Xinjiang digs into Silk Road legacy for tourism gold

Xinjiang is leveraging its rich Silk Road heritage to boost its tourism industry, as reported by Xinhua on September 17.In Urumqi, the "Silk Road Has a Show" theater complex is a prime example. Covering 31,600 square meters, it features eight immersive shows that use audio-visual technology to recreate stories from the Silk Road, ranging from the Loulan civilization to the art of the ancient Qiuci state. The complex also includes shopping and dining areas, allowing visitors to experience Xinjiang's culture firsthand. Since its opening in January 2025, it has attracted over 300,000 visitors and created about 1,000 jobs.Kuqa, historically known as Qiuci, is another key area. It has renovated old residences with the principle of minimal intervention, preserving their historical authenticity while integrating cultural elements. The Kuqa Nang Cultural Complex and the music and dance digital experience center are popular among tourists.喀什地区则依托非物质文化遗产，形成了喀什古城、疏附县民族乐器村等特色非遗聚集区。喀什古城景区入选“全国非遗与旅游融合发展优秀案例”。Overall, by tapping into the Silk Road legacy, Xinjiang is not only preserving history but also driving cultural and tourism integration, which has boosted local employment and economic development.