International youth discover the Xinjiang surprise

Exploring the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum provided Gerlof with a deeper insight into the region's rich historical background and the harmonious coexistence of its ethnic groups and cultures.

"I knew Xinjiang had a diverse ethnic population, but I had underestimated the extent of this diversity," he said. "Initially, I thought there were several ethnic groups, but I was surprised to learn that there are actually 56 ethnic groups living here!"

For Anantachote Natthanya, a 35-year-old Chinese language teacher from Thailand pursuing a doctoral degree at BFSU, this was also her first visit to Xinjiang. Throughout the trip, she immersed herself in the region's rich scenery and cultural attractions.

"Every day, I posted my experiences on Instagram, eager to keep my family and friends in Thailand updated," she said.

Natthanya discovered that despite their notable differences, Xinjiang and Thailand share a major commonality in their multiculturalism, both being globally renowned as hubs for cultural tourism.

According to her, for many Thai people, Xinjiang isn't typically a top destination when considering travel to China. "After returning, I want to recommend to my family and friends that when they come to China, they should visit Xinjiang first. Here, they can experience completely different landscapes and cultures compared to cities like Beijing and Shanghai."

In addition to exploring the history, culture, cuisine, and modernization of Xinjiang, the group also engaged in interactions with the locals.

At the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, for example, local dancers enthusiastically welcomed the international visitors into the festivities. "This is my second visit to Xinjiang, and I've noticed significant changes, yet the enduring warmth of the locals remains," said Artem.

Since he first arrived in China in 2015, Artem has observed that many Chinese people tend to be reserved and shy, but he found a stark contrast in Xinjiang. "Everyone here made direct eye contact with me, displaying confidence in their culture and a genuine eagerness to share that energy with me," he said.

In his interactions with local university students, Artem was impressed by their optimism and their belief in Xinjiang's future development.

"Although Xinjiang may not be as developed as some eastern Chinese cities, these young people firmly believe in the region's potential for progress through their efforts," he said. "Their enthusiasm has inspired me to contribute to the development of my own hometown."

Gerlof connected deeply with the local youth's dedication to preserving and passing on their traditional culture, reflecting the cultural pride he also witnessed among young Nigerians.

"We both embrace our cultures with confidence and are keen to showcase them to the world," he said.

"For many international friends, their perception of Xinjiang is fragmented and incomplete," said Zhai Zheng, co-organizer of the tour and associate professor at BFSU. "However, this trip offers students an opportunity to view Xinjiang's landscapes firsthand, savor its cuisine, and immerse themselves in the rich culture woven by its diverse ethnic groups, providing a comprehensive and panoramic understanding of this region."