The Grand Canyons of Taihang mountains. [Photo by Li Mengyuan/China Daily]

In Huguan county, the community puts its greatest efforts in to promoting the area and attracting Chinese and foreign visitors, even with innovative activities like whitewater rafting.

By arranging both traditional and less traditional tourism services, locals pull in a single direction, with a single objective, thus reinforcing their sense of community. The passion that people bring to the restoration and conservation of their historical and natural heritage is what makes Shanxi unique, and it's the key to its future prosperity.

The region now has the opportunity to be the first in China to embrace a new model and become a pioneer. Dedication to the past and respect for the future are the two main principles of what is often called "eco-tourism" — meaning sustainable tourism. It is defined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization as "tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities".

This economic paradigm disciplines the preservation and conservation of environmental, social and cultural resources, and aims at local empowerment through economic development at the same time.

Like many regions in China, Shanxi is transitioning toward a greener economy. Coal-mining, the dominant industry, will be gradually replaced by new industries. And tourism is seen as the key. It is expanding at a rapid pace and boosting economic growth.