URUMQI/YINCHUAN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Muslims from various ethnic groups including Uygur, Hui, Kazak and Kirghiz in China are joining communities across the world to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Wednesday.
In northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, home to over 2.5 million Muslims, 76-year-old Ma Weilin joined local people for early morning prayers at around 8 a.m. in a mosque in Yinchuan, the regional capital.
"The festive atmosphere is everywhere as people's lives are getting better," he said.
Eid al-Fitr is a statutory festival in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region where people have a day off. Highway toll fees are also waived for private vehicles during the holiday.
Sawutjan Abulim is the imam of Liudaowan Mosque in Urumqi. He said the mosque has been renovated with facilities such as tap water, heating, air conditioning and internet, thanks to government funding.
"With a better environment, Muslims can conduct religious activities more comfortably," the imam said.
People gathered for Meshrep and Shaman dance on the square in front of the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar after morning prayers, attracting tourists to stop and watch.
In the ancient city of Kashgar, a popular tourist destination not far from the mosque, Shrametiguli was busy hosting customers in her folk restaurant.
She said Eid al-Fitr was usually the peak tourist season of the year. She and her employees -- dancers and waiters -- have spent the festival in the restaurant for several years.
