Fifty-six ethnicities, one nation. This phrase captures the diversity and unity of China, a multiethnic nation of 1.4 billion people. Besides the Han Chinese, who make up some 91 percent of the population, 55 other ethnic groups, known as ethnic minorities, call the country home.

Xinjiang is a case in point. This region has long been a mosaic of diverse ethnic groups, cultures and religions, a hallmark that continues to foster an energetic community and a burgeoning economy.

Xinjiang is one of the provincial-level administrative divisions with the most ethnic groups in China. The Uygur, Han, Kazak and Hui all have populations of 1 million and above, while the Kirgiz and Mongolian have populations exceeding 100,000. Throughout history, multiple ethnic groups have integrated with each other despite periods of conflict, sharing good fortune and hardship in a close relationship. All of them have contributed to developing and protecting Xinjiang.

The Uygur population in Xinjiang today is greater in number than its Han counterpart. The Han, however, are among the earliest to explore the region and have made their own contributions to its development in fields such as agriculture and business.

The Uygur people, known for their hospitality, boast rich cultural heritage. Their artistic traditions, notably the Muqam, a multifaceted performance art blending elements of singing, dancing and music, have been passed down through generations. The Kazaks are renowned for their equestrian skills. Their yurts, with circular wooden frames covered in felt, are not only portable shelters but also symbols of their nomadic culture.

Xinjiang is also a place where multiple faiths coexist. Islam is one of the major religions, and there are numerous mosques across the region. The Shaanxi Mosque in Urumqi, first built during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), is characterized by a beam-column structure common in traditional Chinese architecture, embodying the localization of Islam.

Buddhism has a long history in Xinjiang. Introduced here around the first century B.C., it peaked from the fourth to 10th centuries. Ancient Buddhist grottoes bear witness to the prosperous Buddhist culture. The Kizil Grottoes in Aksu Prefecture are among the earliest Buddhist cave complexes in China, dating from around the year 300 to the eighth century. Contrary to popular opinion, many Uygurs follow religions other than Islam. Islam did not become the predominant religion until the early 16th century. Christianity and other religions also have their followers. A large number of Xinjiang residents do not follow any religion.

Standard Chinese is the official national language commonly used across China. In schools in Xinjiang, students learn both standard Chinese and their mother tongues. This not only helps them inherit their own cultural traditions but also enables them to communicate effectively with people from different ethnic backgrounds. The region's official newspaper, Xinjiang Daily, comes out in four editions—standard Chinese, Uygur, Kazak and Mongolian.

Xinjiang's economy is also diversifying. Major new growth drivers for the resource-rich region include the development of an ice and snow economy through winter sports and tourism, and the production of renewable energy.

Xinjiang is a telling example of how diverse cultures can coexist, interact and thrive together. Going forward, unity in diversity will be a distinct strength for the region as it forges ahead with its development agenda.