In the first three quarters of this year, North China's Shanxi province received 318 million domestic visits, a 13.88-percent increase compared to the previous year. Total tourism expenditure reached 276.15 billion yuan ($38.61 billion), marking a 25.91-percent year-on-year growth.

With various efforts, Shanxi's tourism development is experiencing strong momentum and has yielded remarkable results.

In terms of enhancing the construction of A-level scenic spots, the province has been actively promoting the development of internationally renowned cultural and tourist destinations, such as the Ancient City of Pingyao and the Yungang Grottoes.

Efforts have also been made to upgrade Tianlong Mountain, Guan Gong's hometown, and Hengshan Mountain to 5A-level tourist attractions. The province currently boasts 390 A-level scenic spots.

To diversify tourism development, Shanxi has introduced the first domestic standards for culture, tourism, and health resorts. Ten culture, tourism, and health resort clusters and 50 demonstration areas and units have been established.

Additionally, the province actively promotes red, rural, and industrial tourism, introducing high-quality accommodations and national industrial tourism demonstration bases.

Shanxi has implemented year-round branding and marketing strategies and is actively engaged in regional cooperation and exchange. Various customer attraction plans and promotional activities have been carried out.

The province focuses on building the "Satisfactory Tourism in Shanxi" brand to create a tourism-friendly environment. Quality enhancement initiatives and specific improvement efforts have led to four scenic spots, including the Hongtong Dahuaishu Ancestor Memorial Garden and the Guandi Temple Scenic Area in Yuncheng city, being recognized as national-level civilized tourism demonstration units.