URUMQI/WUHAN, April 28 (Xinhua) -- From the ancient streets of Kashgar to the cutting-edge robotics labs in Wuhan, a delegation of Pakistani media and think tank representatives concluded a visit to China, gaining firsthand insight into the country's regional development, technological prowess and the deepening cooperation between the two nations.
The "Pakistan media and think tank professionals China tour," held from April 18 to 28, took the 12-member delegation to northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and central China's Hubei Province before proceeding to Beijing.
On April 18, the delegation experienced a vibrant opening ceremony at the Kashgar Ancient City. A major government investment launched in 2010 revitalized the region, upgrading housing and infrastructure while preserving its cultural heritage. Tourism now provides a reliable source of income for many residents.
"Walking into the ancient city of Kashgar felt like traveling back hundreds or thousands of years, allowing one to appreciate its historical and cultural beauty," said Javaid Iqbal, president of the National Institute of Maritime Affairs of Pakistan. Appreciating the seamless blend of preserved traditional lifestyles with renovated spaces and tourism development, he called it a place where "old and new stories unfold simultaneously."
The following day, the group visited the one-million-acre windbreak and sand-fixation forest base in Markit County, on the edge of the Taklimakan Desert. Since 2012, local efforts have led to the planting of over 500,000 acres of trees to combat desertification.
Mir Salam Khan Jogezai, a public relations officer with Pakistan Television News, expressed his astonishment. "This project sends a very positive message. China is solving its environmental issues; it's a lesson for the entire world," he said. Drawing parallels to his home province of Balochistan, he expressed the hope to share Xinjiang's afforestation experience to address similar challenges of drought and water scarcity in Pakistan.
The delegation also explored the Kashgar area of China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone and the Urumqi International Land Port Area, key hubs in Xinjiang's booming foreign trade, which grew 19.9 percent year on year in 2025.
Shaheer Ahmad, a research assistant at the Center for Aerospace and Security Studies, highlighted Kashgar's strategic role as a crossroads for trade with Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and beyond. "It's a win-win situation," he said, noting the ease it brings to regional traders.
Zeeshan Khan, a reporter with Dunya News, was impressed by the land port's connectivity. "I was already aware this region is strategically important for China, but I didn't realize just how important. And I had no idea it was this developed," he said, vowing to share his observations with the Pakistani public.
The tour's second leg in Hubei Province showcased technological innovation and practical cooperation. On April 25, the delegates interacted with "Guangzi," a humanoid robot, at the Hubei Humanoid Robot Innovation Center.
"Guangzi is my new friend now," said Rashida Shoukat Sial, an anchor with Azad Digital Media, after filming a segment with it. The group witnessed robots performing tasks from logistics and cooking to security patrols.
Shaheer Ahmad termed it a "marvelous technological achievement," foreseeing applications in defense, security and healthcare. Muhamad Arif, bureau chief of Daily Balochistan Express, humorously expressed a desire to buy a barista robot for home.
At the Yangluo Port, a major container hub on the Yangtze River, the delegation had a chance to see the fully automated operation.
"What's impressive is its fully automated service since 2022, which requires much less labor and has cut costs by around 50 percent," said Shoukat Sial, who was deeply engaged with the port's AI and digital twin systems.
The visit to Wuhan Qingfa-Hesheng Seed Co., Ltd. underscored tangible agricultural cooperation. Since 2004, the company's hybrid rice seeds have helped Pakistan rise from the world's seventh to fourth-largest rice exporter. Its hybrid rapeseed varieties have also been widely adopted in Pakistan.
"Pakistan is an agricultural country, but we still lack high-quality seeds. China has provided many -- this has definitely benefited our farmers with higher yields," said Adnan Iftikhar, an editor with Sub News Media House. He noted that he sees significant potential for expanding cooperation to other crops like wheat and sugarcane.
The Wuhan segment concluded with a ride on the city's suspended monorail, or "sky rail," offering panoramic views. "It's our last destination in Wuhan, but my heart is here forever," said Mir Salam Khan Jogezai, adding that he is already planning a future family trip to China.
In Beijing, the delegation visited the Great Wall and learned about China's preservation efforts of ancient sites. They also toured Zhongguancun software park to gain insights into the development of AI and software information services. At the China International Exhibition Center (Shunyi Hall), they attended the 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition to witness the progress of China's automotive industry. ■
