Exploration of Shanxi's Charm from Multiple Perspectives Brings Infinite Possibilities of Taiyuan to a Wider Audience

The second season of "Enjoy Taiyuan: a City for Life, Business, and Tourism International Communication Event - Taiyuan in the Eyes of Foreign Vloggers", jointly hosted by CRI Online of China Media Group, the Publicity Department of the CPC Taiyuan Municipal Committee, and the Office of Cyberspace Affairs of the CPC Taiyuan Municipal Committee took place from April 24 to 27. Internet-famous vloggers from the United States, Russia, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Syria, and South Africa came together in Taiyuan to learn about the city and share the stories of Taiyuan via videos and texts in a vivid manner.

A 2,500-year history has left behind an abundance of ancient buildings and cultural relics to explore. In front of Shengmu Hall (the "Holy Mother" Hall), the main building of Jinci Temple which is an important landmark of Taiyuan, Khian Artgold Bonsobre, a Gen Z-er from the Philippines shared his impressions of the city. "Taiyuan is a city with a long history and fascinating stories. This trip featuring its poetic culture has made me feel at ease."

The participating foreign Internet-famous vloggers pose together at Jinci Temple [Photo by Ye Xiandou]

At Shanxi Bronze Museum, the Internet-famous vloggers from foreign countries appreciated and shared their prudent views on the cultural collections. Zein Alabdin Ali, a vlogger from Syria, was particularly moved. "I can read the long history of the Chinese nation through these antique cultural relics. My native country, Syria, also enjoys a long history. The ancient Silk Road once closely linked the histories, cultures and lives of our two countries. The two ancient civilizations have been constantly coming into contact. I want to share these unique, beautiful cultures with people around the world."

Zein Alabdin Ali, a Syrian vlogger, visits the "Colorful Taiyuan History and Culture Exhibition". [Photo by Ye Xiandou]

The foreign Internet-famous vloggers take a group photo by the Fen River [Photo by Ye Xiandou]

Besides being a bustling modern city, Taiyuan is also blessed with pleasant landscapes and ecologically livable countryside. On the banks of the Fen River, the "mother river" of Shanxi Province, the visitors were able to observe the charming scenery of the "Fen River Ferry at Dusk", one of the traditional "Eight Views of Jinyang", and were captivated by the picturesque charm there.

Nguyen Trang Thi, a Vietnamese vlogger, appreciates the scenery around Senqi Town [Photo by Ye Xiandou]

From the viewing platform in Senqi Town, Dongjia Village, Khian Artgold Bonsobre once again exclaimed in delight. "I've heard about how Senqi Town was transformed from a barren mountain into the beautiful place it is now. I think other countries can learn from China's practices of environmental protection and ecological governance." Sarah Mary De Meillon, a South African vlogger, had similar thoughts in relation to rural revitalization. "When I came to China, I was struck by the determination of the Chinese people. Once they decide to do something, they will do it to the end and never give up halfway. And this is true in the case of their rural development."

Taiyuan has been in recent years promoting industrial integration and the high-quality transformation and development of its cultural and tourism sector. On Zhonglou Street, a commercial landmark in the city, the foreign visitors had the opportunity to taste some delicious dishes including Laoshuku Glutinous Rice Balls, and discover the prosperous side of Taiyuan. At Fantawild Oriental Heritage Park in Yangqu County, they witnessed a combination of traditional Chinese culture and the modern creative industry through various recreational facilities. Their adventure continued at CAMPOWER Qianqu International Education Base in Dayu Town, Yangqu County, where they learned more about the city's paths of innovative industrial integration by visiting the extreme sports center and other venues.

"Every city has its own unique features and traits, and Taiyuan is a city well worth checking out," said Zein Alabdin Ali, a Syrian vlogger. Taiyuan, a pearl on the Fen River, deserves to be shared with the world. This open, inclusive and colorful city is opening its arms to warmly embrace friends from all over the world interested in discovering its unique charm.