On Nov 15, China Newsweek released the "2024 City Vitality Tourism Index Report" in Beijing. Taiyuan and Datong in North China's Shanxi province were each named a "2024 City of Vitality".

The report selected 35 typical cities as samples and carefully constructed an index system focusing on urban tourism trends across five criteria: cultural and tourism economic vitality, communication vitality, service vitality, consumption vitality, and environmental vitality.

The report noted that, regardless of their size, cities awarded with this title demonstrated diverse and comprehensive development in the cultural and tourism industry and showcased the most vibrant aspects of urban tourism.

Taiyuan has integrated historical culture, natural scenery, folk culture, and local cuisine to create a distinct urban IP. Through a "tourism + urban IP" model, Taiyuan has increased efforts in preserving historical and cultural heritage, innovating cultural and tourism products, and combining traditional culture with modern elements, thus making the city's culture dynamic and attractive.

Datong puts tourists at the center, utilizing online and offline promotion to create new scenarios and business ecosystems that continuously improve the city's cultural experiences. This approach aims to turn this ancient capital into a vibrant and enduring tourism destination.

Among out-of-city visitors, 60 percent are repeat visitors to Datong, indicating that the city is becoming a destination that tourists are inclined to visit again.