Shanxi should change its global image, overseas Chinese media say

Shanxi should change its global image, said the representatives of global Chinese-language media.

Representatives of 15 overseas Chinese-language media from 10 countries said that the province should rebrand itself to emphasize its unique culture, rather than coal, as they concluded a 6-day Shanxi tour on August 21.

The tour, with the theme “searching for roots,” started in Taiyuan on August 16 to explore and experience the Chinese civilization in Shanxi.

The tour included stops in Hongdong Large Locust Tree, a scenic spot in the province’s Hongdong county for ancestor worship and roots searching; Taosi, capital of the Yao Emperor about 4,200 years ago; and the Ancient City of Pingyao, a World Cultural Heritage Site.

“Roots are important to Chinese abroad,” said a president of a Chinese-language media in Canada.

He Ruina, head of Canada’s Health Times, visited Shanxi for the first time. “Searching for roots strengthens our knowledge of our homeland,” she said.

She added that her knowledge of Shanxi was mostly about “energy resources”, “coal mines” and “coal-mine bosses”. Many overseas Chinese and foreigners did not have intimate knowledge of Shanxi. As one of the origins of Chinese civilization, Shanxi should change its global image, she said.

Fang Yongjun, head of Hungary’s Europe Weekly, echoed her idea. “Shanxi should strengthen its overseas promotion on history and culture, and to change its image on coal,” Fang explained.

Wang Rulin, secretary of Shanxi’s Party Committee, met the delegation and said Shanxi is working hard to rebrand and open up. Chinese-language media play an important role, he added.

Wang Rulin (right second), secretary of Shanxi's Party Committee, meets the delegation of overseas Chinese-language media on August 17. [Photo/Chinanews.com]