Xinjiang — where scorching deserts bloom with technological marvels and ancient civilizations, forging unity amid breathtaking diversity and economic dynamism.
In this episode of Trending in China. Host Yolanda Lu and reporters Cao Bin/Sylvia Wang bring you on an eye-opening journey through Xinjiang—China’s western frontier where deserts bloom with innovation.
Discover how "desert roses" defy arid landscapes, how ultra-high-voltage grids transmit wind/solar power to eastern cities in milliseconds, and how tech-driven cotton farms merge nature with cutting-edge tech.
The human stories captivate: Highway maintenance couples brave 50℃ heat to guard 522km of desert roads against sandstorms; the 3,800-year-old "Loulan Beauty" mummy reveals Silk Road social hierarchies through her feather hat and jewelry; while Uygur children dancing spontaneously at night markets embody ethnic unity.
From oil fields producing cosmetic-grade "white oil" to data centers powered by green energy, Xinjiang turns nature’s gift into synergy. This episode unpacks Xinjiang’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative through cultural gems like the immersive Yotkan ancient city show and bartering at Urumqi’s Grand Bazaar. Tune in to explore how deserts fuel progress, and subscribe for more on China’s untold frontiers!
Some Highlights:
03:12 Southern Xinjiang’s Transformation Over the Past Decade
07:50 Xinjiang’s Deserts: How Trees Survive in Harsh Conditions
11:06 Rose Farms Thriving in the Desert
12:34 Powering China: Xinjiang’s Solar and Wind Energy Revolution
14:02 Technology Reshaping Xinjiang’s Cotton Industry
16:30 Must-See Attractions in Urumqi
23:00 Karamay’s Digital Transition: From Oil City to Tech Hub
28:00 Preserving History: Xinjiang’s Mummies and Their Cultural Significance
31:20 Immersive Cultural Experience at Yotkan Ancient City
34:50 Reviving the Silk Road: Barkol’s Rich Coal and Clay Resources
37:50 Highway Maintenance Couples Guarding 522km of Desert Roads in 50℃ Heat
41:03 How the Pairing-Up Program Accelerates Xinjiang’s Development
47:20 Xinjiang’s Culinary Journey: Lamb Skewers, Pilaf, and Big Plate Chicken
This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Little Universe（小宇宙）and YouTube, among many platforms.
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