Since the launch of the "Go West" program in 2003, about 15,000 university graduate volunteers from Shanxi province have been sent to western China, including 6,293 deployed to the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

"Shanxi will continue sending outstanding young volunteers to the west and supporting Xinjiang," Zhang Jun, secretary of the Shanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, told China Daily.

"We hope to gather more youthful energy for national construction and the great rejuvenation," he added.

The number of volunteers from Shanxi assisting Xinjiang ranks among the highest nationwide, and the retention rate is above the national average.

China's Go West program has enabled more than 500,000 young volunteers to serve in over 2,000 county-level areas in western China for a year or more, according to the Communist Youth League of China. The program aims to bring fresh perspectives and energy to regions with significant growth potential.

"Although Shanxi has a relatively small number of universities, the proportion of volunteers recruited and the scale and effectiveness of aid to Xinjiang are remarkable," Zhang said. "It reflects the commitment of Shanxi's youth and the province's solid and diligent work in mobilizing and recruiting volunteers."

Gao Shuxian, a Shanxi volunteer, began teaching at Xieyite Primary School in Karajol township, Artux city, Xinjiang, in August 2023.

A highlight for Gao came on May 2, 2025, when President Xi Jinping replied to a letter from young volunteer teachers at the school, praising their efforts in advancing local education, promoting ethnic unity and contributing to prosperity and stability in the border region.

"The letter is powerful and inspiring," she said. "By standing firm on the podium, I am fulfilling the exhortation to strengthen ideals on the Pamir Plateau."

Gao plans to stay and work in Xinjiang after her service ends.

The primary school, located 47 kilometers from the frontier, had a 23-member volunteer teaching team while receiving Xi's letter.

"Among them, 12 are from Shanxi," Zhang said. "Many of the students' parents are herders or border inspectors. The volunteers have given up comfortable city life to root themselves here for one to three years, growing through experience and supporting local children education."

"Despite the long distance, Shanxi has built deep friendship with Xinjiang," he said. "Since taking on the task of aiding Xinjiang in 2010, batches of volunteers from Shanxi have crossed mountains and seas to promote cooperation between the two regions."

Over the years, the Shanxi Provincial Committee of the Communist Youth League of China has worked closely with counterpart committees in assisted areas, including Fukang city of Changji Hui autonomous prefecture, focusing on youth development, exchanges and support activities through regular interaction and project-based cooperation.

Recruitment for the 2026 Go West program is underway, with the application deadline set for May 10. Graduating students and current graduate students from universities nationwide can apply on the program's official website.

This year marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), and Shanxi's provincial government work report proposes implementing 15 key livelihood projects, including recruiting 3,000 Go West volunteers.

"We will optimize the entire service chain for volunteers and improve the system of recruitment, training, dispatch, follow-up service and talent retention," Zhang said. "We will select talent in education, healthcare, technology and agriculture for Xinjiang, making more Shanxi volunteers a strong force in building the border areas."

The province will also conduct regular youth exchanges between Shanxi and Xinjiang, focusing on emotional integration, culture, skills, talent, and economic and trade cooperation to deepen ties.

Activities such as the "Pomegranate Seed Family" emotional integration summer camp, unity camps, pen pal exchanges, and other exchanges and practice trips to Xinjiang will help young people experience local customs, the spirit of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and ethnic unity in practice, Zhang said.