The photo shows Qikou village in Shanxi province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Take the villages we saw in Shanxi - visitors are drawn there by their uniqueness. By building on that there is every possibility of creating outstanding destinations that could potentially attract worldwide interest, as has happened at Mutianyu.

It is vital not to destroy the very reason people go to such unique sites but to develop in such a way as to ensure their future while retaining their intrinsic appeal.

The mix of historic architectural styles with Shanxi's villages inspires. Buildings could be restored, renovated internally with contemporary facilities while retaining their historic facade to create quality accommodation either within family courtyards or entirely self-catering.

While contemporary hotel exterior design would feel out of place, modern guesthouses created from local stone while incorporating regional design features should blend in with the feel of the villages. The Brickyard at Mutianyu, north of Beijing, attracts corporate events, mini-conventions and people looking for a relaxing break within a beautiful setting. It has been praised for its simplistic beauty.

For successful development it is important to integrate the local population - people should be part of the success - for example demonstrating their traditional craft skills, talking to visitors on village history, folk tales and legends.

Creating personalised dining within domestic homes while illustrating local Shanxi culinary skills. Villagers, with their family roots going back generations could help create detailed self-guided walking routes or even organise pony expeditions for the surrounding areas are both beautiful and perfect for exploration.

The emphasis again is on sustainable, non-destructive tourism with guests staying several days or longer. The opportunity to escape from the modern urban world, to relax within the natural, calming feeling offered by such semi-rural life!

The physical appearance of the villages surely could attract artists and photographers - Qikou with the sun rising or setting over the Yellow River; Zhangbi with a maze of alleys and arches from past eras; Xiwan with remnants of Old Shanxi cave dwellings within a beautiful mountain backdrop.

Imagine the Yellow River Concerto played live at Qikou - the village already has attractive local-themed guesthouses with upper terrace dining overlooking the river - a feeling of being in Heaven, of being in Shanxi. Travellers, domestic and international are increasingly looking for something beyond mass tourism.

The potential is certainly there in Shanxi.