Celebrations in Ningxia mark 60th founding anniversary

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Celebrations were held on Thursday to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China.

Ningxia, one of the five autonomous regions in China, was established on Oct. 25, 1958.

Click here to replay the live stream of the celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of Ningxia's founding

Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), delivered a speech during the event, reviewing the Ningxia's achievements since its founding.

Achievements

In the past six decades, the autonomous region's economy has grown by leaps and bounds, the livelihood of people has greatly improved, the ecological environment has been significantly bettered, and society has been stable and harmonious, Wang said.

A bird's-eye view of Yinchuan, the provincial capital of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in north-central China. /VCG Photo

He also stressed that since the 18th CPC National Congress was held, and under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at the core, the autonomous region has witnessed new progress and better quality development.

A critical progress has been made in poverty alleviation in the area, Wang stressed, noting that the number of people living in poverty has been reduced by 720,000 in the past five years.

A more unified China

In his speech, Wang charted that ways that unity among different ethnic groups in China can be achieved.

Wang called on people to stick to the leadership of the CPC. It has to be guaranteed that all the CPC's major policies will be solidly carried out, Wang emphasized.

He also said that people should always uphold the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Only when they follow that path can different ethnic groups in China enjoy prosperity and development, according to Wang.

He also called on people to always maintain the unity of the country, oppose separatist activities and attempts to separate or contain China in the name of protecting ethnic minorities, religions or human rights.

China is composed of 56 ethnic groups. /VCG Photo

We should always adhere to equal rights for all ethnic groups in China, Wang said, pointing out that we should make sure that all ethnic groups share comprehensive, true and thorough equality in their rights.

Wang also called for the upholding and improvement of regional ethnic autonomy, the unity and collaboration between different ethnic groups, and the joint development and common prosperity among them.

We should always follow the thoughts of building a community of a shared future for all ethnic groups in China, Wang said, stressing that we should respect the differences, tolerate the diversity, and boost solidarity among them.

Wang also talked about the importance of standing by the rule of law, asking people to obey it so as to achieve unity and stability among different ethnic groups in China.

Click here for more about the region: Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region 60 years on

Celebrations

A series of performances, featuring more than 8,000 performers from various local schools and government departments, entertained crowds later in the day. The shows highlighted the region's beautiful scenery, rich culture, improved quality of life and ethnic unity.

And the event renewed locals' pride in their hometown and the region. An elderly local resident said, "Life is getting better and better. And we feel happy as we grow old." Another young resident added, "The city has undergone big changes. Especially the transportation and urban landscape have improved a lot."

More than 20,000 people sit for the celebration on Sept. 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

The Helan Mountain Stadium is one of the most advanced stadiums in northwestern China. /VCG Photo

An acrobatic performance was put on during the celebration on Sept. 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

More than 20,000 people sit for the celebration, on Sept. 20, 2018. /VCG Photo

Ningxia is one of China's five ethnically autonomous regions. The area has the nation's largest Muslim population. Over the past 60 years, under the CPC leadership, Ningxia has made tremendous social and economic progress. Its GDP is 1,000 times higher than in 1958, and its per capita disposable income is 100 times higher.

Now Ningxia enjoys thriving businesses, including the wolfberry and wine industries as well as tourism. Locals say they are confident that Ningxia will have an even better future.

(CGTN's Hu Chao, Liu Yu also contributed to the story.)