The Chinese Islamic Association recently sent a working group of 13 people from Beijing to Medine in Saudi Arabia to prepare for the arrival of a group of Chinese pilgrims.

"The number of Chinese Muslims making their first pilgrimage to Mecca is a record breaking 9600 this year," said Yang Zhibo, deputy head of the Chinese Islamic Association and the leader of the pilgrimage. Pilgrims will depart in groups to visit the sacred city of Mecca between November 29 and December 17. The Chinese Islamic Association will send additional aides with the group, to help with translation, medical care, hotel arrangements and transportation.

By People's Daily Online