Beijing Women's Federation

In the golden days of October, a heartwarming journey spanning more than 4,000 kilometers brought families from Beijing and Kunyu, Xinjiang closer together. From October 1 to 5, with funding support from Beijing’s paired assistance program, the Women’s Federation of the 14th Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) and the Beijing Municipal Women’s Federation jointly organized the “I Love Beijing Tian’anmen” Beijing–Kunyu Family Exchange and Study Tour, which concluded successfully. Five Beijing families recognized as the “Most Beautiful Families” traveled thousands of kilometers to the 47th Regiment, where each was paired with a local family. Through shared learning experiences and activities, the families got to know one another, build friendships, and add a heartwarming new chapter to the friendship between Beijing and Kunyu.

At the welcome gathering, the children were initially a little shy but soon warmed up to one another through fun icebreakers, including a round-robin self-introduction game. The families from the two regions were then paired up, exchanged carefully chosen gifts, shared contact information, and warmly invited one another to visit. “You’re always welcome in Kunyu!” “And you’re welcome to visit Beijing next time! We can go to the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square together!” came the reply. These heartfelt invitations laid the foundations for lasting friendships between the families.

After the pairing, the families visited the Memorial Hall of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s March into Hotan. In this land known as the “hometown of desert veterans”, they learned about the moving stories of the desert veterans who dedicated their youth, and ultimately their entire lives, to their mission. They listened as descendants of these veterans recounted how their forebears had marched thousands of li on foot across the Taklamakan Desert, known as the “Sea of Death”, to reach Hotan. Following in the footsteps of these pioneers, the families retraced the route across the desert, gaining a deeper appreciation of the spirit of the XPCC and drawing inspiration from the perseverance and dedication of earlier generations.

As night fell, a bonfire gathering brought the event to its climax. The families gathered around the fire to share stories, while the children played and learned together. They prepared Xinjiang’s signature big-plate chicken and skewered lamb, sampling the distinctive cuisine of southern Xinjiang amid the lively, convivial atmosphere and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the people of the XPCC. The firelight illuminated their smiling faces, reflecting the deepening bonds between Beijing and Kunyu.

From their first meeting and family pairings to red study tours, from the bonfire gathering to culinary experiences, the families grew closer through interaction and shared experiences, forging genuine and lasting friendships. In the days that followed, the Beijing families also visited the Hotan Museum, Tuancheng, Emerald Lake, and other local attractions. These visits offered them a glimpse into the millennia-old cultural heritage of ancient Khotan and the distinctive beauty of southern Xinjiang, further enriching their journey of discovery in Hotan. The parents agreed to meet again the following year, while the children promised to keep chatting online.

Beijing and Kunyu are bound by family ties and friendship that transcends thousands of kilometers. The seeds of ethnic unity are quietly taking root in the hearts of children from both regions.