China celebrates Muslim Hui ethnic minority in new book

"The Legend of Hui", a book profiling China's Muslim Hui ethnic minority, was launched by the People's Publishing House in Beijing on Tuesday.

The 113-chapter series of narrative poetry presents the history and folk culture of the Hui.

In one chapter, it examines ancient records of Arabians in China back in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), who are among the ancestors of the Chinese Hui.

It also details, chronologically, prominent figures from the Hui ethnic minority who have made outstanding contributions to the country and to the ethnic group, from Hui politicians during imperial dynasties to Peking Opera artists of Hui ethnicity in modern times.

Guan Peijun, official with the State Ethnic Affairs Commission (SEAC) , said as China's Belt and Road Initiative attracts global attention, "The Legend of Hui" will help China engage in cultural exchanges with countries sitting along the ancient Silk Road, by shedding light on the history of their exchanges.

The Hui ethnic minority, a predominantly Muslim ethnic group, is concentrated in northwestern provinces, where the overland ancient Silk Road passes through and stretches out to central Asia and Europe.

The book was authored by Haiche Guo, an ethnic Hui writer who has a number of published works including novels, essays and poetry.