The 3rd International Tour Operator Sourcing Fair was held in Shanxi province's Taiyuan on July 21.

The fair was held to promote tourism and strengthen business cooperation with the One Belt and One Road countries.

More than 120 overseas tour operators from 13 countries and regions attended the event.

Shanxi's Vice Governor Wang Yixin said that the two most famous icons of China's civilization are related to Shanxi. One is the Great Wall, which runs through the north of the province, while the other is the Yellow River, the Mother River of the Chinese people, that flows around the south and west part of Shanxi.

Wang noted that Shanxi is one of the major points of origin of ancient Chinese civilization, which is reflected in its great cultural works and rich tourism resources.

Yungang Grottoes, Mount Wutai and the ancient town of Pingyao are world cultural heritage sites recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Wang also pointed out that Yungang Grottoes and Mount Wutai in north Shanxi represent ancient China's architecture and religious culture, and the ancient town of Pingyao and the courtyard of family Qiao represent the spirit of the Jin merchants, the pioneers of entrepreneurship, professional ethics and community spirit. South Shanxi is also home to China's ancestor worship culture.

Shanxi has been on a fast track of tourism development in recent years. The province has built seven airports, linking with 12 countries through 20 international routes.

The province has become one of the top choices for both domestic and foreign tourists, welcoming 848,000 overseas visitors last year.

The Shanxi Tourism Bureau will arrange a series of promotional tours to scenic spots for the overseas representatives so they can view local tourism products on-site.

International participants in the event expressed their intention to introduce the beauty of Shanxi and arrange tour groups to the province.