Guangzhou (China), July 9 (Xinhua) Many tourist agencies are calling off group trips to China’s Xinjiang region following the recent deadly riots in Urumqi city that left at least 156 people dead and over 1,000 injured.
“We are hoping that travel can resume by July 20, but it depends on the status in Xinjiang”, said Tang Qiting, deputy manager with Guangzhilu International Travel Service in Guangzhou, capital of southern Guangdong province.

The company has stopped organising trips to Xinjiang. Those who had registered for a trip before the suspension may either get a refund or visit places outside Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

“This may affect more than 600 people,” said Tang.

Xinjiang is a picturesque area known for its varied land forms.

Zeng Yi, manager of marketing with tourist agency Nanhu, said more than 200 tourists were still travelling in some scenic spots in Xinjiang, but outside Urumqi.

“It is safe there. We have cancelled traditional visiting and shopping excursions to Urumqi and the tourists will directly go to the airport after finishing the trip,” he said.

A manager with the China International Travel Service in Beijing said their only tourist group in Xinjiang was coming back before finishing the scheduled trip.

“The group was not in Urumqi when the violence broke out Sunday and the tourists are safe,” the manager said.