During the 2025 "A Date with China" International Media Tour, foreign visitors line up and take turns washing their hands at one of the Nanlao Spring fountainheads at Jinci Temple in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, on Monday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Over ten foreign influencers and experts from eight countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, and Russia, started a visit to Shanxi province on Monday to experience the unique charm of Chinese culture.

The 2025 "A Date with China" International Media Tour, co-hosted by China Daily Website and the Cyberspace Affairs Office of the Shanxi Provincial Committee, commenced a five-day itinerary, starting with a temple visit in Taiyuan.

The Jinci Temple, built in the 11th century BC, is the earliest existing imperial ancestral temple garden in China.

"I have seen ancient architecture in Beijing, but the ancient buildings in Shanxi appear more pristine, exquisite, and full of charm," said Eric Napoli from Brazil during his visit to Jinci. He recognized buildings he saw in the game Black Myth: Wukong. "I must boast to my friends back home that I've been here."

On Monday afternoon, the group visited the Taiyuan Donghu Vinegar Park, where they observed the ancient brewing process of aged vinegar up close and sampled vinegar-flavored ice cream.

Tobias Dominiczak from Germany, who married a woman from Taiyuan, said, "My wife is from here, but this is my first time learning about the production process of aged vinegar. It's a fantastic experience."

In the evening, the foreign delegates enjoyed a performance of Shanxi's characteristic noodle-making techniques.

"I knew Shanxi has hundreds of types of noodles, but this noodle skill show was incredible," said Andrea Randisi from Italy. "Italians love pasta, too. To understand Chinese culture, one must definitely come to Shanxi."

In the following days, the group will travel to Jinzhong and Linfen. They will explore Shanxi's profound historical and cultural heritage alongside its dynamic practices in high-quality development.

Ding Yi contributed to this story.

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