But Shanxi province is a haven for Western retirees - they can get Z vias there, or be allowed to work without them via certain agents without fear of being punished for breaking China's visa regs as set by Beijing.
Backward places can be good for aged foreigners with considerably fewer job options in the PRC than young laowai. And Taiyuan is not representative of the whole of the province. By the way, Shanxi women are among the most beautiful in China. There are many Shanxi princesses there. I'll never regret having taught in Shanxi.