Artists, bloggers explore Shanxi's ancient architecture

More than 10 visual artists and foreign bloggers from nine countries are exploring Shanxi province's rich architectural heritage during a six-day cultural exchange program that highlights how technology is helping preserve and promote China's ancient treasures.

The event, Discovering Shanxi's Ancient Chinese Architecture — A Visual Journey Through Cultural Heritage, was launched in Taiyuan on Wednesday. Co-hosted by China Daily and Shanxi Daily, it is a supporting activity of the 2026 International Cultural Heritage Protection Week, which opened on Wednesday evening in Yuci Ancient City in Jinzhong.

Participants from countries including the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and Russia will visit Jinzhong, Xinzhou, Shuozhou and Datong to experience the construction techniques, artistic achievements and historical significance of China's ancient architecture. Through short videos, photography, painting and other creative forms, they will share Shanxi's story with audiences at home and abroad.

Shanxi, often regarded as the treasure house of ancient Chinese architecture, has 28,027 surviving ancient buildings and 531 nationally protected cultural relic sites, both ranking first among China's provincial-level regions. All three surviving Tang Dynasty (618-907) wooden structures in China are located in Shanxi, along with 518 wooden structures dating to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) or earlier.

With a history spanning more than 1,400 years, Yuci Ancient City combines valuable historical heritage with the vitality of a living community.

Anja Margareta Elisabeth Nolte, a 58-year-old German illustrator and new media artist, visited Shanxi for the first time and was impressed by the Light of Yungang Grottoes, a large-scale projection show displayed on the walls of Yuci Ancient City on Wednesday evening.

"Technology plays an irreplaceable role in the protection and dissemination of cultural heritage," she said.

"What moved me most was the projection of Buddha images onto the ancient city walls. It not only showcased the charm of a World Cultural Heritage site but also featured a double-layered structure resembling Lego bricks, perfectly blending the past and the future."

She said the show vividly presented Shanxi's remarkable ancient architecture and stone carvings, enabling audiences around the world to appreciate both the province's cultural legacy and its spirit of innovation.

Indonesian blogger Veldesen Yaputra, who is visiting Shanxi for the second time, created a watercolor sketch of Yuci Ancient City on Thursday morning.

"Chinese architecture features open layouts, integrates harmoniously with nature and skillfully blends different colors," he said. "Many architectural details are decorated with green, symbolizing sustainable development and the harmonious coexistence of architecture and nature."

Chinese architectural illustrator Qin Zhizhen has long pursued his goal of bringing ancient architecture to life. Over the past three years, he and his team have developed more than 100 cultural and creative products inspired by Shanxi's ancient architecture.

"We believe faithfully reproducing ancient buildings in miniature forms, such as refrigerator magnets and blind box figurines, is an effective way to introduce them to more people," Qin said.

Their product line features iconic landmarks including the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Foguang Temple and Feihong Pagoda.

The domestic video game Black Myth: Wukong incorporates 27 architectural elements from Shanxi, introducing the province's cultural heritage to younger audiences in an innovative way.

Md. Nazmul Islam, Bangladesh's ambassador to China, praised the outstanding heritage value of Pingyao Ancient City and the Yungang Grottoes, recognizing Shanxi's achievements in digital preservation and public participation in heritage conservation.

"Cultural heritage is not merely a record of the past," he said. "It is a living source of humanity, wisdom and inspiration for future generations."

He also praised Shanxi's pioneering efforts in applying digital technologies to heritage protection. "Archaeological research and community participation provide valuable experience for the international community," he said.

The implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Shanxi has boosted inbound tourism, injecting fresh momentum into the province's cultural and tourism industries.

Russian visual blogger Usov Artem said he was particularly looking forward to visiting the Hanging Temple and the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda.

"Soon I will witness these legendary monuments firsthand," he said.

Liu Xing, Communist Party of China secretary of Jinzhong, said the city is committed to preserving the historical and cultural heritage left by previous generations while ensuring it remains vibrant in the modern era. "I hope this event will serve as a bridge for cultural exchanges between China and other countries, promoting mutual appreciation and learning among civilizations," he said.

Li Jialu contributed to this story.