In July a group of 14 foreign journalists, travel writers, diplomats and press photographers traveled to Shanxi at the invitation of China Daily and the Shanxi Tourism Authority.
The temple is the only one in China that combines the religions of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Visitors can walk through the monastery and see the humble cells where monks lived and the intricately decorated halls where they prayed to their gods.
It is surprising how luxurious simple pork belly and rice can taste. For me, having spent almost two years in China's deep south, the delicacies that excited my palate in the past are now mere specters of a culinary yesteryear.
By day, the ancient city of Pingyao is a bustling hub of shops, restaurants and bars within its city walls. Our tour group joined torrents of tourists, Buddhist monks and nuns visiting Wutai Mountain temples despite torrents of rain.
Are you planning a holiday but not sure of where to go to? Consider Shanxi, a destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories and experiences of Chinese culture, architecture and the taste of the delicious food of the local people.
Of all the colourful tourist attractions our group was taken to on our "Discover Shanxi" trip with China Daily, the one I remember most vividly is the Yungang Grottoes in Datong city.
