Niujie Mosque - a symbol of tolerance

As the Islamic holy month of Ramadan began last week, the traditional greeting of Ramadan Mubarak poured in from friends and family.

One of my friends in the United Arab Emirates, though, was curious about how or even whether Ramadan is observed in China. The reason for his anxiety was media reports that suggested China doesn't allow its Muslims to observe fasting.

I told him Ramadan is very much observed throughout China. In Beijing, mosques have been spruced up for the occasion with new carpets and lights.