Linxia, China

Travel Blog  •  Ben Keene  •  04.13.07 | 12:10 PM ET

Coordinates: 35 36 N 103 10 E                    
Population: 205,550 (2007 est.)
imageChina has a strong Buddhist tradition, but there are more than just Buddhists in the giant Asian nation. While still very much a minority, the Islamic population of western China approaches 25 million people, many of whom live in predominantly Muslim communities such as Linxia in the Gansu province. Ethnically, Linxia’s citizens are mainly Hui, one of 55 ethnic groups commonly recognized in China. Agriculture and animal husbandry remain important to the local economy, and approximately 80 mosques can be found within the limits of this mid-sized municipality south of the Yellow River.

—.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) is the editor of the Oxford Atlas of the World.