The Chinese government has invested heavily in the cultural development of the southern part of Xinjiang.

The Chinese government has invested heavily in the cultural development of the southern part of Xinjiang. [CCTV.com]

The city of Kashgar is the center of Xinjiang Uygur culture. And it has benefited from the investment.

The central government has allocated nearly 700-million yuan over the past four years for the protection of the city's cultural heritage.

This has enabled many local residents to start their own businesses selling traditional hand-made music instruments near tourist spots.

Some now have business ties with other parts of the country, including Beijing and Shanghai. And 14 folk arts in Kashgar have been listed as part of China's cultural heritage.

A local musician who plays a traditional instrument says sweet-sounding music can only exist in harmonious society.

(CCTV July 20, 2009)