Silk Road lost & found
- Source: The Global Times
- [22:40 May 12 2009]
- Comments
The eagle statue: the spanking new sculpture in the city square symbolizes the ethnic spirit of the Tajik people. Photo: Zhang Nanyi
Urban and rural construction might now finally be putting Tashkurgan on the map, but weather and geography still hinder economic development, said Pan Zhiping of the academy.
At an average altitude of about 4,000 meters, and with an 8,885-kilometer national frontier, Tashkurgan is not your typical tourism destination: It takes at least 14 hours and 3,000 yuan to get from Beijing to Tashkurgan county town via two local flights and a local bus.
"Tashkurgan will eventually become a first-class draw when tourists tire of the traditional attractions," said Pan, "but that takes time."
Despite some geographic and political disadvantages, "Tashkurgan has unique advantages in terms of its natural and historical characteristics," said Zang Aiwu, the county Party secretary.
Banderi family photo: the Banderi family live in the suburbs of Tashkurgan county town. The two young men in military uniform are currently studying at a military academy in Beijing. Photo: Huang Lei
The 2-billion yuan Xia Diban hydroelectric power plant will be finished next year to meet rising industrial demand, said Zang.
"By forging the county into a bridgehead for central Asia and southern Asia economic zones of interest, people living at the far end of western China will gain opportunities to enjoy the same living standards as metropolitans," Zang said.
Gold, crystal, copper and iron lie beneath the surface of Tashkurgan awaiting investment and exploration, said county vice chief Meng Jiannong.
More skeptical is Wenzhou businessman Shuai Yikan, one of the pioneering entrepreneurs who opened a mine here.
"The price of tungsten I exploit here varies dramatically in response to the international price fluctuations," he said.
"The exploitation season also only lasts about six months, plus the work is more energy-consuming as it's performed at such an altitude.
"I think further investment needs a more careful reconsideration and evaluation."
It's not always easy to gather proper and reliable data on the ground, said county vice chief Meng. Industrial research and development cannot happen overnight.
"Once the power plant is fully functional," said Party secretary Zang, "every industrial complex will have plenty of electricity to go round and that will solve a lot of problems.