The Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region was founded 60 years ago and China Daily website has selected some ordinary people from the region to provide a vivid reflection of local people's lives through their daily routines.
Among them are a Kazak teacher who has witnessed great change in the region; Uygur women who once became extremists; a young engineer planning to develop his career in Xinjiang and an Imam that is kept busy helping his village become better off.
Uygur woman leaves religious extremism for normal life
"I want them to know that when you cover yourselves with black robes and veils, you have isolated yourselves from your family and the whole outside world."
Habiba, 39, lives at Luopu county in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. As the backbone of her family, her parents always counted on her and turned to her for help whenever they had difficulties.
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Disabled man opens barbecue stall despite all odds
"At the beginning I cried every day behind my wife's back. I was not resigned to be bedridden for the rest of my life."
Ma Tianyong, 52, works among the tables and chairs in Xiaoma Barbecue Shop on his special electric wheelchair every day.
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Oasis dwellers' knack for spinning yarn
"We still use the same techniques and natural dyes, so what you see now is exactly what would have been sold on the ancient Silk Road."
Every morning Ausman Tarim, 72, walks to a tiny factory near his home to put his wrinkled hands to work.
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Kazak teacher has seen dramatic changes in Xinjiang
"The changes here are an epitome of Xinjiang, and I hope I can make more of a contribution to the development of this place."
Hali, 61, from the Kazak ethnic group, is a retired middle school teacher from Qitai county in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
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The story of a new Xinjianger and a new station
"With the support from the whole county, Xinjiang is a promising land full of development potential. It is a good place to build my career."
He, 26, is a deputy project manager for the Xinjiang Branch of China Construction Third Engineering Bureau.
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Turpan's 'grape broker' sets the standard others aspire to
"I have regarded 'broker' as my formal work. I know most buyers in Turpan.”
Having planted grapes for more than 25 years, Tang Peijun is extraordinarily good at nurturing the fruit which has made him famous among villagers.
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Kazak woman's life is dedicated to dance
"All my hard work paid off. I am grateful that my hometown offered me such a great platform. We will try our best to show excellent performances in every show and deliver happiness to people of all ethnic groups.”
To Dinar Hasan, dancing is as important as life, and a lifetime career in dance is her goal.
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A day in the life of Muslims during Ramadan in NW China
Those in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, Northwest China, such as a master worker getting up early in the morning; an imam becoming better off through his diligent work and a dedicated football coach, are hopeful about the future.
Ramadan is an important religious festival and Chinese Muslims are no different to any other followers of Islam around the globe.
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