The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in northwest China, has 1,211 centenarians, the local aging people 's committee said Thursday.

Li Jianrong, a spokesman for the committee, said the figure represents a remarkable increase from 865 in 1987.

According to a survey, by the end of March Xinjiang also boasts 203,592 people with age above 80, Li said.

Most of Xinjiang's centenarians are from ethnic groups and live in rural areas.

It is commonly believed the special diet in the region, which includes tea, corn mush, walnuts and Xinjiang apricots, have contributed to their longevity, Li said. They are optimistic in their lives.

The improvement in standards of living and health services is another major factor, Li said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 6, 2009)