Ethnic unity powering social progress, prosperity (4)

Students play Go at a school in Wushi county, Xinjiang, in September last year. REN QINQIN/XINHUA

Direct beneficiaries

In Xinjiang, people have tasted the fruit of ethnic unity and become its direct beneficiaries. They are determined to be more united in the future, which is also crucial for China's development, said Cai Lei from the Xibe ethnic group.

Cai owns a guesthouse on the outskirts of Urumqi, which is a popular wedding venue. "We have hosted weddings for couples from the Kazak, Hui and Uygur ethnic groups, which follow different customs and traditions," he said.

Cai's employees are also from different ethnic backgrounds.

"I hope they can share their unique customs and traditions with the guests and turn the guesthouse into a place to showcase the diverse cultures in Xinjiang. Meanwhile, we are also one big family."

The social stability brought by enhanced ethnic unity in recent years has made people feel greatly encouraged and confident about Xinjiang's future, Cai said. That's why many Xinjiang people who went to other parts of China for work or business have come back after seeing the great potential of their home, he added.

"It's clear that ethnic solidarity has become a critical guarantee for Xinjiang's social progress and prosperity," he said.