Muslims prepare to have the fast-breaking meal after sunset at Xihuan Mosque during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan in Yinchuan City, capital of northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region , July 3, 2015. (Photo: Xinhua/Wang Peng)
When the sun sets, the mixed smells of barbecue and melons fill the air around a bazaar opposite to the Id Kah Mosque, China's largest mosque, in the ancient city of Kashgar, Xinjiang.
Memet Eli's roast meat shop closes at daytime and attracts many customers each night during Ramadan, which lasts from June 18 to July 18 this year. During this season of fasting and spiritual reflection, Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink from sunrise to dusk.
At around 6 p.m., Memet Eli begins to prepare food for people at night. "Many come here to drink tea, eat something and chat. After a long day of fasting, people cherish their life more than ever," he says.
Memet Eli receives a special group of visitors: Kevin from America and his daughter Alia who studies in Beijing.
"Kashgar is my dream travel destination. Delicious roast mutton, home-made ice cream, sweet fruit and hospitable residents have deeply impressed us," says Alia.
In China's westernmost city, there are tourists from Europe and America as well as Pakistani businessmen in gowns walking in the bazaar to enjoy the night.
Restaurants along the bazaar are crowded with people. They provide free home-made "Nang," a baked pancake and staple for Uygur, as well as tea and watermelons to make the waiting guests more comfortable.
The 66-year-old Memetzunun Ubulqasim and his family are sitting around a table in a restaurant. At daytime, his sons go to work, while he serves as a "supervisor" for his brother's house, which is under construction.
As they wait for their food, they are talking about the approaching Eid al-Fitr, a festival which falls on Saturday and marks the end of Ramadan,.
"It seems that people slow down their step during Ramadan. We have more time to spend with our family members and friends," he says.
After finishing their meals, people do not hurry home. Children play at the music fountain at the square in front of the mosque, while mothers find a bench and continue their chat.
Memetzunun Ubulqasim says goodbye to his relatives and friends and walks totteringly across the square to the mosque. As a devout Muslim, he will attend another service.
As most people go home to sleep at around 2 a.m., Adiljan leads cadres from local communities and security guards to prepare for Eid.
"Tens of thousands of religious believers will come to the mosque Saturday. We need to ensure security and provide better service for them in the scorching heat," he says.
