Linxia

Linxia typically refers to Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture in southeastern Gansu Province, China, or its capital Linxia City. The prefecture is located in eastern Gansu and borders Sichuan Province to the south. It sits in a varied landscape of mountains and river valleys, with climate influenced by elevation.

Linxia City serves as the prefectural administrative seat. The region is notable for its diverse ethnic mix, including a large Hui Muslim population and minority communities such as Dongxiang people, as well as smaller groups of Tibetans and others. Islam plays a central role in daily life, with mosques, madrasas, and Islamic cultural institutions common throughout the area.

The prefecture was established as Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture in 1956, providing a degree of regional autonomy within the People's Republic of China. Local governance is carried out by prefectural and county-level authorities under the national framework.

Economically, Linxia has traditionally relied on agriculture and animal husbandry, with crops such as wheat and vegetables grown in the valleys and pastoral activities in higher areas. In recent decades, there has been growth in light industry, logistics, and tourism, driven in part by cultural heritage, religious sites, and ethnic traditions.

Culturally, the region is known for its Islamic heritage, distinctive crafts, and festivals associated with Muslim communities. The Dongxiang language and Hui cultural practices contribute to Linxia’s diverse cultural landscape, reflecting its place as a crossroads of different traditions within Gansu.