A delegation of journalists from multiple countries embarked on a three-day tour of Lyuliang City in north China's Shanxi Province to gain firsthand insights into its long history and rich culture, kept alive through traditional performances and crafting techniques.

A puppet show cast a magical spell on the visiting journalists at the county-level city of Xiaoyi in Lyuliang. The show has been listed as a national-level intangible cultural heritage and the foreign guests even got to try their hand at puppeteering.

Traditional paper-cutting is another national-level intangible cultural heritage in Lyuliang's Zhongyang County, where local crafters taught the guests to make their own cutouts.

"It's my first time trying this one. I like it very much because when you see it, and she explained to me how to do it, it's easy. But when I started to practice this one, it's really difficult. I hope in Arab countries we can have more of these activities because it's so interesting and represents Chinese culture," said Derouiche Asma, a reporter for China Arab TV.

Meanwhile, the foreign media reporters also visited the ancient residences of Zhangjiata Village in Fangshan County.

The well-preserved ancient residences are a testament to more than 300 years of architectural ingenuity. A unique feature of this fortress-like historic village is its network of underground corridors connecting all 36 courtyards. These passages allow residents to traverse the entire village without having to step outside the courtyard gates.

With many families in this village transforming their houses into homestays to attract tourism, the reporters said they understood the appeal of the village.

"It's my first place in Shanxi [Province] and I really like it. I like the walk in the tunnel. I like the architecture of this place and how history has been preserved. Having cozy places like these, I think this is a perfect spot for escaping the big cities' hustle and somewhere to cool down, relax and enjoy nature," said Gloria Agapiti Michael Meiseyeki, a journalist with Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation.

The delegation also took a walk in the Qikou ancient town in Lyuliang's Linxian County. An ancient riverine town along the Yellow River, Qikou was an important trade port in history.

Lijiashan Village was another stop during the foreign journalists' three-day trip, where they talked to the villagers about how tourism is helping them achieve economic development.