In alignment with the requirements of the "National Reading Promotion Regulations" and with a focus on strengthening the sense of community among the Chinese nation, the Publicity Department of Yuli County in Xinjiang has recently established 15 public reading corners. These facilities are now fully operational and are located in key public areas such as hotels, bus stations, and administrative service halls, providing convenient and inclusive reading platforms for people of all ethnic groups. The initiative aims to make reading accessible to everyone and to integrate the culture of books into the fabric of both urban and rural communities, enriching the lives of residents.
The "National Reading Promotion Regulations," which came into effect on February 1, 2026, emphasize the construction of a national reading promotion system based on principles of public welfare, fundamental accessibility, equality, and convenience. The regulations encourage the installation of reading facilities in public service venues and include reading services for ethnic regions in the support system. Responding promptly, the Yuli County Publicity Department identified 15 high-traffic and easily accessible public locations to implement the project, translating policy requirements into tangible benefits for the local population.
The construction of the reading corners adhered to the principles of adapting to local conditions, ensuring practicality for public use, and fostering cultural and ethical development. Each corner was designed according to the function of its location. For example, reading areas in accommodations like the Luobunaoer Hotel are situated in lobby rest zones and are stocked with books on Party history, humanities, social sciences, local Yuli culture, and literature promoting ethnic unity. In bus stations, reading corners near waiting areas offer popular science books, legal materials, children’s literature, and stories highlighting ethnic harmony, making travel more enriching. Administrative service halls provide reading materials on government policies, public welfare, and interpretations of regional ethnic autonomy laws, allowing visitors to gain knowledge while waiting.
All reading corners are equipped with bookshelves, tables, and chairs, and are managed by dedicated staff responsible for organizing, updating, and maintaining the book collections. Emphasis has been placed on including reading materials favored by various ethnic groups, particularly those related to ethnic unity and traditional Chinese culture, to ensure the content remains relevant and diverse. In strict compliance with the regulations, all books are provided free of charge, upholding the principle of public accessibility and encouraging a culture of reading.
Local residents have expressed appreciation for the new facilities. One visitor, Reziwanguli · Ainiwaier, noted, "Waiting for services used to feel tedious, but now with the reading corner, I can pick up a book, pass the time, learn something useful, and read stories about ethnic unity. It’s very thoughtful." The tidy and well-maintained reading corners have become a cultural highlight in Yuli, serving as micro-hubs for knowledge acquisition and fostering a shared cultural identity among different ethnic groups.
In recent years, Yuli County has placed great importance on promoting national reading, deepening the development of its "Four Seasons of Reading in Yuli" brand, and integrating the strengthening of ethnic community consciousness into related activities. A three-tier public cultural service system at the county, township, and village levels has been established, ensuring reading services cover all ethnic communities. The addition of these 15 reading corners further expands the reach of reading resources, bridging the last mile in national reading promotion and reflecting the county’s commitment to people-centered development and ethnic unity.
Moving forward, the Yuli County Publicity Department will continue to guided by the "National Reading Promotion Regulations," optimize the functionality of reading spaces, and enrich collections with themes of ethnic unity and traditional Chinese culture. The county plans to organize regular public reading activities, such as classic book readings and story-sharing sessions, during events like National Reading Week and traditional ethnic festivals. Additionally, reading promotion teams composed of residents from various ethnic backgrounds will be cultivated to further integrate reading culture with ethnic unity efforts, making reading a distinctive cultural feature of Yuli and contributing to the region’s cultural development.