Shanxi province wants to prove that it is no mere coal producer, as it expands its economy into new areas to tap its economic potential.

"We will develop the modern service sector as the new growth engine," said Wang Yixin, vice-governor of the province.

A fresh GDP ranking listed Shanxi 30th out of 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities with a 3.1 percent growth rate, less than half the nation's average.