In the list of the first batch of 127 characteristic towns in China published by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, there are three famous towns in Shanxi, namely Runcheng Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City, Dazhai Town, Xiyang County, Jinzhong City, and Xinghua Village Town, Fenyang City, Lvliang City.

According to the list of the second batch of national characteristic towns recently announced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, nine towns in Shanxi Province were selected, namely: Zhaidian Town, Jishan County, Yuncheng City; Jingsheng Town, Lingshi County, Jinzhong City; Shennong Town, Gaoping City, Jincheng City; Bagong Town, Zezhou County, Shuozhou City, and Jinshatan Town, Huairen County; Youwei Town, Youyu County, Shuozhou City; Jiajiazhuang Town, Fenyang City, Lvliang; Qucun Town, Quwo County, Linfen City, together with the three selected towns in Shanxi Province announced last year, has reached 12 "national characteristic towns" in Shanxi Province. (sponsored by Prospective Industry Research Institute)