China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region receives over 100 million tourists annually from home and abroad, promoting the Silk Road as a tourist attraction.

The ancient Silk Road linked Xinjiang with eight nations. In 2002, Xinjiang reaped tourism revenue of 9.2 billion yuan (US$1.1 billion), making up 5.8 percent of the regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP), said Naymu Yasin, director of Xinjiang Tourism Bureau.

The Silk Road was an important route for Buddhism to enter China. Xinjiang was a rich land for Buddhism to develop, with many relics still remaining, said Ma Shichang, an expert with Beijing University.

The Silk Road was also a friendly road, linking west and east economically, politically and culturally. Developing the Silk Road would enhance mutual understanding and friendship and promote more cultural and economic exchanges, Naymu said at a tourism promotion in Beijing Wednesday.
 
(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2003)