As Chinese New Year approaches, 10 global travel influencers from countries including South Korea, Russia, Singapore, and Malaysia have embarked on an immersive cultural journey to the ancient temples of Faxing and Chongqing in Zhangzi county, Shanxi province, diving into the artistic allure of ancient architecture and local Chinese New Year festivities.

Global travel influencers from different countries pose for a group photo. [Photo/Shanxi Economic Daily]

At Faxing Temple, the national intangible cultural heritage Shangdang Bayin Concert delivered an exhilarating performance. Combining the millennia-old architecture with traditional music, the concert left international guests in awe. Russian vlogger Ali said, "The performance was incredibly lively. We joined in the dancing and interacted with the performers – it was so much fun!"

During their exploration of Faxing Temple, Malaysian vlogger Jiawen, a devotee of ancient architecture, remarked, "These structures are a bridge between the past and present. Compared with what I've seen in Malaysia, the architectural styles here are more diverse, and every detail is worth a closer look."

The influencers then visited Chongqing Temple, built during the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), where they explored key structures like the Tianwang and Qianfo halls. Inside, the vividly lifelike painted sculptures – particularly the "Eighteen Arhats" – left the visitors marveling at the ancient craftsmen's extraordinary skills.

"Visiting this millennia-old temple and appreciating such breathtaking artistic treasures is an invaluable experience," said Ali, who plans to share this unique cultural journey with a global audience, showcasing the enchanting allure of Shanxi's ancient architecture.