In recent years, the influence and attractiveness of North China's Shanxi province as a tourism destination have continued to grow with the acceleration of the integrated development of the province's culture and tourism industries, construction of leading scenic spots, implementation of the "Culture and Tourism +" initiative and improvement of the tourist experience.

Focusing on building itself a world-renowned culture and tourism destination, the province is promoting the protection and development of three world heritage sites – Yungang Grottoes, Wutai Mountain, and the Ancient City of Pingyao. By the end of 2023, the total number of A-level tourist attractions in the province had reached 390, including 10 5A-level attractions and eight new provincial-level tourist resorts that were built last year.

The province is currently developing three international tourism gateway cities, namely, Taiyuan, Datong and Yuncheng, with the goal of using them to drive the comprehensive, regional, and integrated development of surrounding areas.

Key villages and towns for rural tourism, as well as tourism homestays, are also growing, with industrial tourism, low-altitude tourism and other forms of tourism emerging. Immersive digital experience scenarios, such as smart scenic spots, smart wellness communities, and digital museums, are constantly being developed.

In addition, the province is continuously improving supporting services for culture and tourism, with a comprehensive tourism network being built, the quality of catering and accommodation being improved, and all scenic spots at the 4A-level and above in the province to have access to a 5G network.

According to the province's high-quality development plan for its culture and tourism industry, the number of 5A-level tourist attractions in the province should reach 13 in the next five years, while Taiyuan, Datong, and Yuncheng should enter the ranks of domestically and internationally renowned tourist cities. The added value of tourism and related industries should account for more than 5 percent of the province's GDP, and tourism should become a pillar industry in Shanxi.