临夏回族自治州

Why this place

Linxia is a Hui and Dongxiang autonomous prefecture and the centre of Chinese Islam in the northwest — it has an unusual density of mosques and Islamic schools, and it is sometimes called 'little Mecca'. The Hui here have their own cuisine, which is some of the best food in Gansu.

What to see

• The mosques and Islamic architecture of Linxia city and its county towns
• The Dongxiang and Bao'an minority villages of the surrounding hills
• The Bingling Temple caves downstream, and the Yellow River country north

What to eat

• Hui cuisine: hand-pulled beef noodles, lamb, and the whole northwest repertoire
• Linxia is known for its 'huiguo' pastries and its 'sanpao' tea; the local 'fa mian' breads

Best time

May–October