Chinese Muslims head for Mecca

Thousands of Chinese Muslims are expected to make the pilgrimage to Mecca, Islam's holiest site in Saudi Arabia. The first group will set off from Lanzhou, capital city of Gansu Province by charter flight Friday.

According to the Islamic Association of China(IAC), nearly 2,500 people from Gansu will fly to Mecca aboard 8 flights. To ensure the safety of Chinese Muslims, the health authorities will vaccinate each pilgrim. The IAC is also providing other kinds of services, especially for elderly Muslims. Also on the pilgrimage are imams, Arabic interpreters and doctors.