Date: Oct. 2, 2021

Source: School of Journalism and Communication

Authors: Tang Junyan, Xu Jing, Yang Bowen et al.

More than 40 teachers and students o five teams in the Spreading China training camp of JNU's School of Journalism and Communication traveled to Hotan, Kashgar and other places in Xinjiang to carry out reserach social practice under the theme of rural revitalization, nature protection and cultural heritage from Sept. 24 to Oct. 2. The teams observed the achievements of Xinjiang's development and construction and the harmonious life of local ethnic groups.

In this survey, the students hope to publicize the natural scenery and customs of Xinjiang through their professional work; tell the true story of Xinjiang from the younger generation's perspective; and show the world a true, multi-dimensional Xinjiang.

(Students conducting surveys and interviews)

What impressed me deeply during my trip to Hotan was the craftsmen who adhered to the ancient folk culture, said Tang Junyan, a journalism major in the 2019 class, Mulberry paper and Aidelaisi silk, which have existed for thousands of years, are still passed down from generation to generation.

Yang Bowen, an international journalism major in the 2019 class, said: When I saw the farmers in the fields holding the fruits of a bumper crop, proud and gratified smiles on their faces, I was deeply impressed by the hardworking spirit of the local people. I am determined to use my lens to show people who have never been to Hotan and China the real Xinjiang and the real China.”

(The JNU delegation)

This Xinjiang research project took more than four months of preparation. In June, the School of Journalism and Communication opened the training camp, recruiting  100 more students. The camp invited more than 10 experts to give lectures and training, and finally selected more than 20 students, who were divided into five groups that went to different parts of Xinjiang to carry out the research.