French Ambassador makes her fourth visit to Pingyao

Sylvie Bermann, the French Ambassador to China, paid her fourth visit to Pingyao, in Northern China's Shanxi province, on July 5.

Sylvie Bermann, the French Ambassador to China, visiting Pingyao of Shanxi province on July 5.

While touring the city, she visited the site of an ancient currency-exchange shop, a 19th-century marketplace, the former county-government headquarters, the old city wall, and a local folk inn. She then discussed both historical preservation and future development with Pingyao's tourism staff and government officials.

Sylvie Bermann, the French Ambassador to China, visiting an ancient currency-exchange shop in Pingyao of Shanxi province on July 5.

Sylvie Bermann, the French Ambassador to China, visiting the former county-government headquarter in Pingyao of Shanxi province on July 5.

Ms. Bermann used to be the president of the United Nations Human Rights Council for French-speaking countries, and in March 2011, she became the first female French ambassador to China since the founding of Sino-French relations in the 19th century.

Bermann expressed her fondness for Pingyao's ancient city—in particular the culture of the Jin Shang, or Shanxi merchants—and urged its residents to preserve its cultural heritage. She also wants to strengthen Sino-French relations in broader ways, and she said she hopes the two nations can progress through the 21st century hand-in-hand.

The county's deputy chief Wang Dongguang and his staff accompanied the ambassador during her visit.