PRETTY PURPLE FIELD: Tourists take pictures in a lavender garden in Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on June 22 (CFP)

On September 5, 24,000 passengers arrived in and left Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region through Urumqi Airport with China Southern Air. It marked the highest recorded passenger throughput by the airline in Xinjiang for 2014.

The new record has been primarily attributed to the fourth session of the China-Eurasia Expo, held in Urumqi on September 1-6. After a few bleak months for the regional tourism, Xinjiang finally welcomed a surge in visitors.

Slow recovery

August and September are the most wonderful months in Xinjiang. The weather is pleasant, the sun shines and a variety of delicious fruits are in season. Unfortunately, after a series of terror attacks around the country by groups known to have a presence in Xinjiang, tourism industry in the region has become somewhat stagnant.

It is reported that the number of tourists to Xinjiang has dropped by 40 percent compared to 2013. The image of Xinjiang with rich ethnic cultures, delicious food and stunning scenery has been stained by the violence committed by terrorists.

Xinjiang quickly took actions. In late May, Xinjiang announced an offer of 500 yuan ($80) in cash to each visitor to Xinjiang.

"Clouds cannot block the sun," said Inam Nesirdi, the region's tourism chief. "There has never been a single tourist injured during a trip to the region."

"I think people have made exaggerations of the danger in Xinjiang," said a female tourist surnamed Su from east China's Jiangsu Province at the International Big Bazaar in Urumqi. "I didn't dare to come to Xinjiang at first but my husband persuaded me. After a few days staying in Urumqi, my worries melted away. We are planning to go to Kashgar next."

"I think it is the best time to come as there are not many tourists here and we can enjoy the scenery," said Su's husband Zhang.