Editor's Note:
Limin Alley has for hundreds of years been a central fixture of downtown Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, merchants here prepare a cornucopia of tasty treats including fruits, roast meat and cold noodles before the fast-breaking commences. Photos: Cui Meng/GT
An elderly man slices watermelons for locals in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2. Fruits play an important role during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, as Muslims need to be careful to avoid suffering from dehydration as a result of the fasting. 
Merchants prepare kebabs as the hour of fast-breaking approaches in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2. 
A restaurant in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, distributes free rice soup to local Muslims breaking their fast on July 2. 
Locals purchase roast meat for fast-breaking in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2. 
A restaurant worker hangs roast meat for sale in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2. 
A merchant is busy selling fried fish in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2. 
A child salivates over drinks for sale in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2. 
A local man enjoys a free bowl of rice soup in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2. 
Locals enjoy free watermelons as fasting ends in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2. 
An elderly man breaks his fast with a taste of watermelon in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2. 
Roast meat is one of the favorite foods of locals in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. 
Locals purchase their favorite foods to break their fast with in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2. 
Locals gather in front of a restaurant ready to break their fast in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2. 
An elderly man sells homemade chilled drinks as fasting ends in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on July 2.
