The story is set in the small, rural and poor town in northwest China called Guyuan. It details the lives of 50 people across six festivals in a year.
Characters range from young children to grandparents and stranded in the midst is an English volunteer is serving five years there as a teacher.
The story reveals cultural and religious differences, as well as ancient and modern customs. It reveals the hopes and dreams, accomplishments, dilemmas and sorrows of two communities. One is Muslim (called Hui), and the other Han, i.e. the majority. They live alongside each other and sometimes together.
During the year you will read about births, deaths, and unexpected surprises and disappointments. Despite its poverty and a sense of being isolated from more urban and wealthy parts of China, it has its own magic, its own sense of community.
Guyuan is unforgettable.