Voices of foreigners on Shanxi

Updated:2015-06-18 07:43
( China Daily)

A whirlwind bus tour through Shanxi province left two dozen foreign writers and photographers with deep and lasting impressions as they returned to their homes throughout the world. They captured the experience in words and pictures, and were eager to share them.

The trip began with a bullet train ride from Beijing to Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi province. The group tour started at the amazing Jin Yun Lou restaurant, where food - especially the traditional noodle making - seems like magic. The Jinci Temple on the city's outskirts, built in 400 AD, was the next stop. There, you can see some of the oldest untouched structures in China, all well-preserved.

That was followed by the incomparable Old Town of Pingyao, on of three UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites in the province.

Plunging into the Taihang mountains, the group took in deep, green gorges, waterfalls and unusual peaks, topped by the amazing Wangmang Ridge and the Cliff Road in Xiyagou - literally carved by hand by villagers through solid rock. The road linked their remote community to the outside world.

The final stop was the Royal Residence of the Prime Minister, an impregnable fortress in Jincheng. They also received a visit from Emperor Kangxi, with all the pomp, circumstance and color of the royal entourage 300 years ago.

Here are a few of the foreigners' impressions. Find complete articles online at www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/2015discoveringchina.html.

The locations were dazzling. On our first day we wandered the length and breadth of Pingyao. Our tour was filled with history, culture, and excitement.

David Randin, United States

Shanxi is called "the hometown of noodles" for a reason. I ate more kinds of noodles than I ever had all my life. Shanxi is heaven for a noodle lover.

Stephanie Tay, Malaysia

The road through the rocks on Mount Wangmang really impressed me! It was like in an amusement park but even better, since one wrong move from the driver and you could say hello to your ancestors.

Anastasia Sukhoretskaya, Russia

There are 10 magnificent roads in China and most of them, including the one carved by hand through the cliffs at Xiyagou, are in Shanxi.

Iakiv Pekarskyi, Ukraine

We saw the Residence of the Prime Minister in Jincheng under a light rainfall, which lent the whole place a somber air. It washed away many of the telling signs of the passage of time - pollution, plastic wrappers, cigarette butts - leaving only the smell of wet earth and rock. You could almost picture Emperor Kangxi walking within the walls of the ancient compound, stopping at the pond and wondering what would be served for dinner.

Anitra Williams, Switzerland

It is noodles that draw Italy and China surprisingly close. Tasting Shanxi noodles will surely be a pleasant experience for visitors from Italy - as well as for all pasta lovers traveling in this equally beautiful Chinese region.

Michele Casadei, Italy

Because this province is not so frequently visited by foreigners, it seems more authentic than other tourist spots, and you can follow the tracks of ancient China.

Lina Zalhaas, Germany

I was astonished to see how well-preserved Pingyao is. The town positively breathes with antiquity. The people are friendly. You can always count on help, even if you don't know Chinese.

Akhil Parashar, India

As the day continued, the clouds faded away, revealing a sight that can only be compared to the flying waterfalls in the James Cameron film Avatar. A firsthand view of the grand gorges and steep cliffs of Wangmang Ridge made it clear why this spot is considered a wonder of the world.

J. Paul Parush, United States

The beauty of Mount Wangmang is picture-perfect, a fusion of high mountain valleys, lakes and many streams. One feels the spirit of the mountain and hears the whispers of history.

Akhil Parashar, India

Westerners are looking for immersive experiences filled with heritage, richness and authenticity. These are definitely things you can find in Shanxi.

Danai Krokou, Greece

It is the roofs that first catch the eye, but it doesn't take long for one's interest to move from the buildings to the beautiful people who inhabit them.

Luis Gomez, Spain

The modern-day visitor may see the Rishengchang Exchange set in Pingyao's unique surroundings and be thankful for the rise of the bank, which made Pingyao's preservation possible.

Pete Marchetto, United Kingdomw

Sunset in the Taihang mountains on a misty day. David Randin / for China Daily

(China Daily 06/18/2015 page6)