Datong is an ancient city with a history of more than 2400 years. In history, Datong had a luminous past as the capital of the Northern Wei dynasty (383-534 AD). The city is endowed with rich cultural relics left from different periods like Yungang Grottos, Huayan Temple and Nine Dragon Wall.
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Yungang Grottoes (Yungang Buddhist Caves) |
Located 16 kilometers west of Datong city, the Yungang Grottoes are hewn out of cliff-sides in a honeycomb pattern, stretching for 1,000 meters (1 km) from east to west. The Grottoes were built more than 1,500 years ago in the Northern Wei Dynasty. |
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The Nine-Dragon Wall |
Located in front of the prince residence of the 13th son Zhu Guidai of the first Ming emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the Nine-Dragon Wall was erected in 1392 as a screen built inside the main gate of walled compounds to keep out evil spirits as well as more innocent curiosity seekers. |
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Huayan Temple (Monastery) |
In Datong, two famous temples erect side by side: Lower Huayan Temple completed in 1038 of Liao Dynasty and Upper Huayan Temple, rebuilt after a fire in 1140, although the five grand Buddhas were remade in the Ming Dynasty and the frescos repainted late in the 19th century. |
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Hanging Monastery at Mount Heng |
The Hanging Monastery is just outside the town of Hunyuan, 75km southeast of Datong. It is located in Golden Dragon Canyon at the foot of the Mount Heng, built precariously on sheer cliffs in the later period of the Northern Wei Dynasty. |
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Yingxian Wooden Pagoda |
Located at Yingxian, 80km south of Datong, the Wooden Pagoda is the world’s oldest and tallest wooden pagoda first built in 1056 of the Liao Dynasty (907-1125). Towering 67.13 meters, the octagonal pagoda is one of the few surviving examples of a Song Dynasty pagoda. |
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Datong Photo Gallery
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