From August 22 to 28, Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) organized a study tour to Xinjiang under the theme “Understanding Contemporary China, Experiencing an Open Xinjiang.” The delegation included international students, students from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, as well as foreign faculty members. Fifteen international student representatives from ten countries, including Russia and New Zealand, took part in the program.
During the tour, participants visited multiple locations across Xinjiang, including Bole City, Wenquan County and Sayram Lake in the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Tekes County and the Kalajun Scenic Area in the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, as well as the city of Yining. In Bole City, they visited a yurt production line, enjoyed traditional music and dance performances, explored a local equestrian club in Xiaoyingpan Town, and toured food processing factories and wineries to gain insights into characteristic rural industries. In Wenquan County, they tried archery and embroidery, observed ecological conservation projects, and witnessed the vivid practice of the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” In Tekes County, they explored the cultural significance of the Bagua City and visited the Kalajun Scenic Area, where they saw firsthand how green tourism is fueling rural revitalization. In Yining, they visited a folk village and museums, participated in cultural activities, and interacted with local ethnic communities, immersing themselves in Xinjiang’s rich multicultural atmosphere.
Through this study tour, international students, together with BFSU faculty and peers, witnessed Xinjiang’s remarkable achievements in ecological conservation, economic development, cultural heritage, and ethnic unity. They also learned about the region’s contribution to Chinese modernization. Many expressed a deeper appreciation for an open and confident China, and voiced their eagerness to share the real, multidimensional, and positive stories of China with the world, contributing to stronger people-to-people bonds and mutual learning among civilizations. The event was covered by several media outlets, including Xinjiang Daily.
Source: BFSU News Network. Original article available at https://news.bfsu.edu.cn/archives/313611
