Caves, lakes, meadows and mountains of Shanxi

Colourfully illuminated ice turns the cave into a cool, crystal wonderland. ¿ Photo by Wei Xiaohao and Chen Liang/China Daily

A huge ice cave and an idyllic alpine meadow are among the less-known pleasures of visiting Shanxi province.

MANY county-level scenic spots in China, especially those in the north, share a similar problem – poor exploitation of tourism. Symptoms include exaggerated names, overpriced admissions and accommodations, limited but expensive services, ugly buildings and few considerations for individual visitors.