Charming Xinjiang 2010
 
  For 17 years, Rahman Amut has been the guardian of the 1,600-year-old grottoes, important Buddhist cultural relics on the ancient Silk Road.
Folk dances stage at Xinjiang Pavilion

Dancers from Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region perform folk dances at Xinjiang Pavilion at the Expo site, in Shanghai on May 6, 2010.



A dancer applies makeup at Xinjiang Pavilion at the Expo site, in Shanghai on May 6, 2010.

 

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xin for short) is located in Northwest China, with its capital city in Urumqi.

Surrounded by lofty mountains, Xinjiang is known far and wide as the home of fruits and melons. Its main agricultural produces include wheat, corn, cotton and plenty of fruit like Hami melon, grape, fig, Ili apple, etc. Being one of China's five major pastoral areas, it has advanced livestock breeding. It also has rich resources of petroleum, bowlder, gold and nonferrous metals

Xinjiang is well known for the expanse of its area and richness of natural resources, as well for its wonderful scenic spots and enchanting spectacles of nature. Many "mosts" of China are found in Xinjiang -- the driest, hottest, and coldest places are in Xinjiang, and China's longest inland river, lowest land and greatest desert are here as well.

Here the tourist can see a most spectacular and engrossing topography of the world, locally known as "Yadan". The longest inland river, The Turpan Basin is the second lowest land on the earth next to the Dead Sea in Jordon, while the Mount Qogir, 8,611 meters above sea level, is second in height only to the Mount Everest.

Historical and cultural tourism in Xinjiang is most attractive for its unique charm. The Silk Road, which runs across Xinjiang horizontally, is known to the whole world.

Xinjiang is endowed with 236 ancient cultural sites, tombs, architectures, Buddhist caves, stone sculptures, and modern commemorative monuments of historical, artistic, and scientific value.

Within the territory of Xinjiang, there are a number of ancient city ruins such as Gaochang Ancient City, City Site in State of Loulan, and the Site of Niya.

 

Let the sheep-catching begin


 


  Children perform at a bilingual kindergarten in Turpan, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, May 25, 2010. Performances, painting exhibitions and family-oriented activities are held at many kindergartens in the city for Children’s Day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 China's 'Dakar Rally' on course for international fame

 


Dubbed "China's Dakar Rally", the Tour de Taklimakan Desert Auto and Motorcycle Rally is expected to become the country's first international rally in two years, although sponsorship remains a major concern for the organizers.

Starting in 2005, the rally in the world's second largest desert has attracted more than 100 drivers and 40 riders from all over the country this year, including six-time Dakar participant Lu Ningjun.

"We now regard the Tour de Taklimakan as a mini-Dakar. It is very challenging and I believe it will prepare me for next year's Dakar," Lu, of the Rely x5 team, said of the 3,800 km event.

The organizers have now set their sights on turning the biggest domestic rally into an international one from 2012.

"The Tour de Taklimakan has grown a lot over the past five years and our next step is to apply for it to be an international event in two years. Hopefully, we can have about 200 auto racers and 100 riders from here and abroad," said Fang Zheng, the general manager of the Tour de Taklimakan Co Ltd.

However, although reluctant to reveal exact figures, Fang said current sponsorship hadn't reached the minimum amount for an international event, which is about 15 million yuan (US$2.2 million).
 Let the sheep-catching begin



Riders from Ili Kazak autonomous region of Xinjiang participate in the traditional sport sheep-catching on horseback, at the annual folk festival held in Dali’s old town, April 29, 2010. Sheep-snatching is usually held on holidays or during festive gatherings in pastoral areas of Northwest China. Players are divided into several groups and race to grab the designated sheep. With the help of teammates, the first one to grab the sheep tries to carry the sheep to a designated place while the other teams try to seize the sheep. The team that successfully takes the sheep to the place wins.


 


  Parents feeling the heat of college entrance exam


While 9.57 million Chinese students fight for university seats in the cutthroat national college entrance examination that kicked off on Monday, it is no picnic for their parents, who are on a mission to keep all troubles at bay.

  Ask a candidate's mother, whose car broke down while she was driving her daughter to the No 5 Middle School in Dongcheng district, a Beijing exam center.

"It was 8:10 (am), with just 50 minutes left for the exam to begin. I told myself I must pretend that I am calm so my daughter wouldn't panic," she told China Daily, but did not wish to be named.

Since there were no vacant taxis in sight and she was running out of patience, the woman phoned 110 to ask the police for help. A police car arrived five minutes later.

"This is the first time I've used the police hotline in my life. Thanks to them my daughter made it on time."

But not everyone was as lucky.

Wang Nan, a Beijinger who accompanied his ward to the exam center, said he saw a student arrive at the high school affiliated to the Beijing Normal University just 10 minutes before the exam when he was actually supposed to be at the second high school.

"The student's parents looked pale when the police came forward to give them a ride to the other center. But they must have been late," he said.

Around 3,000 capital police officers are on duty during the two-day national college entrance exam, according to the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau.