URUMQI -- A total of 24 journalists from 23 countries have participated in a media tour of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, focusing on its role as the core zone of the Silk Road Economic Belt.

Organized by China's State Council Information Office, the delegation visited communities, businesses, cultural venues and religious sites in the cities of Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar from June 30 to July 8, gaining firsthand insight into the harmonious lives of Xinjiang's residents of various ethnic groups, the region's economic growth driven by innovation and its vibrant cultural heritage.

After watching a documentary on counter-terrorism and visiting an exhibition highlighting Xinjiang's efforts in this field, Zabeirou Souley, president of Times newspaper in Niger, noted that his country faces similar challenges and can learn from China's experience.

Citing visits to the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar and the Xinjiang Islamic Institute, he said that people in Xinjiang fully enjoy freedom of religious belief.

As a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road, Xinjiang is now experiencing renewed vitality in economic, trade and cultural exchanges under the Belt and Road Initiative.

During the tour, journalists were impressed by Xinjiang's advancements in modern agriculture and high-tech industries.

Toshimichi Kitafuji, a reporter from Japan's Kyodo News, showed interest in the region's innovative applications, such as automotive testing under extreme heat, salt-tolerant rice cultivation, drone-assisted cotton farming and AI-driven automated production in cotton processing.

"As a key hub of the Silk Road Economic Belt, Xinjiang holds immense potential for future growth," he said.

Xinjiang's rich cultural diversity also captivated the foreign visitors.

Samia Boulahlib, a reporter from Algeria's El Moudjahid, expressed admiration for the traditional performances in the ancient city of Kashgar, which showcased the city's deep historical and cultural roots.

At an exhibition hall in Jiashi county, Abdiqani Abdullahi Ahmed from the Somalia National News Agency learned about local residents' decades-long struggle for clean drinking water — one of the projects exemplifying China's historic feat of shaking off absolute poverty.

"I saw these with my own eyes. Everyone here has something to do and they live happily," he said.