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Prof. Jian Chen
I still remember the first time I walked up to the Nine-Dragon Screen in Datong. It was a crisp autumn afternoon, and the low sun hit the glazed tiles just right — the dragons seemed to come alive, twisting in greens, yellows, and blues. Most tourists rush through in 15 minutes, snap a photo, and leave. That's a missed opportunity. This screen isn't just a wall; it's a 600-year-old masterpiece that tells stories of Ming dynasty power and artistry. Let me walk you through exactly how to visit it — from the cheapest way to get there to the one spot where you'll get the best photo without anyone blocking your shot.
What Makes It Special
Built in 1392 during the Ming dynasty, this is the oldest, largest, and best-preserved glazed dragon screen in China. It's 45 meters long and 8 meters high, decorated with nine five-clawed dragons (the symbol of the emperor) playing with pearls. Unlike the famous one in Beijing's Beihai Park, Datong's version has a unique three-dimensional effect — the dragons look like they're floating off the wall. It was originally part of the Prince Dai's palace, but all that remains now is this screen. And honestly? It's worth the visit.
Getting There: Location & Transport
Address: No. 18, Dajie, Pingcheng District, Datong (大同市平城区大东街18号). It'right in the city center, easy to find.
By Bus
Take bus routes 27, 38, or 59 to "Nine-Dragon Screen" stop. The stop is literally across the street. From there, it's a 2-minute walk to the ticket entrance.
By Subway
Datong doesn't have a subway yet (as of 2024), so buses and taxis are your main options. Ride-hailing apps like Didi work well here — just type "九龙壁" in the destination field.
Tickets & Opening Hours
| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult ticket | 10 RMB | Walk-up purchase available, no advanced booking needed generally |
| Student ticket | 5 RMB | Bring valid student ID |
| Senior 65+ | Free | With ID or passport |
| Child under 1.2m | Free | No ticket needed |
Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00 (summer, April–October), 08:00 – 17:00 (winter, November–March). Last entry is usually 30 minutes before closing. They close on rainy days? No, it's open in light rain, but heavy storms might close it — though I've never seen that happen. Best to check their official WeChat mini-program "大同景区门票预约" if you want to be safe, especially during national holidays (the screen is free on some holidays? Actually, it's always paid, but the mini-program shows real-time updates).
Best Time to Visit & Photo Tips
Time of day: Aim for 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM in any season. Here's why: the screen faces east, so morning light hits it directly — but the sun is low and creates harsh shadows. By late afternoon, the sunlight softens and the glazed tiles glow. I've brought dozens of groups there, and the 4 PM crowd is always the happiest. Avoid noon — the sun is overhead and kills the depth.
Best season: April-May and September-October. Mild weather, clear skies. Summer can be hot (35°C+) and the courtyard gets scorching. Winter is freezing (often -10°C) but you'll have the place almost to yourself — plus the snow on the screen's roof makes for stunning photos.
What to Expect On-Site
The screen is enclosed in a small courtyard. It's not a huge area — you can walk the entire length in 5 minutes. But don't rush. Spend time reading the English and Chinese descriptions on the panels (they explain the symbolism of each dragon). The guard might chat with you if you show interest.
Facilities: There's a small toilet near the entrance (it's fairly clean, but I'd still bring hand sanitizer). No food or drink vendors inside — grab a bottle of water from the shop just outside the gate. Also, there's no shaded seating area, so on hot days bring a hat and water.
Time needed: Most people spend 20-30 minutes. If you're a photo enthusiast, budget 40-50 minutes. It's not a half-day attraction, but it's a perfect quick stop combined with other Datong highlights.
Nearby Attractions to Combine
One of the best things about this screen is its location — it's walking distance from several other sites. Here's a mini itinerary I often suggest:
- Shanhua Temple: 5-minute walk south. One of the oldest wooden structures in China. Free entry! (Actually, yes, free as of 2024.) Opens 08:00-18:00. The main hall has massive 12th-century sculptures.
- Huayan Temple: 10-minute walk west. A large Buddhist complex with a beautiful 20-meter-tall pagoda. Ticket is about 50 RMB. Worth at least 1.5 hours.
- Datong City Wall: 15-minute walk east. You can rent a bike and ride along the top — 4 RMB for entry, bike rental 20 RMB per hour. Great views especially at dusk.
- Xuan Kong Temple (Hanging Temple): This is about 80 km outside the city — you'd need a taxi or join a day tour. Not walkable, but many visitors do the Nine-Dragon Screen in the morning, then head to the Hanging Temple in the afternoon.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make
After years of guiding, I've seen the same patterns. Here's what to avoid:
- Relying on Google Maps for transit times: It often underestimates taxi wait times. Add 10 minutes.
- Not carrying small bills: The ticket booth sometimes can't change a 100 RMB note for a 10 RMB ticket. Keep small change (10, 5, 1 RMB).
- Thinking it's just a wall: I've seen people walk in, glance, and walk out in 3 minutes. Take time to notice the details — each dragon's expression is different. The one in the center is the emperor dragon, with a golden pearl.
- Going during a public holiday without checking the mini-program: Even though it's rarely crowded, during some events they might close early. Scan their WeChat mini-program a day before.
FAQ – Quick Answers
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. All practical details reflect current information as of the time of writing. Always confirm via official channels before traveling.
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