The Grand Canyons of Taihang mountains. [Photo by Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

The following morning we continue early to Huguan county in Changzi, and climb up into Taihang Mountain. Shanxi province is in the western part of the range, which is also the meaning of its name: "Shan" means mountain; "Xi" means west. The next day we enjoyed the spectacular landscape of the Taihang Mountains from the Mount Wangmang Scenic Spot in Lingchuan county.

On the last day we arrived at Jincheng to visit the Royal Residence of the Prime Minister of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Chen Tingjing, the Prime Minister in the 17th and 18th centuries who was given a mansion in his hometown by Emperor Kangxi.

During our tightly scheduled trip Shanxi showed us its most attractive side. Precisely because this province is not so frequently visited by foreigners it seems more authentic than other tourist spots, and you can follow the tracks of ancient China.

In German is the saying, "The more you experience, the faster time flies." For me, it was a wonderful trip with a lot of new impressions. If I ever have time from my daily life in Shanghai, I will come back to Shanxi province. A visit is defintely worthwhile.