Ningxia is one of China's poorest provincial-level regions, but the local government is hoping to take advantage of the area's predominant religion - Islam - to provide a much-needed economic boost.
The Capital of the Ningxia Hui Muslim Region
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A roadside billboard advertises Arab language studies at a nearby school. An increasing number of Hui students choose to study Arabic as a way to help them find better jobs in business and trade after graduation. (Stephanie Ho/VOA)
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A woman drives her motorbike through the almost empty square in front of the Yinchuan International Trade Mall, which is aimed at spurring development of the region's commerce in mostly Islam-related products. (Stephanie Ho/VOA)
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Muslims make up more than a third of Ningxia's six million people. Xihuan Mosque in downtown Yinchuan is one of the the more than four thousand mosques in Ningxia. (Stephanie Ho/VOA)