Actors from Taiyuan, Shanxi province recently performed a historical play for an audience in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, part of Shanxi's cultural assistance for Xinjiang's development.

Shanxi started to offer assistance to Xinjiang in 2010, and has since sent nearly 800 officials and more than 1,500 highly-skilled workers. The province has also provided aid money of nearly 1.7 billion yuan ($250 million).

Shanxi established "Shanxi class" in Xinjiang Changji Hui autonomous prefecture this year, with five teachers from key schools in the province. More than 1,300 teachers have been sent to support Xinjiang's education in the past seven years.

As part of a long-term commitment, assistance also covers areas such as medical services, tourism, business and industry.