Shanxi is so "earthy" it gets mocked? But its cultural depth leaves the nation speechless

Once, more than one tourist said to me with confusion: "Shanxi is so rustic!" I would always smile knowingly and respond frankly: "Yes, Shanxi is indeed 'earthy'." But this "earthiness" is far from the superficial notion of backwardness or monotony. It is a living fossil in phonology, preserving ancient pronunciations and carrying the weight of classical Chinese phonetics. Every syllable can pierce through time, telling ancient tales. In southern Shanxi, it's the yellow soil from the hills, indispensable for making "chaoqi" (a local snack). When tossed in a wok with dough, it imparts a unique flavor—one bite, and that unpretentious essence explodes in your mouth, transporting you instantly to the agrarian life of a thousand years ago. This "earthiness" is also a warm embrace. In the past, the bitter winters of fourteen provinces were warmed by Shanxi's coal. Cartloads of raw coal, carrying the warmth of Shanxi's land, traveled across the nation, burning fiercely in furnaces to drive away the cold, becoming a lifeline for countless families in winter—a selfless gift from Shanxi's soil to all. Shanxi's earth is also the embodiment of homesickness for wanderers. Under the Great Pagoda Tree of Hongtong, countless people once bid farewell to their homeland. During the great migration of the Ming Dynasty, multitudes set out from here to 48,000 unfamiliar destinations. That ancient pagoda tree witnessed tears of parting and carries endless longing. Today, it has become a sacred site for tracing roots—every speck of dust stirred beneath its branches may hold the footprints of an ancestor, evoking descendants' nostalgia for their homeland. When the wind howls through Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, Guangji Temple, Foguang Temple, Yongle Palace, Jinci Temple, Hanging Temple, Wutai Mountain, and the Yungang Grottoes... these ancient architectural marvels, gleaming with historical brilliance, send incense-laden dust swirling into the air. This dust is a witness to millennia of history—it has seen countless devotees bow in reverence, witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, and every particle is steeped in profound cultural heritage, recording stories sealed by time. From the era of Emperor Yan onward, this land has been shaped by the wheels of history. The wind, carrying dust, has blown since the times of Yao, Shun, and Yu, through the Spring and Autumn period when Duke Wen of Jin dominated, witnessed the rise and fusion of the Northern Wei, surged through the golden ages of the Tang, Liao, and Jin dynasties, and flowed onward through the transformations of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing. It is the heroic dust kicked up by iron cavalry, the vicissitudes of dynasties—every swirl of dust is a chapter of epic history. Is Shanxi "earthy"? Absolutely. But Shanxi's earthiness is because this was the earliest place called "China"! It is one of the birthplaces of Huaxia civilization, the very root of the Chinese nation. I excitedly told friends: "Did you know? Shanxi is trending now!" They teased with stereotypes: "Is it because it's cold and they need coal again?" I just smiled, and they laughed too. But we all knew—this time, Shanxi's "trending" is truly different. Today, Shanxi is no longer just a resource-rich province known for coal. The winds of cultural tourism are sweeping every corner of this land. Once-overlooked historical and cultural treasures are shaking off the dust of time and shining anew. The ancient city of Pingyao, a perfectly preserved relic of the Ming and Qing dynasties, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing global visitors. Strolling its cobblestone streets and touching its ancient walls, you can almost hear the laughter of Jin merchants from centuries past and see the bustling prosperity of those times. The Yungang Grottoes, with their exquisite Buddha statues, showcase the pinnacle of Buddhist art from the Northern Wei Dynasty with breathtaking artistry. Inside the caves, the serene and compassionate faces of the Buddhas, carved with fluid and delicate lines, leave one in awe of the ancient craftsmen's divine skill. Wutai Mountain, one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains, gathers temples representing a millennium of devotion. Amidst morning bells and evening drums, with Buddhist chants lingering in the air, countless pilgrims come seeking spiritual solace. Beyond its religious significance, Wutai Mountain's majestic natural beauty—rolling peaks, lush vegetation, and ever-changing seasonal vistas—makes it a fairyland on earth. And Jinci Temple, a scenic spot boasting diverse ancient architecture, captivates visitors with its unique styles and profound cultural depth. The colorful Song Dynasty sculptures in the Holy Mother Hall, lifelike and varied, are treasures of Chinese sculptural art. The Flying Bridge Over Fish Pond, with its cross-shaped structure, resembles a roc spreading its wings—a masterpiece of ancient Chinese bridge architecture. Then there's the Qiao Family Compound in Qi County, famed from the film "Raise the Red Lantern," alongside the Qu Family Compound, the Wang Family Compound in Lingshi, and the Santang Hall in Taigu—together forming Shanxi's courtyard folk culture. Stepping into these grand compounds, with their high walls, intricate carvings, and painted beams, every architectural detail reflects the brilliance and wisdom of Jin merchants. Exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings, rich in symbolism and craftsmanship, narrate the legendary tales of these merchant families. In the tide of the new era, Shanxi is presenting its unique charm to the world with a fresh posture. Its profound history, stunning landscapes, and cultural riches are drawing ever more explorers. This time, Shanxi's "trending" is a cultural awakening, a historical renaissance—a golden opportunity for the world to rediscover this ancient land. When you set foot on Shanxi's soil, be sure to feel its "earthiness" with your heart, for within this "earth" lies the truest, deepest soul of the Chinese nation.