The Old Town of Pingyao. [Photo by Li Mengyuan/China Daily]

Data show that Shanxi has what it takes to enter the Top 10 of tourism destinations in China in less than a decade. In 2013, it hosted 388,000 visitors from foreign countries, who contributed more than $822 million to the province's local economies. There are five 5A-rated scenic spots in the region, along with 83 4A-ranked areas.

And the capital, Taiyuan, is only about three hours from Beijing in a comfortable high-speed train, and it's accessible by air from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and Singapore via the city’s international airport.

As one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, Shanxi can count on its history to anchor its future. It includes the remarkable Old Town of Pingyao, the impressive Jinci Temple and the majestic Residence of the Former Prime Minister Chen. In addition, Shanxi’s mountains conceal some true natural pearls, like Wangmang Mountain and the Grand Canyons of the Huguan Taihang Mountains.

Meeting locals shows the benefits of tourism. I had the occasion to witness this as I traveled around Shanxi recently with a group of foreigners. It's a study in contrast.

For example, at Jingci Temple, villagers care for buildings, arches and statues with the same dedication and respect that their ancestors once brought to this sacred site more than 15 centuries ago.