Shanxi Province, abbreviated as “Jin”, is situated in northern China, and adjacent to Hebei, Henan, Inner Mongolia and Shaanxi. It is so called for the reason of its location on the west side of Taihang Mountains. Covering an area of over 150,000 square kilometers, Shanxi has a population of 32,97 million, which includes the Hans, Huis, Manchurians, Mongolians and other ethnic peoples. Taiyuan is the capital city of the province.

Shanxi, on eastern side of the middle reaches of the Yellow River has an average altitude of 1,000 meters and mountains make up 70% of the total area of the province, so it is generally known as the Shanxi Plateau. The main mountains in the province are Taihang, Luliang, Zhongtiao and the famous Buddhist Mountain –Wutai Mountain.

Shanxi is a province with many historical sites and cultural relics, as well as scenic areas. Datong, Pingyao, Xinjiang, Daixian and Qixian are listed as the national historical and cultural cities. Main tourist spots are Ancient City of Pigyao and Yungang Grottoes, which are on the List of the World Cultural Heritages; scenic spots of Wutai Mountain, Hengshan Mountain and Hukou Waterfalls on the Yellow River; cultural and historical sites such as Jin Shrine in Taiyuan, Shuanglin Temple in Pingyao, Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian, Huayan Temple in Datong, Midair Temple in Hunyuan, Niangzi, Pingxing and Yanmen Passes of the Great Wall.