The Hui people trace their ancestors back to Muslim traders, soldiers, and officials who came to China during the seventh through fourteenth centuries. There is a wide range of devotion to Islam among the Hui. In north-eastern China, they are more liberal. There, they smoke, drink, and eat pork when away from home. Overall, the Hui are said to be among the least radical Muslims in the world.

Situated in a barren desert-like region in Northwest China, Linxia was once an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. Despite being on a major highway, the region's economy has a slower rate of growth than other parts of China.