Hong Kong Customs organised a "Belt and Road Exploration Tour" to Xinjiang for Customs YES, from July 12 to 18. Deputy Commissioner (Management and Strategic Development) of Customs and Excise, Ms Phoebe Wong, together with representatives of the Executive Committee of Customs YES, led a delegation of 40 Customs YES members to Xinjiang to deepen young people's understanding of the country's development blueprint and strengthen their sense of belonging to the nation through experiential learning and exchange activities.

     To enhance the members' understanding of national development strategies, the delegation first visited the Urumqi International Land Port to learn about the operation and strategic planning of inland international logistics hubs. The delegation also visited Khorgos Sixth-Generation National Gate, Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center, Khorgos Gateway, and Central Asia Gas Pipeline Metering Station to gain firsthand insights into the nation's strategic blueprint for promoting transnational logistics and energy connectivity, appreciate the nation's westward opening‑up strategy, and better understand Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" under the Belt and Road Initiative.

     The delegation also learned about the key industries promoted under the China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone, including the cotton, dairy and new energy sectors, through visits to the Xinjiang Cotton Science and Experiential Learning Centre, Illi Yimuxin Dairy Company and the Xinjiang Huadian Xuehu Wind Farm. Members gained a deeper appreciation of how Xinjiang integrates modern industrial development with its traditional resource advantages.

     The delegation then visited the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Reclamation Museum to gain deeper insights into Xinjiang's history and development, further enhancing their understanding of the country's development and fostering a stronger sense of national identity and belonging.

     During the tour, the delegation explored various Xinjiang landmarks, including the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, Jianglaicheng and Xinjiang Ancient Ecological Park Akhal-Teke Horse Base. The delegation also toured the Guozigou Bridge and Sayram Lake, enabling members to learn more about the nation's achievements in green ecological development and cultural preservation in its central and western regions.

     This study tour received partial funding from the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau and the Youth Development Commission. It is also one of the Tour to the Motherland for a Hundred Youth activities organised by Hong Kong Customs. Customs YES will continue to organise various activities to promote youth development and foster a stronger sense of national identity and national pride among members.

Ends/Saturday, July 18, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:15

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