Muhammad Ameer Hamza measures a cotton plant at a laboratory of Shihezi University in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026.
Muhammad Ameer Hamza hails from Depalpur, Pakistan. He is now pursuing a PhD in crop science at the Agricultural College of Shihezi University in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Under the guidance of his supervisor, Yang Desong, Hamza conducts research in the university laboratory. He also works in cotton fields with Yang to learn about soil salinity and alkalinity, cotton field management and drone-based plant protection. Hamza said he has been impressed by technological applications in Xinjiang, such as water-saving irrigation and unmanned operations. He could apply what he has learned when he returns to Pakistan.
For Hamza, life in Xinjiang is not lonely. His supervisor gives him advice on daily life in addition to academic guidance, and he has Pakistani and Chinese friends. In his spare time, Hamza sometimes goes out with his friends, strolling through the streets and enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere. Hamza said he is happy to study with his classmates at the university and integrate into local life.
Xinjiang is China's largest cotton-producing region. In recent years, the region has developed rapidly in cotton breeding, mechanized harvesting, and green pest control, providing valuable experience for agricultural development in similar climates. (Xinhua/Aman)
Muhammad Ameer Hamza (2nd R) and his classmates listen as their supervisor Yang Desong explains the experimental data at a laboratory of Shihezi University in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Muhammad Ameer Hamza checks the growth of cotton in an experimental cotton field in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Muhammad Ameer Hamza (C) and his classmate discuss an experiment with their supervisor Yang Desong at a laboratory of Shihezi University in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Muhammad Ameer Hamza poses for a photo in an experimental cotton field in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Muhammad Ameer Hamza takes photos in an experimental cotton field in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Muhammad Ameer Hamza (L) and his classmates visit a night market in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Muhammad Ameer Hamza observes the growth of cotton leaves at a laboratory of Shihezi University in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Aman)
Muhammad Ameer Hamza (C) and his classmate purchase fruits at a night market near Shihezi University in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Muhammad Ameer Hamza (R) checks the growth of cotton under the guidance of his supervisor Yang Desong in an experimental cotton field in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Muhammad Ameer Hamza shoots a video at the entrance to Shihezi University in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
Muhammad Ameer Hamza checks the growth of cotton in an experimental cotton field in Shihezi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
