Today there are over 15,000 mosques open throughout Xinjiang. The southern half of Xinjiang remains a stronghold of Islam among the Uygurs for it has not been overwhelmed with Chinese as has the northern half of the province. Kashgar and its Id Kah mosque remain the Uygur religious and cultural center. On traditional Islamic feast days thousands gather at the mosque and spill out to completely fill the city's center square. Mosques are frequented, Islamic education is available and religious observances in general are adhered to within these communities.
Islamic literature is quite visible and families tend to be very conservative.
The religious climate in the northern part of the region, especially in the large urban center of Urumqi, is less conservative. The young people have been influenced by the materialistic Chinese perspective and believe that science means progress. They are interested in a good education and job so they can purchase amenities, which are becoming increasingly more available and affordable. For many, the Islamic holidays and festivals mean good food and drink as well as a chance to dance and meet other young people. They do not put much hope in religion, but neither do they see much that is desirable in the Chinese perspective of life.