A sweeping portrait of China's vast northwest
A newly released book guides readers through the dramatic landscapes and natural resources of Xinjiang, underpinning its splendor and modern development, Fang Aiqing and Mao Weihua report in Urumqi.
Hi, I'm Xinjiang is the result of a collaborative effort between major national and local publishing houses. Kang Rizheng, an editor with Xinjiang Juvenile Publishing House, explains that their key contribution was to provide the book with a localized perspective.
"Xinjiang is not only a place to be observed — it's also an observer of itself. Through this lens, we have rediscovered Xinjiang."
He recalls meeting members of the Beijing-based CITIC Press Group in Urumqi where they were amazed to see the Bogda Peak rising behind the streets — a sight that local people might take for granted, often overlooking the beauty that surrounds them.
"For readers who have never been to Xinjiang, the book will evoke a deep longing to experience this land," Kang says.
"And for those of us who live here, it invites us to see our home with fresh eyes and to fall in love with it all over again."
Li Mu, deputy chief editor of CITIC Press Group, says that as a major player in China's publishing industry, the company has actively partnered with local publishers to bridge its broad public network with their regional expertise. She also expresses hope for deeper collaboration with cultural institutions across Xinjiang.
