Happy TravellerWelcome to Datong, a historic city located in northern Shanxi Province in the People’s Republic of China. Situated in the Datong Basin at an elevation of 1,040 meters (3,410 ft), Datong borders Inner Mongolia to the north and west and Hebei to the east. With a population of over 3 million people, Datong is a small city by Chinese standards, but it is rich in history and culture. Join us as we explore the many wonders of Datong.
Datong has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Qin dynasty. During the Han dynasty, it became a stop-off point for camel caravans moving from China into Mongolia and beyond. It was later the capital of the Northern Wei dynasty and the Yungang Grottoes were constructed during this period. The city was renamed Datong in 1048 and served as an important Ming military stronghold against the Mongols to the north. Many of Datong’s notable historical structures, such as the Drum Tower and the Nine-Dragon Wall, were built during the Ming period.
Today, Datong is a popular tourist destination, known for its many historical sites. The Yungang Grottoes are a must-see attraction, with over 50,000 carved images and statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas within these grottoes, ranging from 4 centimeters to 7 meters tall. Within the city itself, there are a few surviving sites of historical interest such as the Nine-Dragon Wall, the Huayan Monastery, and the Shanhua Temple. Further afield is the Hanging Temple built into a cliff face near Mount Heng. Most of the historical sites in this region date to the Tang and Ming dynasties, but the Hanging Temple dates to the Northern Wei dynasty.
Datong is also known for its knife-cut noodles, a local specialty that is a must-try for foodies. The city is an old-fashioned coal mining city and still sits on significant reserves of this commodity. Consequently, it has developed a reputation as one of China’s most polluted cities. However, the local government has continued to upgrade its pillar coal sector while also developing substitute industries such as machinery manufacturing, tourism, and distribution, warehousing, and logistics services. Datong is indeed an emerging economy, as the city seeks to loosen its dependence on coal, introduce more environmentally friendly and efficient methods of extraction, and move into other areas of business services.
In terms of transportation, Datong is served by China National Highway 109 and China National Highway 208, as well as the G55 Erenhot-Guangzhou Expressway and the G5501 Datong Ring Expressway. The city has two railway stations, Datong railway station and Datong South railway station, and the Datong Yungang Airport provides air service to the city.
Come and discover the many treasures of Datong, a city that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor enthusiast, Datong has something for everyone. Book your trip today and experience the magic of this enchanting destination for yourself!
