Known as the "Cradle of Chinese Civilization" and lauded as the "Museum of Ancient Architecture", Shanxi is also the birthplace of the Jin Merchant Culture. It is located in North China, on the eastern bank of the middle reaches of the Yellow River.
Shanxi has a temperate monsoon climate: winters are cold and dry, summers are hot and rainy, springs are often windy and dusty, while autumn offers the most pleasant weather. As a major province rich in coal resources, Shanxi is a key base for heavy industry. In recent years, its cultural and tourism industry has developed at an accelerated pace, with its historical resources being fully explored and utilized.
Shanxi boasts a large number of well-preserved ancient buildings:
- The Ancient City of Pingyao, the best-preserved ancient city from the Ming and Qing dynasties in China, has been inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List.
- The Yungang Grottoes, a masterpiece of Buddhist stone carving art from the Northern Wei Dynasty, is also a World Cultural Heritage site.
- The Wooden Pagoda of Ying County, a towering wooden structure built in the Liao Dynasty, amazes people with its exquisite craftsmanship that uses no nails or rivets.
Local classic delicacies such as Daoxiao Mian (knife-shaved noodles), Pingyao beef, and Guoyou Rou (fried sliced pork with sauce) carry the culinary memories of Shanxi.