Immerse yourself in China's most ancient province and take away moments for a lifetime.

There are many places in the world that are worth a visit. Some are spectacular, like the Pyramids; some are intriguing, like Stonehenge; and recent exploration makes many others worth a look.

After visiting more than 30 countries, I'm hard to impress. I can't remember the last time I was blown away when seeing a new place.

Yet, that's what happened during my recent visit to China's Shanxi province with a group of foreigners sponsored by China Daily and the Shanxi Tourism Bureau.

Shanxi is not only the birthplace of the Chinese financial industry but also the cradle of nation's 5,000-year history. It holds a plethora of rivers, mountains and unique natural landscapes. Shanxi has rich tourism resources that I'm sure an increasing number of visitors will be enjoying in the coming years.

What is special about Shanxi is that it is traditional and at the same time original, in that it represents Chinese history and culture through its particular architecture and legends.

I was expecting the weather to be cold because we were traveling up to the mountains. But we were favored with a cool breeze and warm rays.

The province is famous for four things: coal (it produces one-fourth of China's supply); fen jiu, a mild aromatic Chinese liquor; vinegar; and noodles. During this great trip we visited the Grand Canyons of Taihang Mountain, the Old Town of Pingyao, Wangmang Mountain, the Cliff Road in Xiyagou and the Royal Residence of the Prime Minister. At the end, we watched a great show of Qing Dynasty.

Pingyao

Pingyao is the oldest walled Chinese city, dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (BC1046-256). It was enlarged during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The most impressive thing has to be that people still live inside the walls of the city today. The economy of Pingyao developed rapidly beginning in the 19th century, and it became an important hub of finance, with 22 exchange shops. Springtime in Pingyao is nothing less than magical. The place looks more like a small village with its narrow alleys and quiet roads.

Royal Residence of the Prime Minister

This unique castle complex was built by the Chen family, a wealthy and distinguished family of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The master of the residence was Chen Tingjing, who served as editor-in-chief of the classic Kangxi Dictionary and was the teacher of Emperor Kangxi.

Taihang Mountain

Taihang Mountain is a scene of unfettered peace and an important geological dividing line. It stands astride four major areas: Hebei, Shanxi and Henan provinces, and Beijing municipality. It stretches for over 400 kilometers. Because of its key geographical position, it has been of great military importance since ancient times. The Grand Canyon of Taihang Mountain has amazing landscapes, attractive rock caves, small rivers and waterfalls and a lot of legends.

Wangmang Mountain cliff road

In this part of Shanxi you can only see perpendicular cliffs and walls without roads. In the early 1960s the people of Xiyagou began a 30-year project to carve out a 7.5-kilometer road through the cliffs using only hand tools. The feat is a wonder in the road-building history of Chinese villages.

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