Tourists purchase dried fruit at the International Bazaar in Urumqi, capital of Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, April 24, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

As spring flowers blossom, Urumqi's International Grand Bazaar opened to tourists visiting Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

Since April 1, the bazaar, which covers an area of 100,000 square meters, has attracted more than 80,000 people, a remarkable growth in tourist numbers compared to last year.

Xinjiang is positioned as a key area of opening up westward and as a "core area" on the Silk Road Economic Belt, part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The International Grand Bazaar is a big marketplace showcasing local specialties.