The Jin Memorial Temple. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

Living in a Chinese mega city offers a foreigner many opportunities to enjoy the unique culture. A large population provides plenty of easy opportunities to get to know the local people. Perhaps this is one reason a handful of cities — Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong — come to mind immediately when foreigners think of China.

Cities such as Taiyuan, Jinzhong, Changzhi, and Jincheng in North China's Shanxi province were unknown to me until a recent five-day visit to what is perfectly named the "Land of Splendors". Getting to know these cities has certainly enhanced my appreciation of China's culture and its people.

Day 1: Taiyuan — Jin Memorial Temple

Visiting the Jin Memorial Temple was unlike any temple visit I've made during my stay in China. The difference this ancient temple holds could be attributed in part to the ancient cypress and pagoda trees. There are at least 20 trees older than 1,000 years. The trees provided a quite peacefulness throughout the temple grounds as I admired the Lady of Lourdes shrine, China's oldest wood-carved dragon pillars, and the four iron figures beautifully displayed in each corner of the Jinren platform in front of the Xiandian Palace. Their purpose: to defend the water of the shrine.

The offerings hall, while simple in its appearance, also added nicely to the unique charm of the temple.