Northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region is marking the 60th anniversary of its founding. On Thursday, a ceremony was held in the capital city Yinchuan to commemorate the occasion. Our reporter Hu Chao joined local and top officials as well as many others at the grand event.  

An anniversary celebration marking great strides. In 60 years as an autonomous region, Ningxia has gone from a remote area to one of China's most prolific places. A high-level delegation from China's central government attended the opening ceremony Thursday afternoon. It was at Helan Mountain Stadium in Ningxia's capital city of Yinchuan. Delegation leader Wang Yang, who also serves as member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and the chairman of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC, made a keynote speech.  

WANG YANG MEMBER, STANDING COMMITTEE OF CPC POLITBURO CENTRAL COMMITTEE "Ever since the 18th CPC national congress, under the leadership of President Xi, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has made new historic achievements in terms of reform and opening as well as modernization construction as a result of the dilligence and solidarity of the local people. Ningxia has stepped into a brand new era which enjoys the fastest development, the biggest transformations and the best interest of local residents."  

A series of performances entertained crowds later in the day. Performers came from various local schools and government departments. 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 province.  

YINCHUAN RESIDENT NINGXIA HUI AUTONOMOUS REGION "Life is getting better and better. And we feel happy as we grow old."  

YINCHUAN RESIDENT NINGXIA HUI AUTONOMOUS REGION  "The city has undergone big changes. Especially the transportation and urban landscape, those have improved a lot."

Ningxia is one of China's five ethnically autonomous regions. The area has the nation's largest Muslim population. Over the past sixty years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, Ningxia has made tremendous social and economic progress. Since 1958, its GDP has grown about 1,000 times and its per capita disposable income has risen about 100 times.  

HU CHAO HELAN MOUNTAIN STADIUM YINCHUAN, NINGXIA HUI AUTONOMOUS REGION "Around 20,000 locals spent the day here at the stadium for today's celebration. As the music and dancing continue, joy and happiness are all around. Many locals say they welcome guests from all over the world, adding that they are confident that Ningxia will have an even better next 60 years. Hu Chao, CGTN, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region."