Chinese, foreign guests gain better understanding of Xinjiang via internet communication conference

<article><section data-type="rtext">This summer, media representatives and online influencers from 20 countries and regions just had many "first times" in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - first time joining square dancing with Xinjiang citizens, first time watching the thrilling "Dawaz" performance, first time visiting the Wuerhe Ghost City, a unique landscape formed through over 100 million years of geological transformation.The first "Hello, Silk Road" International Conference on Internet Communication unfolded a splendid story of mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations, lighting sparks of cultural collision.The first "Hello, Silk Road" International Conference on Internet Communication unfolded a splendid story of mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations, lighting sparks of cultural collision.On July 18, media representatives and online influencers from Bangladesh, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and many other countries landed in Xinjiang's Karamay, and then hit the Duku Highway International Self-Driving Camp and the Pearl Night Market to explore the unique charm of Xinjiang, a cultural hub along the ancient Silk Road."I'm glad to experience local folk dancing and enjoy the happy atmosphere," said Bangladeshi online influencer Dr. Nazmus Sakib after joining the locals in square dancing.<img data-alt="Online influencers Asilbek from Uzbekistan and Dr. Nazmus Sakib from Bangladesh pose for a picture on a glass bridge in the Dushanzi Grand Canyon" src="//img.huanqiucdn.cn/dp/api/files/imageDir/597e4704e3eda953c8c3dff45e7b1c7bu1.png?imageView2/2/w/1540" />On the next day, they visited the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, the Wuerhe Town and Bapima Market. Science blogger Xiaotian Bi said the magnificence of the Dushanzi Grand Canyon is beyond description and that's the work of the Mother Nature.<img data-alt="Chinese and foreign guests pose for a photo at the "Hello, Silk Road" Internet Communication Salon" src="//img.huanqiucdn.cn/dp/api/files/imageDir/f5d34d540a4dc8ab1c71611c9c256603u1.png?imageView2/2/w/1540" /><img data-alt="Chinese and foreign guests visit the Wuerhe Ghost City" src="//img.huanqiucdn.cn/dp/api/files/imageDir/4fa5fe40d389bc2e51ff808eff84bd10u1.png?imageView2/2/w/1540" />On July 20, the "Hello, Silk Road" Internet Communication Salon was held, during which nine internet influencers shared their views on the challenges and opportunities of cross-culture communication and explored the important role played by rich media in promoting cultural integration along the Silk Road.Then, media representatives and internet influencers had a tour to the Baiyang River Grand Canyon, the Wuerhe Town, the Wuerhe Ghost City and attended an evening party themed "Night of Ancient Music". They also learned the purple clay culture and tried making purple clay teapots in a museum in Wuerhe Town.Mozambican international student Bembelelucinilde Otilia said she was glad to make purple clay teapots. "I will present the teapot I made today to my families and friends when I go back home, and share with them the traditional Chinese culture.<img data-alt="Chinese and foreign guests enjoy local specialties in Haitang Yard" src="//img.huanqiucdn.cn/dp/api/files/imageDir/5bbd122cf4510f2eb39956731a179a52u1.png?imageView2/2/w/1540" />On July 21, Chinese and foreign guests visited Haitang Yard, a nursing home for people aged above 60 in Wuerhe Town of Karamay, to learn how China's rural vitalization strategy is bringing benefits to local people."It's just great to live here," said journalist Asghar Muhammad from Associated Press of Pakistan.In the afternoon, they visited the Wuerhe Film and Television City, where they changed into court dresses of China's Qin Dynasty."Though I tried traditional Chinese costumes before, it's the first time for me to wear it in a palace," said Nazmus Sakib, adding that the environment there offered him an immersive experience.<img data-alt="Chinese and foreign guests join a dragon boat race in Karamay River Scenic Area" src="//img.huanqiucdn.cn/dp/api/files/imageDir/a02fcf4ec6de78a6f9477fe2f31c4c3du1.png?imageView2/2/w/1540" />On July 22, Chinese and foreign guests visited the Baijiantan Art Museum, Karamay River Scenic Area, the Karamay Cloud Computing Industrial Park and Karamay Oilfield No.1 Well, wrapping up the 5-day activity.<img data-alt="Online influencers write down their wishes for Karamay" src="//img.huanqiucdn.cn/dp/api/files/imageDir/9c622bba9a86b6a4fb229f2a2840fc5fu1.png?imageView2/2/w/1540" />After the event, many of them expressed their affection for Xinjiang, saying they would like to live there if possible."It's my second time visiting Xinjiang. Compared with two years ago, the development here today is amazing. Greenery is seen on expressways, in schools and parks, and even in deserts. That's astonishing. All people who work for Xinjiang and make it beautiful deserve compliments," said Colombian online influencer Fernando Munoz Bernal.Journalist Marco Clementi from Radiotelevi-sione Italiana said what he had learned and imagined about Xinjiang was totally different from what he saw there."I recommend all media outlets to come and visit this place if they want to tell Xinjiang stories," he noted.<img data-alt="The first "Hello, Silk Road" International Conference on Internet Communication" src="//img.huanqiucdn.cn/dp/api/files/imageDir/d0aea022c580e312a67acf0c88bf6bb0u1.png?imageView2/2/w/1540" />The first "Hello, Silk Road" International Conference on Internet Communication was held on July 23 in Karamay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Over 200 guests, including experts and scholars from more than 20 countries, Chinese and foreign journalists, and online influencers gathered together to envision future cooperation between China and countries along the Belt and Road in the field of international communication.The first "Hello, Silk Road" International Conference on Internet Communication was co-hosted by the information office of the government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the government of Karamay and Global Times Online, and supported by the Special Fund for Positive Online Communication of the China Internet Development Foundation.</section></article>

This summer, media representatives and online influencers from 20 countries and regions just had many "first times" in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - first time joining square dancing with Xinjiang citizens, first time watching the thrilling "Dawaz" performance, first time visiting the Wuerhe Ghost City, a unique landscape formed through over 100 million years of geological transformation.

The first "Hello, Silk Road" International Conference on Internet Communication unfolded a splendid story of mutual learning between Chinese and foreign civilizations, lighting sparks of cultural collision.

On July 18, media representatives and online influencers from Bangladesh, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam and many other countries landed in Xinjiang's Karamay, and then hit the Duku Highway International Self-Driving Camp and the Pearl Night Market to explore the unique charm of Xinjiang, a cultural hub along the ancient Silk Road.

"I'm glad to experience local folk dancing and enjoy the happy atmosphere," said Bangladeshi online influencer Dr. Nazmus Sakib after joining the locals in square dancing.

On the next day, they visited the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, the Wuerhe Town and Bapima Market. Science blogger Xiaotian Bi said the magnificence of the Dushanzi Grand Canyon is beyond description and that's the work of the Mother Nature.

On July 20, the "Hello, Silk Road" Internet Communication Salon was held, during which nine internet influencers shared their views on the challenges and opportunities of cross-culture communication and explored the important role played by rich media in promoting cultural integration along the Silk Road.

Then, media representatives and internet influencers had a tour to the Baiyang River Grand Canyon, the Wuerhe Town, the Wuerhe Ghost City and attended an evening party themed "Night of Ancient Music". They also learned the purple clay culture and tried making purple clay teapots in a museum in Wuerhe Town.

Mozambican international student Bembelelucinilde Otilia said she was glad to make purple clay teapots. "I will present the teapot I made today to my families and friends when I go back home, and share with them the traditional Chinese culture.

On July 21, Chinese and foreign guests visited Haitang Yard, a nursing home for people aged above 60 in Wuerhe Town of Karamay, to learn how China's rural vitalization strategy is bringing benefits to local people.

"It's just great to live here," said journalist Asghar Muhammad from Associated Press of Pakistan.

In the afternoon, they visited the Wuerhe Film and Television City, where they changed into court dresses of China's Qin Dynasty.

"Though I tried traditional Chinese costumes before, it's the first time for me to wear it in a palace," said Nazmus Sakib, adding that the environment there offered him an immersive experience.

On July 22, Chinese and foreign guests visited the Baijiantan Art Museum, Karamay River Scenic Area, the Karamay Cloud Computing Industrial Park and Karamay Oilfield No.1 Well, wrapping up the 5-day activity.

After the event, many of them expressed their affection for Xinjiang, saying they would like to live there if possible.

"It's my second time visiting Xinjiang. Compared with two years ago, the development here today is amazing. Greenery is seen on expressways, in schools and parks, and even in deserts. That's astonishing. All people who work for Xinjiang and make it beautiful deserve compliments," said Colombian online influencer Fernando Munoz Bernal.

Journalist Marco Clementi from Radiotelevi-sione Italiana said what he had learned and imagined about Xinjiang was totally different from what he saw there.

"I recommend all media outlets to come and visit this place if they want to tell Xinjiang stories," he noted.

The first "Hello, Silk Road" International Conference on Internet Communication was held on July 23 in Karamay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Over 200 guests, including experts and scholars from more than 20 countries, Chinese and foreign journalists, and online influencers gathered together to envision future cooperation between China and countries along the Belt and Road in the field of international communication.

The first "Hello, Silk Road" International Conference on Internet Communication was co-hosted by the information office of the government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the government of Karamay and Global Times Online, and supported by the Special Fund for Positive Online Communication of the China Internet Development Foundation.