Here, three UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites shine with brilliance. The Ancient City of Pingyao serves as an outstanding example of Han Chinese urban planning during the Ming and Qing dynasties, where imposing city walls and well-preserved streets appear to freeze centuries of merchant prosperity in time. Mount Wutai, celebrated for its uniquely “cool and refreshing” environment, features lush, layered peaks and a pleasant climate, making it a highly regarded summer retreat and wellness destination. The Yungang Grottoes astonish the world with their grand rock-carved artistry, where exquisitely sculpted statues inside the caves demonstrate an extraordinary fusion of ancient art and culture.

The natural scenery of Shanxi combines grandeur with elegance. The roaring Yellow River at Hukou paints a majestic picture of “The Yellow River’s vast expanse pours its might into a single vessel.” Ancient Great Wall remnants and the majestic Taihang Mountains together form the vast backbone of northern China. Nestled among the rugged peaks of Mount Heng, the Hanging Temple clings to a sheer cliff like an intricate, its ingenious construction evoking admiration. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the oldest and tallest surviving wooden tower structure in existence, has withstood the tests of time, standing tall as a testament to ancestral architectural wisdom. The Ningwu Perennial Ice Cave, a natural wonder, maintains its icy interior year-round, creating a striking contrast with the shifting seasons outside.

Known as the “Treasure House of Ancient Chinese Architectural Art,” Shanxi boasts a remarkable level of preservation of its historical buildings. Strolling through this region is like traversing a three-dimensional historical scroll. Leveraging its unique cool climate and beautiful surroundings, the wellness industry thrives here, offering visitors an ideal space for tranquility and rejuvenation. A wealth of intangible cultural heritage preserves ancient skills and memories. Meanwhile, the large-scale immersive performance See Pingyao Again employs innovative artistic forms to transport audiences into the poignant narratives of bygone eras.

Today’s Shanxi features a diverse and dynamic tourism landscape, where tradition and modernity converge. This journey offers an exploration to touch the pulse of history, a pilgrimage to witness majestic landscapes, and an experience of cultural charm—a soothing retreat for both body and mind amidst refreshing coolness and tranquility.