Architecture that travels far

"The first thing I felt wasn't that it was ancient — it was that it was comfortable," he says.

The sound of running water, sunlight filtering beneath the eaves and the carefully proportioned courtyards created a profound sense of calm, he says.

As he wandered through the temple complex, he came to appreciate how traditional Shanxi timber architecture works in harmony with its surroundings, providing shelter from rain and wind while creating generous shade.

"Chinese architecture doesn't seek to conquer nature," Yaputra says.

"It seeks to live in harmony with it."

Colombian artist Rodrigo Escobar-Vanegas, who has lived in China for nearly two decades, says he was particularly impressed by the survival of the wooden structures and their intricate exposed beams.

"I'm very happy to see that these ancient Chinese buildings have been so well preserved," he says.

The artist adds that Colombia is also home to remarkable ancient civilizations.

Unlike Jinci, however, many of the country's archaeological sites have only been brought to light through excavation rather than preserved intact over the centuries, he says.

Following their visit to Taiyuan, the participating artists continued their journey in Jinzhong, Xinzhou, Shuozhou and Datong, where they explored more of Shanxi's rich architectural heritage.

The six-day cultural exchange program concluded on Monday.