Influx of intl tourists helps illuminate the real Xinjiang

Brandon Boni, an international high school teacher from New York, first learned about Xinjiang in 2009 through a National Geographic magazine.

"I had never been to China before and I didn't even know China was comprised of multiple ethnic groups," he said. "I read the article and saw the photo (of Xinjiang) and it blew my mind. I didn't even know this was something that existed!"

Like many international visitors, Boni praises Xinjiang's thoughtful and convenient services for overseas tourists. Having lived in the region for eight years, he speaks with firsthand experience.

"I've talked to people across Xinjiang, from Kashgar to Ili to Urumqi," he shared. "Here in Urumqi, everyone leads a typical city life: living in apartments, commuting by bus, subway, or walking to work or school. And in the countryside, I've met some of the kindest and happiest people in my life."

Addressing online rumors about Xinjiang, Boni responded frankly: "Come and see for yourself. Come take a walk down the street, meet some people and see what it's really like here."