Ghost cities haunt stability dream in far west China

Kashgar, China

THE future of economic development in China's far western Xinjiang region lies behind the shattered glass door of a welcome centre on the outskirts of the ancient Silk Road city of Kashgar.

Inside, a dusty model depicts a modern urban development with wide, tree-lined boulevards and a pair of twin skyscrapers - but outside the project remains a ghost town reflecting Beijing's struggle to bring prosperity to the restless region.