Despite not featuring prominently in guidebooks, the province's unique culture and history allow it to take its place alongside the country's familiar tourist spots.
Prepare yourself for an adventure that will take you back to several Chinese dynasties even as you lap up the scenery - much of it cloaked in sumptuous green.
When Aidana Mukhametgaliyeva saw a notice in China Daily offering writers and photographers the chance to visit Shanxi province, she had no hesitation in applying to go.
Let's set ourselves in Shanxi Province in the northern part of the country and go through some of the wondrous sightseeing spots this province has to offer.
To experience the last 30 years of China, go to Shenzhen, the last 100 years go to Shanghai, for the last 1000, Beijing, for the last 3,000 go to Shaanxi but for the last 5,000 go to Shanxi.
