TOP: An employee is at work in a textile workshop in Jiya Township of Lop County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in 2001. [Photo/Xinhua]

BOTTOM: Altungul Tursun, a 33-year-old employee, works at a textile production line in Cele County, Hotan Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 20, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua]

In a historic feat, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region has bidden farewell to absolute poverty. The last 10 impoverished counties in Xinjiang have managed to end absolute poverty, the regional government announced on Nov. 14. The 10 counties, including Shache County, Moyu County and Akto County, are no longer impoverished counties by official standards, the local government said in an online statement. All the 10 counties are in southern Xinjiang, where the country's largest desert is located. Local people used to have limited access to stable income and public services due to the harsh natural environment and poor infrastructure.