"For a fairly long historical period, Xinjiang was the most important land route for Chinese civilization's external exchanges," said Wu Xinhua, a research fellow at the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "Xinjiang is the only place on the Eurasian continent that directly links several major regions, namely East Asia, West Asia, South Asia and Central Asia. It is not only a boundary between vast geographical regions but also the largest corridor for the exchange of human civilizations in Eurasia. Xinjiang has made great contributions to the exchange between Eastern and Western civilizations."

Bridging civilizations 

In ancient times, people carrying goods and ideas crossed the Pamir Plateau, passed through the scattered oases and grasslands, continued eastward via the Hexi Corridor or the Mongolian Plateau, and then would reach the heartland of Chinese civilization.

A length of grapevine measuring 115 cm was unearthed from the Yanghai Tombs in the northeastern part of Turpan in 2003 and is now kept in the Museum of Turpan Prefecture. Testing determined the grapevine to be 2,300 years old. This finding has rewritten the previously held belief that grape cultivation in China commenced subsequent to Zhang Qian's expeditions to the Western Regions, regions west of China's Central Plains including today's Xinjiang.

It is therefore safe to say that before Zhang's historic expeditions, which began in 138 B.C. and 119 B.C., respectively, grapes originating in West Asia had been introduced to Xinjiang, a sign of Xinjiang's time-honored links with other parts of Eurasia. These grapes were characterized by their abundant clusters, succulence and sweetness. Such was their allure that the tomb occupant chose to include the grapevine in the burial, expressing the hope of continuing to savor this precious delicacy in the afterlife.

China has a human history stretching back 1 million years, a cultural heritage spanning 10,000 years and a civilization with a lineage of over 5,000 years. The interactions between Xinjiang and the Central Plains region trace their origins all the way back to prior to the founding of the Qin Dynasty, China's first unified imperial dynasty, in 221 B.C. Routes such as the Jade Route, the Painted Pottery Route, the Millet Route and the Wheat Route gradually took form amid these exchanges.

Some scholars contend that a triangular blue-and-white jade ornament unearthed from the Jiangzhai site, dating back around 6,700-6,300 years and located in modern-day Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, is the earliest Hetian (Hotan) jade artifact to emerge in the Central Plains. In 1976, during the excavation of the tomb of Fuhao, the consort of King Wuding of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.), at the Yinxu site in Anyang, Henan Province, numerous Hetian jade articles originating from the Kunlun Mountains in Xinjiang were unearthed.

In 60 B.C., the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220) unified the Western Regions and established the Western Regions Frontier Command as a military and administrative institution to govern the area. As a result, the routes from the Central Plains to Xinjiang and on to the rest of Asia and Europe became more open. An increasing variety of goods in a growing range of categories and with greater levels of sophistication circulated along these routes. The exchange between Eastern and Western civilizations gradually intensified, converging and surging in Xinjiang.

"There are only four cultural systems in the world that boast a long history, cover extensive regions, possess self-developed frameworks and wield far-reaching influence: the Chinese, Indian, Greek, and Islamic cultures. There is no fifth. And there is only one location where these four cultural systems converge, namely the Dunhuang and Xinjiang region in China. There is no second," said the celebrated scholar Ji Xianlin (1911-2009). Dunhuang in Gansu Province, which borders Xinjiang, is known for the Mogao Caves, a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist mural art.

The unique geographical environment of Xinjiang makes it a huge magnet, attracting diverse cultures and religions to converge, communicate, clash and integrate. Religions such as Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Taoism and Islam have successively spread to Xinjiang. Moreover, Xinjiang is like a gigantic crucible, constantly melting together different religions throughout history, thus forming a pattern where multiple religions coexist.

Although Zoroastrianism faded into history long ago, the ethnic groups in Xinjiang that once adhered to this faith still preserve the tradition of fire worship. For example, in certain localities, prior to entering the bridal chamber, a bride is required to circle around a bonfire.

Common identity 

Thanks to its status as a geographical thoroughfare, Xinjiang has been a place populated by diverse ethnic groups since time immemorial. From the Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), China's last imperial dynasty, ethnic groups were constantly on the move. Picture, if you will, a dynamic map depicting these ancient migrations in Xinjiang, with waves of ethnic groups ebbing, flowing and combining, leaving their unique imprints on the rich tapestry of Xinjiang's heritage.

Duan Qing (1953-2022) was a prominent historical linguist and a star pupil of Ji. Her life was centered around the study of ancient languages and scripts, especially those extinct tongues of the Western Regions. The languages, scripts and texts she studied brought to life the many times and peoples of Xinjiang.

Duan once said the most profound historical exchanges occurred during ethnic migrations. She delved into the migratory patterns of the Sai people, known as the Scythians in Greek historical accounts. This group once thrived on the grasslands of north Xinjiang and in some oases in the south before assimilating into larger communities.

Historically, inhabitants of the Yutian region utilized both Chinese and the Yutian language, which bore a striking resemblance to that used by the Sai people. Additionally, certain aspects of the Yutian people's lifestyle were similar to those of the Sai. Nevertheless, they did not identify as Sai.

In all Yutian-script documents unearthed to date, the scribes consistently identified themselves as Yutian natives. This is an example of the evolving ethnic identity that emerged after successive waves of integration over the ages.

During the late Qing Dynasty, China witnessed a decline in national strength. As foreign invaders swooped in, Xinjiang felt the effects.

From supporting the Qing army in quelling rebellions to resisting the invasion of the Khanate of Kokand, the people of Xinjiang further cemented their bonds in the course of repelling foreign aggression and safeguarding national unity and territorial integrity. This patriotic spirit, with maintaining national unity as its top priority, has struck a chord with all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.

Ever since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Xinjiang has seen successive waves of contributions. For instance, People's Liberation Army soldiers transitioned from military service to establish the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, with the mission of protecting and developing border regions, symbolically "turning swords into ploughshares."

Throughout the ages, those who have flocked to Xinjiang and made it their home have been driven by a diverse range of motives. Some were escaping the ravages of war and turmoil, others were answering the call to safeguard the nation's border, and still others were in search of a better career. After all, Xinjiang is a vast expanse with a relatively low population density and an abundance of natural resources. It's no wonder that people hold this land and its inhabitants in high regard.

These days in Xinjiang, the prevalence of multiethnic families is on the upswing. In-depth interactions in work and life have also become commonplace. When posed with the query "Which ethnic group do you hail from?" many will respond, "I am of the Chinese nation!"

The musical drama Ban Chao is a vivid and poignant historical narrative. In the year 76, Ban Chao, a senior official stationed in the Western Regions, received an imperial order to head to a new post in the Han court. Upon hearing the news, local nobles and officials wept, saying, "We depend on you just as we depend on our parents. You simply cannot leave." Ban, who once headed the Western Regions Frontier Command, played a key role in maintaining local security and facilitating trade along the Silk Road. They begged Ban to stay. Deeply touched, Ban declined his new appointment. He held his ground in the Western Regions for 31 years, ensuring stability in the Western Regions.

"Ban served as the 'bridge' connecting the Western Regions and the Central Plains during the Han Dynasty. He stands as a representative of those who have strived to safeguard national stability throughout the ages. His story mirrors the images of countless committed individuals who are currently rooted in the border regions, selflessly dedicated, and united in their efforts," Chen Wei, chief director of Ban Chao, said.

Now Xinjiang has been reinvigorated by the Belt and Road Initiative, a China-proposed initiative that aims to boost connectivity along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes. Xinjiang has an international border stretching over 5,700 km, sharing boundaries with eight countries. It has 20 ports of entry and is the most expedient overland passage linking China to Central Asia, West Asia, South Asia and beyond.

In south Xinjiang, the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway is scheduled to begin in July. In north Xinjiang, the Tacheng-Ayaguz Railway is under construction. It will be the third cross-border railway connecting China and Kazakhstan, after those at Alashankou (Alataw Pass) and Huoerguosi (Khorgas or Horgos).

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