ABSTRACT
Identifying as both Chinese and Muslim, the Hui are China's largest Muslim minority nationality. Despite the cultural connection many Hui feel with the broader Islamic world they remain distinctly Chinese in their language, culture and everyday lives. The City of Linxia has historically occupied a similar position, located on the cultural borderlands of Northwest China. Formerly known as Hezhou, Linxia has long been a cultural nexus; located on the fringes of three civilisations – Tibet to the south, Central Asia to the west and Han China to the east. In 1956, Linxia City was established as one of China's only two official autonomous prefectures for the Hui minority nationality. E-commerce, online shopping, chain outlets, supermarkets and other business services are rising rapidly. Despite these physical changes, Linxia's cultural distinctiveness remains. The interviews took place in Linxia City, the administrative and economic centre of the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, with 20 local business owners (all male).
