Ethnic unity powering social progress, prosperity

"Besides communicating with each other during my flag-raising ceremony, now people from the 14 ethnic groups in the Hardun community often have meals together and taste the signature dishes of different ethnic groups," he added.

"The music of all ethnic groups can be played on the accordion, which is the most popular instrument in Tacheng. We are just one big family with no distinction between one ethnic group and another," he said.

The Hardun community is home to 3,821 residents living in 1,510 households, and people from ethnic minority groups account for 66.69 percent of the total population. What's more, the number of mixed families formed by different ethnic groups has reached 274.

Bahargul, Party secretary of the community, said integration had happened gradually over time.

"Forging ethnic unity always starts with little, but heartwarming things," said Bahargul, who asked to be identified by one name. "For example, residents have the habit of leaving the front gates of their houses open so neighbors will feel that they are welcome to visit at any time. It goes beyond people's need for a sense of security when they do this."

Khalitan Ylahon is one of those residents who leaves her gate open, and her house is known as the "rose garden" for the colorful flowers that crowd her front yard.

Khalitan, from the Uygur ethnic group, learned how to cook a wide variety dishes from her relatives, who are from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Her husband is Uzbek, her younger sister married a Kazak, her older sister married a Tatar, and her son-in-law's father is Russian. From them, she learned how to make Uzbek stewed lamb with fruits and vegetables, Kazak horse and lamb noodle soups, and Tatar cakes.

"I am very proud of my family and the community," Khalitan said.

"Having lived together for so long, we have come to understand each other's languages, grown accustomed to each other's cuisines, and moved in harmony to the rhythm of each other's music. It feels like we are having parties all the time because we celebrate the festivals of different ethnic groups together. I believe it's a life that can make many people jealous," she said.