The rioting by Uighurs in Xinjiang's capital Urumqi in early July has put the spotlight back on China's handling of its ethnic minority regions.

WSJ: The Urumqi Effect

Ms. Peng, by contrast, was more famous than her husband until he took power and has appeared regularly in front of audiences of hundreds of millions during China's annual Lunar New Year television pageants, often sporting elaborate hairdos and billowing ball dresses, or colorful ethnic minority dress.

WSJ: China Swoons Over New First Lady