The 2026 "Looking China Youth Film Project: Shanxi Tour" has sparked a creative wave across Shanxi province, as 10 young directors from Spain, Lebanon, Ecuador, and Greece use their lenses to capture the essence of Shanxi culture.

Teaming up with student volunteers from Beijing Information Science and Technology University, they have fostered cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and the world.

The film project focuses on Shanxi merchant culture, intangible cultural heritage, the preservation of ancient architecture, and ancient Chinese clothing. Through documentary storytelling, these works connect the past with the present, capturing the richness of Shanxi's culture and presenting its diversity to a global audience.

In the Ancient City of Pingyao, Spanish director Daniela experienced ancient Chinese clothing for the first time. "I can't believe I'm wearing centuries of Chinese history. It's beautiful," she said excitedly. Together with young people from China, she documented the revival of traditional clothing and new cultural tourism trends, highlighting the enduring charm of merchant culture from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Lebanese director Marianne was captivated by the ancient art of shadow puppetry, a thousand-year-old skill. Inspired by this tradition, the international team collaborated on a documentary titled Millennia of Puppetry: Legacy at Fingertips, focusing on Xiaoyi wood puppetry and shadow play, which flourished during the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties.

"This is not just a creative endeavor but a cultural encounter across mountains and seas," Marianne reflected. She expressed gratitude for the Chinese team's support and the warm hospitality of the Shanxi people, which helped her quickly assimilate into the local culture. 

From filming across language barriers and exploring ancient sites to learning Chinese and savoring Shanxi cuisine, each experience has deepened her understanding of Shanxi's rich cultural heritage.