Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, as a treasured gem along the Silk Road, has been a sacred meeting point of Eastern and Western civilizations. It holds within it the echoes of a profound history while pulsing with new life in the modern age, continuing its story across the vast expanse of time.

From August 13 to 20, 2024, a delegation of Sinologists, translators, and writers from China and abroad visited Xinjiang, an event co-organized by the foreign Liaison Department of the China Writers Association, the Foreign Cultural Exchange Association of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and the Federation of Literary and Art Circles of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. I had the honor of participating in the event.

Over the past 16 years of studying, working, and living in China, I have passed through Xinjiang several times, making brief stops at the Urumqi International Airport for transfers. Yet, I had never truly a chance to unravel the mystery surrounding this fascinating region, nor had I delved into its rich, diverse cultures and unique customs. Now, through the visiting event, I finally had the opportunity to immerse myself in the infinite fascinating charms and profound historical and cultural heritage of Xinjiang.

Xinjiang through lens of ancient Iranian poetry

On January 21, 2016, during his visit to Iran, Chinese President Xi Jinping published a signed article titled "Work Together for a Bright Future of China-Iran Relations" on Iranian newspaper Iran. In this article, President Xi Jinping mentioned the Iranian poet Saadi (1208–1291) twice. First, he traced Saadi's extraordinary journey to Kashgar in Xinjiang in the 13th century, a historical moment that symbolizes the cultural exchanges and deep friendship between China and Iran. Then, he quoted one of Saadi's poems to highlight how the two ancient civilizations overcame the trials of distance and hardship to learn from and appreciate one another through the enduring Silk Road, whether by land or sea, as well as the deep friendship and longstanding interactions between the peoples of both nations.