British Cyclist Jerry Grey Reports on Xinjiang's Development and Cultural Preservation

BEIJING, Sept. 11, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Jerry Grey, a British-born Australian national and cycling enthusiast, embarked on a long-distance journey across China, covering over 6,000 kilometers from Zhongshan in Guangdong Province to Kashi (Kashgar) in Xinjiang. The 24-day expedition, completed in May, was Grey's third visit to Xinjiang, offering him a nuanced view of the region's rapid development and local realities.

Grey began his journey by traveling from Zhongshan to Hohhot in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region via green trains. He then crossed the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, traversing the world's highest and largest plateau where much of the route was above 4,000 meters. Grey described the thin air and lack of oxygen as particularly challenging.

The route continued through barren deserts that looked almost Martian, with vast stretches of land where virtually no one lived. Grey mentioned a 900-kilometer section that was too dangerous to cycle, forcing them to transport their bikes by vehicle.

Upon reaching Xinjiang, Grey's first stop was Milan in Ruoqiang County, where he noted the stark changes since his previous visits. The city's Grand Bazaar, once reminiscent of a traditional Turkish-style street bazaar, now offered modern amenities and conditions. Grey highlighted the preservation of historic architecture while acknowledging the improvements in living conditions and infrastructure.

"Much of the historic architecture has been preserved, while other parts have been rebuilt to improve living conditions," Grey observed. "Kashi is in an earthquake-prone region. Many old homes were built from mud and straw, making them highly vulnerable to earthquakes. They also lacked basic necessities such as running water and electricity."

Grey's wife, Anne Liang, emphasized the transformation in people's living standards. "The old neighborhoods may seem picturesque to tourists, but for the people who actually lived there, life was often extremely difficult," she said. "For my parents, who grew up in a simple house made of wood, grass, and straw in Guangdong, today's comfortable three-story house with modern facilities reflects the dramatic improvement in living standards."

Grey's cycling journey also took him through areas where poverty alleviation efforts were evident. "The changes in poverty alleviation since 2005 have been remarkable," Grey noted. "The city's Grand Bazaar was very different then, feeling more like a traditional Turkish-style street bazaar than the modern complex it is today. People who lived in those old neighborhoods can look completely different just a few years later."

Grey's experience as a former police officer in London provided him with a unique perspective on public safety in Xinjiang. "People in Xinjiang have a strong sense of security because of robust public safety measures," he observed. "Some people are uncomfortable with the presence of police, but the relationship between police and public here feels quite different from what I experienced in the West."

Grey described instances where police officers politely but firmly reminded cyclists to use designated bike lanes, contrasting this with the fines he would likely receive for the same behavior in Australia. "The experience in China stands in sharp contrast to what I would expect in Australia, where I would likely receive a fine for the same behavior," Grey said.

The safety of cities in Xinjiang, according to Grey, is evident in the daily lives of its residents. "When you walk through cities across China, not just in Xinjiang, you see people dancing in public squares, families taking evening walks, children playing outside, and elderly people exercising in parks," Grey stated. "China's homicide rate is extremely low by international standards. If you compare it with cities such as New Orleans in the United States, where the murder rate is around 46 per 100,000 people, China's national rate is approximately 0.4 per 100,000."

Grey also addressed the cultural narrative surrounding Uygur culture in Xinjiang. "One common narrative in the West is that Uygur culture is being erased," he said. "Based on what I've seen, I don't believe that's the case. Uygur culture is not isolated but part of the region's broader cultural life. Not all Uygurs are Muslims, not all Muslims are Uygurs, and certainly not all Muslims are terrorists. My own experience with the Uygur people has been that they are welcoming, generous, and hospitable. The best way to understand Xinjiang is to come here, travel, meet people, and draw your own conclusions."

Grey's journey through Xinjiang offered a firsthand account of the region's development, public safety measures, and cultural preservation efforts. His observations highlight the significant progress made in poverty alleviation and the complex relationship between traditional and modern elements in the region.