Episode Details

President Xi Jinping called on Tuesday for people from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region to pool efforts and strive in solidarity to build a beautiful Xinjiang in the process of achieving Chinese modernization.

He made the remarks when meeting with representatives from all ethnic groups and sectors in the region.

Xi arrived in Urumqi, the region's capital, earlier in the day to attend activities marking the 70th anniversary of the region's founding, including a grand gathering on Thursday morning.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has led a central delegation to Xinjiang for the celebrations, marking the first time in the history of the Party and the country that such an arrangement has been made.

The visit speaks volumes about the importance that the CPC Central Committee attaches to Xinjiang work, as well as its great care for the officials and people of all ethnic groups in the region.

Located in Northwest China, Xinjiang has been the home of various ethnic groups since ancient times and a place for cultural integration.

As the plane carrying Xi landed at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, he was greeted with warm applause and cheers from local people waiting on the tarmac. Thousands of people from different ethnic groups welcomed him with traditional dances accompanied by festive music.

Paruzat Zulpikar, a Uygur student in the fifth grade, presented Xi with a bouquet of red roses, peonies and pomegranates.

"It still feels just like a dream. I was both excited and nervous," she said. "I greeted him with 'Hello, Grandpa Xi', and he gave me a warm feeling."

Permeated with a festive atmosphere, Urumqi was decorated with colorful flags on both sides of the main streets from the airport to the hotel. People from all ethnic groups waved flags and cheered to express their welcome and gratitude. Opening the car window, Xi waved back to the crowds along the road.

Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, Xinjiang has made solid progress in promoting high-quality develop