As the tourist industry gains increasing momentum, it becomes a pillar of the economy of Shanxi province and demonstrates that a new era of cultural tourism will start in the province. The following ten highlights of the past year portray a new picture of the industry, Xinhua Online has reported.

1. The 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) of Shanxi's tourist industry closed with a good result.

The tourist industry of Shanxi province, one of the province's most active industries, grew at a rapid pace and played a remarkable role in driving economic development during the 12th Five-Year Plan.

The central province received 1.25 billion tourists from home and abroad over the past five years, with an average annual growth of 23.47 percent and the income totaling 1,175 billion yuan ($178 billion), up by 26.03 percent annually.

In 2015 alone, it received 361 million tourists, a year-on-year increase of 20.22 percent, and the tourist income reached 344 billion yuan, up by 21.11 percent.

The Mansion of the Chang Family [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

2. The Opinions on Promoting Reform and Development in the Tourist Industry made by the Shanxi Provincial Government were announced.

The Shanxi provincial government issued the official document -- Opinions on Promoting Reform and Development in the Tourist Industry -- on June 1, 2015, in line with the national guidance.

The document proposed 11 measures concerning how to upgrade the province's tourist industry and boost its growth, helping the industry and enterprises deal with difficulties and problems.

This famous Shanxi dish is golden colored with a gentle taste and real flavor, a combination of meat and vegetables that brings a mellow, not greasy, taste, which is especially popular in the Yuci area. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]