Unsung tourist attractions and energy resources bode well for Shanxi's future

Shanxi may not be the first mainland destination overseas travellers would think of, as images of the smog-filled skyline of its capital, Taiyuan , and its status as one of the most polluted cities in the world have deterred many potential visitors.

Yet the province has abundant tourism resources. Some 70 per cent of its land is at more than 1,000 metres above sea level, and it is home to northern China's highest peak, Heng Mountain at 3,058 metres, and one of the country's top Buddhist sites, picturesque Wutai Mountain.

Shanxi's dry and cool weather has allowed it to preserve relics and architecture from its ancient past, dating back more than 1,500 years.

Not only is the province dotted with Buddhist and Taoist temples, pagodas, grottoes and stone carvings from many dynasties, it also has Qing dynasty tycoons' mansions and the ancient city of Pingyao listed by the UN's Unesco heritage body.

Its rich folk art heritage is also fascinating, and includes paper cutting, embroidery, figurine sculpting, toy making, shadow-puppet shows and engraving.

Shanxi's tourism attractions have been gaining greater recognition. Last year the province earned 58.16 billion yuan (HK$66.15 billion) from tourism, up 35.8 per cent from 2006. Its ranking among the nation's 31 provinces and autonomous regions has climbed three notches to 14th place, and it welcomed 737,790 overseas tourists last year, an increase of 28.62 per cent from 2006.