This article considers two sets of social relations in the regions of Xinjiang, Ningxia and Gansu: first, relations among the various Muslim communities and, secondly, relations between the Muslims and the majority Han. It analyzes these relations within the context of minority policies instituted and implemented in these regions, as well as of certain other realities such as population and the emerging narcotics problem in Xinjiang. Additionally, it comments on the relation between religion on the one hand and modernity on the other, with some illustrative examples taken from matters relating to the population policy and gender relations. It concludes with some speculation over the likely prospects for the future.