Shanxi’s Xiaoyi Old Town has been revitalized and officially reopened, inviting you to join a thousand-year-old rendezvous.

As the first rays of dawn kiss the blue bricks and dark-tiled roofs of Xiaoyi’s ancient city in Shanxi, the pulse of a modern metropolis mingles and resonates with the timeless spirit of a thousand years of history. On October 1, 2025, along the banks of the Xiao River, beneath the archway of Nanshaomen, colorful banners flutter and the sounds of drums and music fill the air as the “Grand Celebration of Prosperity—A New Chapter for the City” event unfolds: Xiaoyi’s 2025 National Day cultural‑tourism promotion and the official opening of the old city. This city, steeped in reverence for filial piety and righteousness, welcomes visitors from all corners with a fresh, vibrant spirit.

The photo shows the newly revitalized old town of Xiaoyi, Shanxi.

A Millennial Cultural Heritage Takes on a New Look Government and enterprises join forces to deliver a people-centered response.

Xiaoyi Old Town is this city’s irreplaceable root and soul. Since its founding in the seventeenth year of the Taihe era of the Northern Wei dynasty, to this day, 1500 As the years have passed, every street and alleyway has been steeped in… “ Filial piety ” and “ righteousness ” The cultural DNA holds poignant stories passed down through generations. In his address, Guo Qingzhi, Deputy Secretary of the Xiaoyi Municipal Party Committee, Mayor, and Commander-in-Chief of the Command Center for the Protection, Renewal, and Development of the Old Urban District and Cultural Tourism, stated that, in order to safeguard this invaluable historical heritage, the Xiaoyi Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government have consistently upheld… “ Prioritize conservation, promote adaptive reuse. ” The guiding principle is to designate the preservation and revitalization of the old city as a major project for improving people’s livelihoods and driving development, with meticulous planning. “ One city, one river, one lake ” A new blueprint for the integration of culture and tourism, leveraging the revitalization of historic districts as a key driver, aims to forge a powerful engine for economic growth and pioneer innovative pathways toward common prosperity.

Zhao Xiaoqin, Chairperson of the Xiaoyi Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Executive Deputy Commander of the Command Center for the Protection, Renewal, and Development of Cultural Tourism in the Old Urban District, stated that the arduous journey of protecting and revitalizing the old city began with… 2022 year 3 Over the course of months—thousands of days and nights of tackling formidable challenges, the round-the-clock efforts of thousands of builders, and the active participation of Pengfei Group—the old city has undergone a stunning transformation: the buildings along both sides of Zhongcheng Avenue have been meticulously restored and their facades revitalized; the Nanshaomen district has made a fresh, striking debut; construction of the four city gates—east, west, south, and north—as well as hotels and guesthouses is accelerating; stormwater and sewage separation has cleared the city’s underlying infrastructure, underground utility lines have enhanced the streets’ aesthetic appeal, pavement designs evoke an elegant, time-honored charm, and essential public amenities have been comprehensively upgraded. Once battered by the passage of time and plagued by flooding, the old city is now… “ One stream guards the city, a green ribbon encircles the ancient walls, the ecology is splendid, and the water shimmers with rippling light. ” A poetic panorama.

“ The city wall becomes a theater. ”  Immersive performances awaken millennia-old memories.

The photo shows the performance at the opening ceremony of Xiaoyi Old Town.

At the opening ceremony, a series of performances that seamlessly blended historical heritage with contemporary vibrancy allowed the cultural allure of Xiaoyi Ancient Town to shine in full splendor, bringing the profound depth and dynamic vitality of its thousand-year-old cultural legacy vividly before the audience.

The opening dance, “Next Stop: Xiaoyi,” took the stage first, with dancers using nimble steps and vibrant expressions to paint a vivid portrait of the city’s development, conveying the bold spirit of the people of Xiaoyi as they stride into the future. In the segment “Tang King Bestows a Name—Xiaoyi Forever Prosperous,” dozens of percussionists, clad in spirited attire and brimming with vigor, beat their drums with resounding power, reenacting the historic moment when Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty bestowed a name. “ Xiaoyi ” The dazzling spectacle immerses the audience in the ancient city’s glorious past.

The skit “Filial Piety Through the Ages: A Dream Return to the Old City” brought the cultural atmosphere to a thrilling climax. With nuanced and meticulous performances, the actors portrayed Zheng Xing of the Tang Dynasty… “ Cutting flesh to feed one’s parents ” A supremely filial act: Renyi Lane in the Ancient City of Filial Piety and Righteousness. “ Know when to take a step back. ” The tale of humility and grace unfolds gently: Zheng Xing’s filial piety, sincere and heartfelt, strikes at the very core of the human spirit, while the wisdom of courtesy and mutual yielding in Renyi Lane invites deep reflection. …… The splendid and diverse performances have made… “ Filial piety is the foundation of humanity, and righteousness is the guiding principle of the noble gentleman. ” Its ethos has transcended a thousand years, resonating deeply with the audience and lingering long after the performance.

“ A once-in-a-millennium encounter ” “ A single act of filial piety, a lifetime of filial devotion. ”

Born in Xiaoyi and deeply rooted there, Pengfei Group has always shared the same destiny as its hometown, growing and thriving together. In this project to revitalize the old city, the group is investing… 4.2 Built at a cost of hundreds of millions of yuan “ Mountain Lord Water Courtyard ” In the first phase of the project, a top-tier domestic design team was brought in, with… “ Culture and tourism +” With the core as its focus, it infuses the ancient city with diverse vitality: “ Ruoshui Yayuan ” Interpreting the aesthetic of refined living; “ Delicacies Lane ” Bringing together authentic Xiaoyi‑style delicacies; digital technology breathes new life into dormant history. “ Recovery in the Cloud ” . At the same time, by introducing green energy and low-carbon principles, the old city is able to combine… “ Historical depth, technological brilliance, and the warmth of everyday life ”。

The photo shows the Shuiyuan of Shan Jun in Xiaoyi Old Town.

“‘ A once-in-a-millennium encounter ’ It is not merely the romance of poetry, but also the vivid reality we witness with our own eyes today. This is not only the renewed radiance of historical glory, but also the splendid blossoming of a city’s vitality! ” In his address, Zheng Peng, Chairman of the Board and President of Pengfei Group, remarked with emotion, “ Gratitude is the true essence of filial piety, and safeguarding kindness and beauty is the very heart of righteousness. ” Simple, heartfelt words express the company’s sincere commitment to giving back to its hometown and instill confidence in the old city’s long-term development.

Today, the ancient town of Xiaoyi is no longer a secluded historical relic; it has become a vibrant cultural hub, a landmark for cultural tourism, and a spiritual home. Guo Qingzhi passionately explained that the charm of Xiaoyi lies in the thousand-year-old old town… “ Shape ” The charm of tradition, coupled with the vibrancy of modern life. The revitalization of the old city not only elevates the city’s overall standing but also carries forward a deep and enduring sense of community. This National Day holiday, the shimmering waters along Shengxi Lake and the autumn hues by the Caoxi River beautifully complement the time-honored elegance of the old town; meanwhile, the youthful energy of the Old Town Music Festival, the cultural feast of the intangible heritage gala, and the heartwarming experiences of folk‑custom interactions ensure that every visitor can discover their own delights and savor the allure of a harmonious blend of past and present.

“ I hereby announce that the historic old town of Xiaoyi is officially open! ” At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, a solemn proclamation by Liu Shiqing, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Lüliang Municipal People’s Congress and Secretary of the Xiaoyi Municipal Party Committee, resounded along the banks of the Xiaoxi River. Colorful smoke rose into the sky, peace doves soared aloft, and multicolored balloons drifted toward the blue heavens, while the entire audience joined in singing the rousing anthem “Ode to the Motherland,” its vibrant voices echoing throughout the venue.

The photo shows Liu Shiqing, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Lüliang Municipal People’s Congress and Secretary of the Xiaoyi Municipal Party Committee, officially announcing the opening of Xiaoyi Old Town.

This building “ My mom’s favorite city ” , extending the most sincere invitation to visitors: “ A single act of filial piety, a lifetime of filial devotion. ” We welcome you to join us for an unforgettable rendezvous with this millennial ancient city—where you can unravel history through its fresh, contemporary charm and feel the warmth of everyday life, together witnessing a city’s past, present, and future.

This article is reprinted with permission from Xinhua Finance.