Getting a clear picture of Xinjiang

So he published photos of 30 Xinjiang natives with captions on the news website. The package got 25 million hits and 40,000 comments.

"So many people commented that they were afraid of people from Xinjiang until they saw the photo stories," he recalls.

"They realized Xinjiang natives are the same as other Chinese. I felt encouraged and moved."

Kurbanjan first left the autonomous region when he came to Beijing to study in 2006.

"I'd never before felt like a member of the minority, like someone different, because of my appearance and language."

He began looking for work in the capital in 2009. He works in a media company.

"A book is a more impressive and sustainable way to present Xinjiang people's lives and Chinese dreams," he says.

He believes the central government wants all Chinese to live good lives, although some local governments and public-service providers treat Xinjiang natives unfairly, especially since the separatist attack.

The photographer hopes the book will encourage people to work hard to achieve their dreams.

While he expected it to be popular, he's surprised it received attention from top government leaders.

He met Politburo standing-committee member Yu Zhengsheng this month. Yu praised Xinjiang natives' contributions to China's development.

The book has also sparked discussion on Sina Weibo, China's answer to Twitter.

A typical comment reads: "This book reveals the real Xinjiang and real Xinjiang people. I hope society can be free from misunderstanding and prejudice."