Ningxia is an autonomous region in northwest China. It was once a province but was merged with Gansu in 1954. In 1958, it was separated from Gansu and established as an autonomous region for the Hui people, who make up 20% of China’s Hui population.
Ningxia has a long and diverse history, having been incorporated into various dynasties and being a frequent target of war and incursions by non-Chinese tribes. It was part of the Qin dynasty as the Beidi Commandery in the 3rd century BC and later became the center of the Western Xia dynasty established by the Tangut people in the 11th century. Jews also lived in the area, and after being conquered by Genghis Khan in the early 13th century, Ningxia was also populated by Muslim immigrants from Central Asia. By the late 17th century, Ningxia had become a major center for weaving, producing early Chinese carpets.
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