Folk dance performance in the 17th Urumqi fair in 2008 (Photo: wlmqwb)

Grape eating competition in the 16th Urumqi fair in 2007 (Photo: wlmqwb)

The 19th Urumqi fair opened on September 1st, with thousands of guests from home and abroad getting together in Urumqi to discus the development prospect of Xinjiang. The fair not only promotes economy in Xinjiang but also plays an active role in balancing the development in east and west China. While this will be the last session of Urumqi fair, it will be upgraded to a state-level expo next year.