Economy,Ethnic group and Tourism of Shanxi
Economy
Important crops in Shanxi include wheat, maize, millet, legumes, and potatoes. Agriculture in Shanxi is greatly limited by Shanxi’s arid climate and dwindling water resources.
Shanxi contains 260 billion metric tonnes of known coal deposits, about one third of China’s total. As a result, Shanxi is a leading producer of coal in China, with annual production exceeding 300 million metric tonnes. The Datong, Ningwu, Xishan, Hedong, Qinshui, and Huoxi coalfields are some of the most important in Shanxi. Shanxi also contains about 500 million tonnes of bauxite deposits, about one third of total Chinese bauxite reserves.
Industry in Shanxi is centered on heavy industries such as coal and chemical production, power generation, and metal refining.
Ethnic group
The population is mostly Han Chinese with minorities of Mongol, Manchu, and Hui.
Tourism
Tourist destinations in Shanxi include:
• The Ancient City of Pingyao is a World Heritage Site near Taiyuan. Once a great financial center of China, it is noted for its preservation of many features of northern Han Chinese culture, architecture, and way of life during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
• The Yungang Grottoes, a World Heritage Site in Datong, consist of 252 caves noted for their collection of 5th and 6th century Buddhist grotto sculptures and reliefs.
• Mount Wutai (Wutai Shan) is the highest point in the province. It is known as the residence of the bodhisattva Manjusri, and as a result is also a major Buddhist pilgrimage destination, with many temples and natural sights.
• Mount Hengshan (Heng Shan), in Hunyuan County, is one of the "Five Great Peaks" of China, and is also a major Taoist site. Not far from Heng Shan, the Hanging Temple is located on the side of a cliff and has survived for 1400 years despite earthquakes in the area.
• Yingxian Pagoda, in Ying County, is a pagoda built in 1056. It is octagonal with nine levels (five are visible from outside), and at 67m, it is currently the tallest wooden pagoda in the world.
• Hukou Waterfall is located in the Yellow River on the Shanxi-Shaanxi border. At 50 meters high it is the second highest waterfall in China.
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