Where the past still feels present

But across the world there are places where history has endured in a much more complete form, where the past is not simply displayed, but still exists. Shanxi province in northern China is one such place.

Often described as a cradle of Chinese civilization, Shanxi offers a rare opportunity to see the foundations of Chinese culture still standing today. With a history stretching back thousands of years, the province preserves a remarkable connection between ancient China and the modern world.

Its importance is recognized through three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the ancient city of Pingyao, the Yungang Grottoes and the cultural landscape of Mount Wutai. But beyond these internationally recognized landmarks, Shanxi is filled with historic towns, temples and villages that preserve the stories of generations past. Here, history is not something separated from everyday life but something that can be walked through, touched and experienced.