10 Amazing Muslim-Friendly Places in China You May Still Be Unaware of

China, a land of diversity and immense history, is home to a large Muslim population that accounts for about 3.51% of its enormous population. That figure, seemingly modest, represents more than 50 million individuals, making China one of the countries with a large Muslim community.

Spread across the country, from Beijing's busy streets to ancient Silk Road cities like Xi'an, this demographic has left an indelible imprint on the country's cultural and historical fabric.

While the cities of Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai and Xinjiang are famous as a traditional home to the Hui and Uyghur nationalities, China's vast landscape has many areas conducive to exploration, with all the excitement and tranquility possible.

Here are 10 destinations, each offering unique experiences whether you're travelling alone or with your family.

1. Fugu and Quanzhou, Fujian Province

Located in Fujian Province in the eastern part of China, Futuzhou and Quanzhou were China's main port of foreign trade from the eleventh to the fourteenth centuries, visited by Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta.

According to traditional Chinese Islamic legend, the history of Islam in China began when four wise men came to China, two of whom came to Quanzhou and were buried there, and their tombs still exist today.

2. Dali, Yunnan Province

Dali, along with Lijiang Ancient City, is also a popular travel destination for Chinese looking for refuge from busy city life, and the citizens of the Bai and Nashi nationalities are the indigenous people of this region with a lifestyle that has not changed for thousands of years.

3. Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province

On high there is paradise, and on earth there is Sotgo and Hangzhou." This is a famous Chinese saying, highlighting the beauty of Sotgo and Hangzhou, which is also the most developed region in China, and provides you with great comfort when traveling.

Hangzhou, one of China's six ancient capitals, is home to the enchanting Western Lake. This famous location is not only a natural marvel but also a love story that transcended time, inspiring poetry, movies, and opera.

4. Xining, Qinghai County

Xining, where Confucius, Islam, and Tibetan cultures blend, is the gateway to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. From the Dongguan Grand Mosque, a symbol of Islamic influence in the region, to ancient Confucian temples and tranquil Tibetan monasteries, Xining is a unique place to visit.

Qinghai Lake is the largest and highest lake in China, and the road along the lake is considered one of the most beautiful cycling routes in the world.

5. Xi'an, Shanxi Province

As the largest city in northwest China and the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi'an is not only famous for its terracotta (maturing clay) army, one of the extraordinary wonders of the world whose statues were buried with China's first emperor, but this historic city offers all sorts of the best Sino-Islamic cuisine, an experience unmatched anywhere else.

6. Shenzhen, Guangdong Province

Shenzhen is widely known as a high-tech hub in China, an emerging tourist paradise, due to its stunning coastlines and diverse marine sports. The city offers a range of sports, such as surfing, water skiing, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, and even yachting, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers.

Its beautiful beaches and modern facilities offer the perfect blend of technology, entertainment and natural beauty

7. Jiayuguan City, Gansu

The city of Jiayuguan, which derives its name from the nearby Jiayuguan Castle, occupies an important place in Chinese history as the western tip of the Great Wall. Visitors to Jiayuguan can explore this stunning ancient wall, panoramic views of the Gobi Desert.

Jiayuguan is an excellent starting point for exploring nearby attractions. Known for its ancient Buddhist caves and charming Crescent Lake, Dunhuang offers an adventurous exploration opportunity. There are also the ancient ruins of Lulan, the once-thriving kingdom city that has been lost over time.

8. Sanya City, Hainan

Sanya, China's southernmost major city, is a tropical city with countless beaches, luxury hotels and resorts. This site is often portrayed as the "end of the earth" in many Chinese literary works, and is also known for hosting a large pocket of Muslim population.

As Hainan is one of China's special economic zones, Sanya has the largest tax-free shopping mall in China, attracting millions of tourists from all over the world.

9. Harbin, Heilongjiang Province

Harbin, originally named Manchurian meaning "place to dry fishing nets", is home to a vibrant Russian community and the most important port of trade with the Russian Federation. The Daowai mask mixed with Russian style is a unique place to visit.

The famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, which takes place every year from January 5 to the end of February, is internationally acclaimed.

10. Wuyuan Ancient City, Jiangxi Province

If you're particularly interested in classical Chinese aesthetics, Wuyuan is the place you need to visit, home to some of China's best preserved ancient architecture. This city was built since 740 during the Tang dynasty, and its remote location and uncomfortable transportation protected its villages from too many visitors.

Nowadays, high-speed and comfortable trains make access to Wuyuan easy, providing luxury and peace of mind to travelers.

Spring is the perfect season to fully experience Wuyuan tourism in the traditional Chinese way.

Traveling to China has become much easier than in the past, and modern technologies and improved services have made travel more suitable for foreigners, as you can easily use apps at your fingertips like Wechat, Meituan, etc. to find accommodations and choose the right food for your needs. Discover China more easily and conveniently, now is the time.