Ningxia's Hui artwork in demand

A work of Hui embroidery. (Xinhua)

Hui people create embroidery works

The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region has a large Muslim population, also known as the "Hui" people. In recent years the region has been developing its cultural industries.

Women are working in a government supported workshop making ethnic Hui embroidery. The works depict a range of subjects, from natural scenes to daily life and cultural or religious symbols.

The embroidery is also known as "Hui" embroidery and is recognized by the local government as an intangible cultural heritage. The head of this workshop, Ma Lan, says she couldn't have done it without this support.

"We had qualms about working here at first, because we thought it would be too expensive. But then we found out that there is no rent and no charge for water, electricity or heating. That is 80 percent of our expenses," Ma said.

The workshop's total revenue so far in 2013 is 1.2 million US dollar, exporting products to dozens of countries such as Morocco, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The embroidery has become a staple feature of many homes looking for something a little bit different.

Ma's workshop is just one sign of the resurgence of the Hui cultural industries in Ningxia. Analysts predict more people like Ma Lan will emerge to boost the radiance of Hui culture in China.