for Uyghur and other ethnic minorities |
Xinjiang’s governance emphasizes economic modernization, ethnic equality, and cultural protection.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
| Level | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Capital | Ürümqi | Political and economic center of western China |
| Major Cities (14 Prefectures) | Ürümqi, Kashgar, Aksu, Turpan, Hotan, Ili, Tacheng, Altay, Shihezi, Changji, Karamay, Bayingolin, Bortala, Kizilsu | Kashgar is an ancient Silk Road city and cultural heartland |
Xinjiang is composed of 14 prefecture-level divisions, including 4 prefecture-level cities, 5 autonomous prefectures, 5 prefectures, and 2 sub-provincial cities (Ürümqi and Karamay).
1. Ürümqi (乌鲁木齐市) – Capital
- Districts: Tianshan (天山区), Shayibak (沙依巴克区), Xinshi (新市区), Toutunhe (头屯河区), Shuimogou (水磨沟区), Midong (米东区)
- County: Ürümqi County (乌鲁木齐县)
2. Karamay (克拉玛依市)
- Districts: Karamay (克拉玛依区), Dushanzi (独山子区), Baijiantan (白碱滩区), Urho (乌尔禾区)
3. Turpan (吐鲁番市)
- District: Gaochang (高昌区)
- Counties: Shanshan (鄯善县), Toksun (托克逊县)
4. Hami (哈密市)
- District: Yizhou (伊州区)
- Counties: Balikun Kazakh Autonomous County (巴里坤哈萨克自治县), Yiwu (伊吾县)
5. Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture (昌吉回族自治州)
- County-level Cities: Changji (昌吉市), Fukang (阜康市)
- Counties: Jimsar (吉木萨尔县), Qitai (奇台县), Manas (玛纳斯县), Hutubi (呼图壁县), Mulei Kazakh Autonomous County (木垒哈萨克自治县)
6. Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (博尔塔拉蒙古自治州)
- County-level Cities: Bole (博乐市), Alashankou (阿拉山口市)
- County: Wenquan (温泉县)
7. Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (巴音郭楞蒙古自治州)
- County-level City: Korla (库尔勒市)
- Counties: Luntai (轮台县), Yuli (尉犁县), Ruoqiang (若羌县), Qiemo (且末县), Hejing (和静县), Heshuo (和硕县), Bohu (博湖县)
8. Aksu Prefecture (阿克苏地区)
- County-level City: Aksu (阿克苏市)
- Counties: Wensu (温宿县), Kuqa (库车市), Xayar (沙雅县), Xinhe (新和县), Baicheng (拜城县), Awat (阿瓦提县), Wushi (乌什县)
9. Kashgar Prefecture (喀什地区)
- County-level City: Kashgar (喀什市)
- Counties: Shufu (疏附县), Shule (疏勒县), Yingjisha (英吉沙县), Zepu (泽普县), Shache (莎车县), Yengisar (英吉沙县), Yarkant (叶城县), Poskam (伽师县), Makit (麦盖提县), Yecheng (叶城县), Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County (塔什库尔干塔吉克自治县)
10. Hotan Prefecture (和田地区)
- County-level City: Hotan (和田市)
- Counties: Hotan County (和田县), Moyu (墨玉县), Pishan (皮山县), Luopu (洛浦县), Karakax (策勒县), Yutian (于田县), Minfeng (民丰县)
11. Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture (克孜勒苏柯尔克孜自治州)
- County-level City: Artux (阿图什市)
- Counties: Akqi (阿克陶县), Akto (阿合奇县), Wuqia (乌恰县)
12. Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture (伊犁哈萨克自治州)
- County-level Cities: Yining (伊宁市), Kuitun (奎屯市), Khorgos (霍尔果斯市)
- Counties: Nileke (尼勒克县), Yining County (伊宁县), Xinyuan (新源县), Zhaosu (昭苏县), Tekes (特克斯县), Gongliu (巩留县), Huocheng (霍城县), Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County (察布查尔锡伯自治县)
13. Tacheng Prefecture (塔城地区)
- County-level Cities: Tacheng (塔城市), Wusu (乌苏市)
- Counties: Emin (额敏县), Yumin (裕民县), Shawan (沙湾市), Toli (托里县), Hebukesaier Mongol Autonomous County (和布克赛尔蒙古自治县)
14. Altay Prefecture (阿勒泰地区)
- County-level City: Altay (阿勒泰市)
- Counties: Burqin (布尔津县), Habahe (哈巴河县), Jimunai (吉木乃县), Qinghe (青河县), Fuhai (福海县), Fuyun (富蕴县)
Local Government Structure
- The Xinjiang Uyghur People’s Government is based in Ürümqi.
- Autonomous prefectures and counties have additional representation from Uyghur, Kazakh, Kirghiz, and other ethnic minorities.
- Local governments oversee religious affairs, bilingual education, and development policies under regional and national law.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Location: Northwest China, bordering 8 countries (Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India)
Terrain: Deserts (Taklamakan), basins, mountains (Tianshan, Kunlun, Pamirs)
Climate: Arid continental, low rainfall, large temperature variations
Natural Resources: Oil, gas, coal, cotton, gold, and solar energy
Xinjiang is rich in energy, minerals, and agricultural land, making it a cornerstone of China’s Belt & Road Initiative.
🏘️ Local Government Structure
Local focus areas include:
Economic corridor development
Cross-border trade expansion
Minority education and bilingual schools
Green energy and environmental protection
🧩 Leadership & Development Focus
Key development priorities:
Belt & Road Initiative: Core logistics and trade hub connecting China to Central Asia and Europe
Agriculture & Industry: Cotton, fruit, and textile production
Energy Sector: Oil, gas, and renewable energy development
Tourism: Silk Road heritage, deserts, and mountain landscapes
Xinjiang is being transformed into a major gateway for Eurasian cooperation.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Department | Function |
|---|---|
| Public Security Bureau | Maintains law, peace, and stability |
| Border Police | Protects international borders |
| Environmental Bureau | Oversees desert and resource management |
Xinjiang maintains strong security and border management systems for trade and public safety.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Islam (majority), Buddhism, Christianity, folk beliefs |
| Official Languages | Mandarin and Uyghur |
| Ethnic Composition | Uyghur (~45%), Han (~40%), Kazakh, Hui, Kyrgyz, Tajik, Mongol |
| Cultural Identity | Rich in music, dance, crafts, and Islamic architecture |
Xinjiang’s Uyghur muqam music, Karez irrigation systems, and Kashgar old town reflect its deep historical roots.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| GDP (2025 est.) | ~ $350 billion USD |
| Main Industries | Energy, textiles, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics |
| Top Products | Cotton, oil, gas, melons, raisins, machinery |
| Major Partners | Central Asia, Russia, Pakistan, Middle East |
| Key Economic Zones | Kashgar and Khorgos Economic Development Zones |
Xinjiang plays a leading role in China’s westward economic expansion.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Literacy Rate | ~98% |
| Top Universities | Xinjiang University, Xinjiang Normal University |
| Education Focus | Bilingual learning, trade, energy, and technology |
| Healthcare | Rapidly improving facilities in Ürümqi, Kashgar, and Turpan |
| Life Expectancy | ~77 years |
Education policies promote cultural inclusion and vocational training to support regional industries.
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Airports | Ürümqi Diwopu, Kashgar, Karamay, Hotan |
| Railways | Lanzhou–Xinjiang High-Speed Rail, China–Europe Freight Trains |
| Highways | G30, G3012, G217 Expressways |
| Energy Projects | Wind and solar farms, oil pipelines |
| Trade Ports | Khorgos Port, Alashankou Port |
Xinjiang’s vast transport network connects China to Central Asia and Europe by road and rail.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Destinations:
Kashgar Old Town: Ancient Silk Road market and mosques
Heavenly Lake (Tianchi): Alpine lake near Ürümqi
Taklamakan Desert: The “Sea of Death” — majestic and vast
Karakul Lake: High-altitude lake beneath the Pamir Mountains
Id Kah Mosque (Kashgar): Largest mosque in China
Flaming Mountains (Turpan): Red sandstone ridges from Chinese legends
Karez Wells: Ancient underground irrigation network
Xinjiang offers stunning contrasts — from snowy peaks to endless sands.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Strategic Role | Western gateway for China’s Belt & Road Initiative |
| International Cooperation | Border trade with 8 neighboring countries |
| Cultural Diplomacy | Promotes Islamic and Central Asian heritage |
| Economic Corridors | China–Pakistan, China–Central Asia, and Eurasian rail routes |
Xinjiang connects civilizations, markets, and cultures across continents.
📝 Summary
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region embodies the soul of the Silk Road. From Kashgar’s bazaars and Ürümqi’s skyline to the deserts and mountains beyond, Xinjiang stands as a symbol of unity between tradition and modern development — a true gateway between East and West.
📢 News & Articles
“Kashgar: Reviving the Ancient Silk Road Spirit”
“Xinjiang’s Energy Future: Powering Western China”
“Cultural Harmony in the Heart of Asia”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, created to document every province and region with verified data — promoting global understanding, unity, and education.
📬 Contact Us
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