The 2025 "A Date with China" international media group poses for a group photo at Jinci Temple in Taiyuan, North China's Shanxi province, on Nov 10, 2025. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

An international media tour explored dual identity of North China's Shanxi province – a guardian of millennia-old heritages and a hub of innovative cultural expressions.

The 2025 "A Date with China" international media tour recently concluded in Shanxi, featuring a diverse group of foreign journalists and content creators from countries including the United States, Brazil, Vietnam, Germany, Italy, Russia, Turkiye and Venezuela, venturing into China's rich cultural tapestry.

The event spotlighted Shanxi's breathtaking ancient architecture, world-renowned polychrome sculptures, and vibrant intangible cultural heritages, showcasing how tradition and modernity coexist and thrive in the heart of China.

One of the tour's most awe-inspiring stops was the Jinci Temple in Taiyuan, home to the Hall of Offerings (Xian Dian) – a stunning example of traditional Chinese wooden architecture constructed without a single nail. This architectural marvel, which has withstood the test of time, stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Chinese builders.

"China's history is profound," said German content creator Tobias Dominiczak, whose wife hails from Shanxi. "I've visited China many times, but there are still so many historical sites I have yet to discover."

One of the Four Heavenly Guardians sculptures stands vivid with its lively posture and expression at the Shuanglin Temple in Jinzhong, North China's Shanxi province, on Nov 11, 2025. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

In Pingyao county, the group explored the Shuanglin Temple, famed for its exquisite colored sculptures, earning it the title "Treasury of Oriental Painted Sculpture Art". With over 2,000 sculptures spanning the Song (960-1279), Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, each piece exudes vivid expressions and dynamic postures.

A Vietnamese journalist pays close attention to the introduction at the Shuanglin Temple in Jinzhong, North China's Shanxi province, on Nov 11, 2025. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Ancient City of Pingyao", the Shuanglin Temple has also gained recent fame as a filming location for the globally popular game Black Myth: Wukong, attracting a wave of "Wukong Trail" tourists. This blend of ancient artistry, digital innovation, and pop culture exemplifies Shanxi's growing influence in cultural tourism.

A Brazilian reporter, an American expert and foreign content creators pose for a group photo at the Wang Family Compound in Jinzhong, North China's Shanxi province, on Nov 12, 2025. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The tour also visited the Wang Family Compound in Jinzhong, a grand residential complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring intricate brick, wood and stone carvings symbolizing the harmony between architectural beauty and clan values.

"This will definitely appeal to young people and international audiences," noted Brazilian reporter Eric Napoli, highlighting how heritage sites featured in TV dramas can spark global interest.

A Venezuelan content creator tastes vinegar-flavored ice cream and reacts with surprise at Donghu Vinegar Garden in Taiyuan, North China's Shanxi province, on Nov 10, 2025. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Beyond architecture, Shanxi's intangible cultural heritages were equally captivating.

At the Donghu Vinegar Garden, participants discovered the versatility of Shanxi vinegar, from culinary uses to innovative products like vinegar-flavored ice cream and snacks. "Shanxi vinegar is so magical!" Italian content creator Andrea Randisi exclaimed.

Amazed by its additional uses, including as a skin nutrient and hand cleanser, he added, "The vinegar has so many functions."

A Turkish content creator takes photos of hand-polished lacquer furniture in Jinzhong's Pingyao county, North China's Shanxi province, on Nov 11, 2025. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

In Pingyao Ancient City, the group experienced the art of hand-polished lacquerware, a traditional craft used in everything from furniture to jewelry boxes and souvenirs.

"A must-have find," praised Russian content creator Dmitrii Doromin. "These pieces can refresh your home or make meaningful gifts. The craftsmen are truly dedicated to sharing Eastern elegance with the world."

Foreign content creators touch noodles as thin as hair during a Shanxi noodles art performance in Taiyuan, North China's Shanxi province, on Nov 10, 2025. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Shanxi also boasts a profound noodle culture that dates back centuries. The stunning noodle-making performances – blowing dough into balloons and shaving noodles atop their heads while riding unicycles – sparked a flurry of camera clicks. "It reminds me of my pasta-loving homeland," said an Italian vlogger. Great noodle culture connects across oceans.

An American expert takes photos of the ancient chime bells at Shanxi Museum in Taiyuan, North China's Shanxi province, on Nov 14, 2025. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]