A look at cultural tourism in Shanxi Province
發佈日期: 2025-06-12 22:02
TVB News
Shanxi, hailed as China's "Ancient City," boasts well-preserved historic cities that have stood for centuries.
These architectural marvels retain their original grandeur. The well preserved Jin-merchant culture also brings new experiences to visitors.
Stepping through the gates, visitors are greeted by sweeping eaves and intricately carved beams, a glimpse of the prosperous era of Jin merchants in the olden days.
Built during the Ming Dynasty and nicknamed "Phoenix City" for its shape when viewed from above, Taiyuan Ancient County now offers more than just sightseeing to visitors.
Tourists can immerse themselves in history through costume experiences.
Mr Li, a tourist from Shijiazhuang in Hebei Province, believes what stands out most is Shanxi's Jin-merchant culture. He thinks that wearing period costumes in the city gives a shade of authenticity, unlike anywhere else.
Ms. Lin, once a merchant of Jin-style liquor, expanded her business into cultural tourism in 2021.
Renting a historic mansion in the city, she now runs a photography service shop where tourists can dress up like Jin merchants.
She believes that experiencing the Jin-merchant culture is a must for visitors to Shanxi.
Her customers also find the antique Ming and Qing furniture in her shop capable of creating an immersive museum-like atmosphere.
In 2011, Taiyuan Ancient County was designated as a national level historical and cultural district. Conservation works began two years later, and after eight years of restoration, it opened to the public in 2021.
Another gem of Shanxi, Pingyao Ancient City, was established in the Western Zhou Dynasty almost 3,000 years ago.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, it remains one of China's best-preserved historic towns, with 50,000 residents still living in buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Tourism sector lawmaker Yiu Pak-leung noted that some Hakka walled villages in Hong Kong, like the 300-year-old village in Lai Chi Wo, hold similar potential for cultural tourism.
He says Hong Kong's walled villages can take their cue from Shanxi's success in the development of the city's cultural tourism.
