Celebrations held for 50th founding anniversary of Xinjiang
( 2005-10-01 )

In addition, Xinjiang accounts for 40 percent of China's coal reserves.

Xinjiang is also known for its high output of palatable fruits and varied terrains, ranging from high mountains, Gobi deserts to vast grasslands and glaciers, which attracts a growing number of tourists.

There are 47 ethnic groups in Xinjiang. The population of minority ethnic groups number 11.83 million, or around 60 percent of the total population in Xinjiang.

Establishment of the autonomous region turned over a new leaf in the history of Xinjiang. Today, officials from minority ethnic groups account for 51.8 percent of the total in the region. More than 60 percent of students here enjoy freecompulsory education. More than 97 percent of school-age children here go to school.

Over the 50 years, the Central Government provided 47 percent of the investment in fixed assets in Xinjiang.

Xinjiang was liberated peacefully in 1949. On Oct. 1, 1955, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region was officially founded.

A grand art performance featuring dances and songs full of Uygur flavors was staged at the celebration.

Also on Saturday, 9.5 million sets of stamps were issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Stamp companies inBeijing, Shandong and other places of the country also issued first day covers of the same theme.