🎬 Chapters
1:22 Guesthouse and the Local Village
4:51 Exploring Xinzhou’s Local Food
11:57 An Ancient Academy and Its Fascinating Exhibits
18:01 Jin Opera and Shanxi Folk Songs
22:26 Shadow Puppetry and a Look Behind the Scenes
27:55 A Beautiful Night in the Old City

In this episode, I spend a full day exploring Xinzhou Ancient City in Shanxi Province, northern China — a historic city that now attracts more than 18 million visitors a year.

Much of the old city was damaged during the wars of the 20th century, and large-scale renovation and partial reconstruction began in 2017. Today, its streets are filled with local food, traditional performances, shops, and visitors.

I taste local Shanxi dishes, visit Xiurong Academy, and encounter Jin Opera, folk songs, shadow puppetry, temples, and the lively streets after dark.

By the end of the day, I had eaten six times. But food is only part of the story — this is also a look at how a reconstructed old city has found a new life.

Feng's China explores the history, architecture, and living culture of China through slow travel and documentary storytelling.

📍 Xinzhou, Shanxi Province, China

🎬 Watch More From Shanxi

The World's Tallest Ancient Wooden Structure
How Is This 1000-Year-Old Wooden Tower Sti...

The Great Wall and the World Behind It
The City That Grew Behind China's Great Wa...