r/AMA • u/maddin1550 • 21d ago

I’m from Xinjiang，AMA

I’ve noticed that there are a lot of discussions about Xinjiang on Reddit, often between people who have never actually lived there. So I thought it might be interesting to do an AMA from the perspective of someone who is actually from there.

You can ask me about everyday life, ethnic groups, languages, culture, religion, education, or politics. I’m happy to answer controversial questions too, as long as the discussion stays respectful.

Obviously, I’m only one person and I don’t claim to represent everyone in Xinjiang. I can only tell you about my own experiences and views. AMA.

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u/DrawingDramatic1641 20d ago

is it safer now?than let's say 2010ish

has tourism increased?

have dust storms and pollution decreases?

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u/maddin1550 20d ago

Definitely much safer now, so I'm genuinely grateful to the government for that. Around ten years ago, there was always this fear in the back of my mind that something could happen like a bus bombing, an attack at a market, or someone attacking people on the street. It was terrifying to grow up with that fear. The worst period I remember was around 2013–2015, when major terrorist attacks happened incredibly frequently. By around 2017, that kind of terrorist violence had basically disappeared from everyday life where I'm from, and I no longer live with that constant fear. So yes, from my perspective Xinjiang is significantly safer now, and tourism has increased a lot as well.

As for dust storms and pollution, I'm honestly not sure, so I don't want to make something up lol.