Muslim2China Meets Guangzhou Islamic Association Chairman Mr. Bao Yanzhong

On the 7th of March 2013, Muslim2china had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Mr. Bao Yanzhong, chairman of Guangzhou’s Islamic Association. Mr. Bao also happens to be the consultant for our Muslim2china website. The interview took place at one of Guangzhou’s most famous Muslim restaurants, Huimin Fandian. Speaking of the concerns of Muslim tourists visiting China, Mr. Bao expresses his views on these matters and shares with us some of his experiences and thoughts.

 Donna: “One of the main concerns for first time Muslim travelers to China is finding Halal certified restaurants. Would you say this problem still exists?”  

Mr Bao: “Halal food is most definitely not a problem for Muslim tourists visiting China, for example here in Guangzhou there are over 1,300 Halal restaurants.”

Donna: “So there is a wide variety for Muslim visitors to choose from?”

Mr Bao: “Guangzhou has a large population of Muslims and there is a big variety of Halal cuisine to choose from. Guangzhou is the place to taste Halal food from all cultures, here you can find Halal foods from Southeast Asia, Middle East, Turkey and even Canton inspired Muslim dishes that can be found in the well known Huimin Fandian that has been established since 1956.”

Donna: Apart from food concerns other major factors of consideration for Muslim tourists is finding an appropriate place and suitable time to pray?

Mr Bao: “With the long history of Islam in China, finding mosques is not too difficult and there are places available to pray. Here in Guangzhou each Friday when Juma’ah is held, there