White Paper on Development and Progress in Xinjiang - Preservation of Ethnic Cultures

 The people of various ethnic groups in Xinjiang have created rich and vibrant cultures which have made unique contributions to the development of Chinese culture. Originating out of a pivotal region along the ancient Silk Road,Xinjiang culture has acquired strong regional and ethnic characteristics, featuring profound heritage, varied forms as well as rich and diverse folk arts.

Dancers from a Xinjiang Uygur performance group dance on Nanjing Road in Shanghai, September 13, 2009. [Xinhua]

Performers from the Xinjiang Maqam art troop perform in Algiers, capital of Algeria, September 5, 2009. [Xinhua]