Where the Grand Gorge and Great Wall meet

Tourism in the historical village is not so prosperous compared to other famed destinations in Shanxi due to underdeveloped transport.

The situation is expected to change in the coming months as two highways are under construction.

According to Li Qi, an executive of Shanxi Road and Bridge Construction, the two highways will connect major sites along the Yellow River and the Great Wall in Pianguan county.

Li said the highways, at a total length of 136.5 km, are scheduled to open in September.

"Highways that can offer easy access to the Yellow River and the Great Wall will give a boost to Pianguan's tourism and other industries," said Gao Yongsheng, head of the county's information office.

In Shanxi, the local authorities are planning the integrated development of its three major touring routes: the Yellow River, Great Wall and Taihang Mountains.

A total of 180 cultural and tourism projects, with an investment of 20 billion yuan ($2.81 billion), will be built along the three routes in the next few years.

Authorities and tourism operators in Shanxi are also promoting collaborations with provinces and regions that share resources of the three routes.

The 5,464-km Yellow River flows through nine provinces and regions in China. The Great Wall, at a total length of 21,196 km built over different periods, is shared by 15 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. The Taihang Mountains constitute the borders of Shanxi, Hebei and Henan provinces.

Li Yali contributed to this story.