Inner Mongolia: Part 3

Every region in China has different food, accents/dialects, ethnic minorities, etc. Inner Mongolia lies in northwest China, so culturally it is very different from where we live in central China. Back in the 17th century, Muslim scholars arrived in northwest China, and began a cultural exchange with local Confucian, Buddhist, and Daoist scholars. Muslim and Chinese thought were actually very compatible for a variety of factors and created somewhat of a hybrid religion that could be called “Chinese Islam.” (Note: The last college essay I ever wrote was an 18-page paper for my Religion seminar on precisely this. If anyone is actually curious enough to read it, I can send you a copy!) We heard about the Islamic areas of Hohhot, and we were eager to explore how the lively and flourishing culture had made its mark on the city. Enjoy some photos from our last day in Hohhot!