Datong Ancient City Wall
Ming-dynasty wall of Datong Prefecture, expanded by Xu Da; 7.2km in circumference, restored and fully reconnected in 2016, with complete gate towers and barbicans on all four sides—a full display of the grandeur of this 'Lock and Key of the North,' a stronghold among the Nine Border Garrisons
Visitor info
- Opening hours
- Open all day (night lighting until 23:00)
- Ticket
- Free (a few towers charge separately)
Price is indicative — final quote on inquiry.
The Ming-dynasty city wall of Datong Prefecture, expanded by general Xu Da, runs 7.2km in circumference and was fully reconnected in 2016 after restoration, with complete gate towers and barbicans on all four sides—a full display of the grandeur of this 'Lock and Key of the North,' a stronghold among the Nine Border Garrisons. Cycling one full loop atop the wall (bike rental approx. CNY 30) is the most delightful way; the main Yongtai Gate tower is imposing, and at night the lighting plays beautifully against the old town's streets and lanes. Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, and the Nine-Dragon Screen inside the city are all within walking distance.
Getting there: Within Datong city area
Photos
More in Datong
- Yungang Grottoes
UNESCO World Heritage Site (2001); imperial grottoes of the Northern Wei, carved over five centuries. The Tanyao Five Caves (Caves 16-20) carve great Buddhas in the emperors' image as symbols of Northern Wei state destiny
- Huayan Temple
Pinnacle of Liao-Jin Buddhist architecture; following the Liao-dynasty Khitan 'sun worship' custom, it sits west and faces east—an orientation rare among Chinese Buddhist temples
- Shanhua Temple
A Liao-Jin temple commonly known as the South Temple: the Mahavira Hall is a Liao-era structure, the Jin-era Three Sages Hall has dougong brackets intricate as flowers, and the Liao-Jin painted clay statues of the Twenty-Four Devas each differ in bearing — one of the largest and best-preserved Liao-Jin temple complexes surviving in China
- Nine-Dragon Screen
The front screen wall of the Ming Prince Dai's mansion, built in 1392 and 45.5m long — the largest and oldest nine-dragon screen surviving in China, 300 years older than Beijing's Beihai Nine-Dragon Screen
- Prince Dai's Mansion Site · Fahua Temple
The mansion of Prince Dai, a Ming vassal prince, was destroyed by war at the end of the Ming; some halls have been rebuilt to recreate the layout of a princely residence
- Drum Tower · Chunyang Palace · Guandi Temple
The Ming Drum Tower is a landmark of Datong's old city, a classic example of the cross-through-tower design