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Tourism

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Celebrates 70th Anniversary with Thriving Tourism Industry

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region marks its 70th anniversary, its tourism industry is booming, driven by improvements in transport networks, smart services, and cultural and tourism experiences. Huanqiu.com reports that China's unilateral visa-free policy, extended to 46 countries, has made visiting Xinjiang increasingly convenient for international travelers. The region has seen a significant increase in cross-border travel, with the Dulata Port recording 54,000 border crossings in the first half of the year, a 71.54 percent year-on-year rise.

Key Takeaways:

  • Xinjiang's tourism industry is experiencing vigorous growth, driven by upgrades to transport networks, smart services, and innovations in cultural and tourism experiences.
  • China's unilateral visa-free policy, extended to 46 countries, has made visiting Xinjiang increasingly convenient for international travelers.
  • The Dulata Port recorded 54,000 border crossings in the first half of the year, a 71.54 percent year-on-year increase.
  • The China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center welcomed 5.851 million visitors in the first half of the year, a 65.73 percent increase year-on-year.
  • Xinjiang has improved its transport infrastructure, expanding its air hub network to 26 scheduled international passenger routes connecting Central Asia, West Asia, and Europe.
  • The region's smart tourism platform, which integrates ticket reservations, curated routes, travel tips, and live-streaming functions, has been upgraded, making it possible to explore Xinjiang with just a smartphone.
  • Xinjiang is enriching its cultural and tourism offerings by introducing activities such as Silk Road cultural study tours, winter sports, road trips & camping, and intangible cultural heritage performances.
  • Tourism has driven related industries such as tourism equipment manufacturing, exhibition services, and cross-border tourism cooperation, fostering a positive cycle where tourism drives industry and industry boosts tourism.
  • In 2024, Xinjiang received more than 302 million visitors, generating 359.54 billion yuan in revenue, both record highs.
  • In the first half of 2025, the region welcomed 130 million visitors, with tourism spending reaching 142.56 billion yuan, year-on-year increases of 11.15 percent and 11.59 percent, respectively.

Statistics:

  • 54,000 border crossings in the first half of the year, up 71.54 percent year-on-year.
  • 5.851 million visitors to the China-Kazakhstan Horgos International Border Cooperation Center in the first half of the year, a 65.73 percent increase year-on-year.
  • 26 scheduled international passenger routes connecting Central Asia, West Asia, and Europe.
  • 230,000 kilometers of highway mileage in Xinjiang, including over 12,000 kilometers of expressways.
  • 130 million visitors in the first half of 2025, up 11.15 percent year-on-year.
  • 142.56 billion yuan in tourism spending in the first half of 2025, up 11.59 percent year-on-year.
  • 302 million visitors in 2024, generating 359.54 billion yuan in revenue, both record highs.

Sources:

  • Huanqiu.com, "Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Celebrates 70th Anniversary with Thriving Tourism Industry", September 19, 2025.
  • Huanqiu.com, "Xinjiang tourism revenue hits record high in 2024", December 2024.
  • Huanqiu.com, "Xinjiang's cross-border tourism market sees rapid growth", August 2025.

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