More than 14,000 Chinese Muslims are expected to depart for the Islamic holy city of Mecca to perform the annual Hajj this year, the China Islamic Association.

A total of 14,500 Chinese Muslims will take 47 charter flights to Saudi Arabia, according to the association.

Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, which has the largest Hui population in China, began sending Muslims to Mecca, according to Xinhua news agency.

Local authorities have provided the group with medicine and masks, as well as a disease prevention specialist. Checks will also be conducted before their return.