Shanxi promotes tourism in Shanghai

The Shanxi Tourism Administration held a promotional activity on March 22 in Shanghai, the first leg of a series in 2016, sxgov.cn has reported.

The audience was introduced to the famous travelling routes in North China's Shanxi province, including the world heritage sites, the historical buildings and religions, the folk customs of Shanxi business, historical source sites, Taihang Mountain, revolutionary sites, the Yellow River, and the scenery of Lvliang city. The ancient city of Pingyao, Yugang Grottoes, Jinci Memorial Temple, and imperial city scenic spots were also presented.

Feng Jianping, director of the Shanxi Tourism Administration, who is very familiar with the province's rich historical tourist resources, summed up Shanxi as a perfect place for exploring ancient Chinese civilization.

Shanxi is outstanding in conveying the culture and history of ancient China, Feng said.

The province has 157 Palaeolithic ruins and is said to be the home of legendary Emperors Yan and Huang. Its merchants expanded their businesses to Europe and throughout Asia during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911).

It boasts three world heritage sites—the Ancient City of Pingyao, the Yungang Grottoes, and Wutai Mountain -- as well as six national famous historic cities and 40 historic counties and villages, including Taiyuan, Datong, Pingyao, Daixian, Qixian, and Xinjiang.

It has 452 national-level cultural relic protection sites, 24,000 square meters of ancient wall paintings, and 12,799 ancient colored sculptures, more than anywhere else in the country.

Shanxi is also abundant in landscapes with six national scenic areas, eight geological parks, 18 forest parks, and seven natural reserve areas.

Shanxi and Shanghai have been tourist destinations and sources for each other, said Yang Jinsong, director of the Shanghai Tourism Administration, adding that the two jurisdictions are complementary in tourism development, scenic spot construction, and marketing.

The Shanxi tourism Administration opened a marketing store in Shanghai to build the image and reputation of Shanxi tourism.

A new air route from Wutaishan to Shanghai Pudong International Airport will open on March 30.

The promotional event in Shanghai will be followed by similar activities in the provinces of Jiangxi, Anhui, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hainan, and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The unveiling ceremony of the Shanxi Tourism Marketing Store in Shanghai on March 22.[Photo/sxgov.cn]