The Fenhe River scenic area in Taiyuan [Photo/Taiyuan Evening News] 

Taiyuan, capital of North China's Shanxi province, has been promoting the combined development of its culture and tourism, by exploring local historical and cultural connections and rolling out high-quality cultural and tourism projects.

Focusing on the goal of being an internationally renowned cultural tourism and leisure destination, Taiyuan has continued to increase investment in the construction of large scenic spots and support facilities. 

Tourist attractions and scenic spots have been built or upgraded and open to the public, becoming hot destinations. These include Jinci Temple, Tianlong Mountain, Jinshang Museum, Jinyang Lake Park, Taiyuan Botanical Garden, the East-West Mountain Tourist Road, Taiyuan Ancient County and Fantawild Oriental Heritage Amusement Park.

As an ancient city with a history of more than 2,500 years, Taiyuan has committed itself to protection planning. It has also focused on the conservation and development of historical and cultural blocks and ancient towns and villages, to maintain their old layouts and streetscapes and to demonstrate the historical and cultural features of the city.

Major buildings featuring old Taiyuan styles, such as Shouyi Gate on Wuyi Square and Taiyuan Imperial Temple, have undergone restoration and protective reconstruction. Zhonglou Street, the most important commercial block in ancient Taiyuan, will soon be open to the public after renovation. 

Relying on local traditional folk festivals and its reputedly unique cultural resources, Taiyuan has created distinct cultural activity brands which are said to have attracted many tourists. 

A Dream in Jinyang is a typical example of combined culture and tourism that has filled a gap in tourism performances and live performances in Taiyuan. Since its premiere in June 2019, the show has been performed more than 300 times and attracted an audience of more than 350,000. 

From 2017 to June 1, 2021, the city staged 5,685 operas free of charge for an audience of 1.13 million in rural areas, in a program that has both inherited and promoted traditional Chinese culture.

This year, plans are for Taiyuan to further promote the high-quality development of the cultural industry, build up its "Splendid Taiyuan" tourism brand system and satisfy people's new expectations for a better life with more high-quality cultural tourism products and services.