Travel, business bloom from desert railway

Editor's note: Improved infrastructure, policy support and funding in areas with large populations of different ethnic groups have transformed people's lives. China Daily presents a series of stories about how China is determined to leave no ethnic group behind in the country's development, while inspiring them to embark on a new journey and make achievements in the new era. This article is the first installment, focusing on transportation in Xinjiang. It is also the ninth installment in a series of visual stories that highlight the important points on China's path to modernization.

Gulbar Herem enjoyed sitting by the window while taking the train back to her home in Qira county, Hotan prefecture, because she found the passing view of huge sand dunes breathtaking and surreal.

Outside the window, the Taklimakan Desert in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region flashed by as the train made its way along the railway tracks.