cross-posted from: https://lemmygrad.ml/post/12967634

Five years ago, I visited two cities in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region: Kashgar and the capital Urumqi. I went back again to see just how things have changed.

In Kashgar, I was refused entry to mosques, discovered an elderly Uygur working for much less than minimum wage, and chatted with children who are forced to learn a language that is completely foreign to them. But trust me, it's not what you think! And since I'm not the BBC or Buzzfeed, I will actually tell you guys the full story.

Come with me as I explore the ancient city of Kashgar and the modern metropolis of Urumqi, talking exclusively with ethnic minorities in the region.

In Urumqi, I visit a Uygur language radio station and a Uygur language newspaper, despite Western pundits claiming the language is banned.

And I celebrate Eid al-Adha, or Festival of the Sacrifice, the largest Muslim festival in all of Xinjiang, which gives the people of the region an extra five days of annual leave. More than anyone else in the rest of China. That is all despite Western pundits claiming religion is suppressed here.

I spent the day celebrating with a local family, eating lamb that was freshly slaughtered in accordance with tradition.

Don't be tricked by Western media and governments who are using Xinjiang as a tool against China and its development. Instead, come with me to see the place and chat with the locals.