Lei Li
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My Personal Take
I almost skipped it. — Seriously. After dragging groups through the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple, my feet were screaming. But a client pulled me: "It's free, let's just walk by." So we did. And I'm glad I shut up.
The Nine-Dragon Screen is not flashy. It's a single wall. But standing in front of that 45-meter-long, 600-year-old glazed dragon parade — I felt something I don't get in crowded museums. It's raw. Quiet. And free. Is Datong Nine-Dragon Screen worth visiting? Short answer: yes, but only if you go strategically. Here's my honest breakdown.
What Makes It Unique?
Built in 1392 during the Ming Dynasty, this screen is the largest and oldest glazed dragon wall in China — older than the one in Beijing's Forbidden City. Nine nine-clawed dragons (the emperor's symbol) leap out in dazzling turquoise, yellow, and green. The real kicker? Each dragon is different: chasing waves, coiling clouds, snarling at the moon. Look closely at the base — there's a secret underworld carved with animals and waves, representing the sea.
Most tourists walk past it in 5 minutes. That's a waste. Give it 15 minutes. Walk from end to end. Watch how the glaze shifts color in the afternoon sun. The detail is mind-blowing when you slow down.
How to Get There Without Getting Lost
Datong's old city is a walking zone. The screen sits right on Dadong Street, inside the ancient walled area. No car allowed near it.
Address: 18 Dadong Street, Pingcheng District, Datong, Shanxi. Just show that to your taxi driver.
From Datong Railway Station: Take bus 38 or 59 to "Nine-Dragon Screen" stop. The stop is literally 30 meters from the screen. Taxi costs around 15 RMB and takes 15 minutes.
From Datong South Station (high-speed rail): Bus 61 to "Ancient City” area, then walk 10 minutes east. Taxi about 25 RMB, 20 minutes.
Ticket & Timing – Free but Tricky
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ticket Price | Free (always) |
| Booking Required? | No. Just walk up. No QR code, no passport scan. |
| Opening Hours | 24/7, but visit 8:00–18:00 for best light. The screen faces south, so morning front-lighting is flat; afternoon side-lighting brings out the glaze. |
| Best Time to Go | Weekdays, 16:00–17:00. You'll have the wall almost to yourself. Weekends see local wedding groups and tourists. |
| Worst Time to Go | 11:00–14:00 on Saturday. Crowded, harsh overhead sun, and tour groups stop right in front. |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair friendly — flat ground, no stairs. The viewing area is a wide plaza. |
Best Photo Ops & Insider Tips
1. The classic dragon line shot — stand right in the center, zoom out to include all nine dragons. Use a wide-angle lens if you have one. But honestly, a phone is fine.
2. The side-angle secret — most people shoot straight on. Walk to the far left corner and shoot diagonally up the wall. You'll capture dragons popping out in 3D against the sky. That's my go-to.
3. Reflections after rain — if it just rained, puddles form on the stone pavement. Crouch down and capture the screen mirrored in the water. Stunning.
Nearby Attractions to Maximize Your Day
The screen is part of the Datong Ancient City complex. Within a 15-minute walk:
- Huayan Temple : 10 minutes east. One of China's largest surviving Liao-dynasty temples. Entrance 65 RMB. Go for its stunning wooden architecture and the world's oldest surviving Buddhist scripture library. Allow 1.5 hours.
- Shanhua Temple : 15 minutes west. Free. A hidden gem with massive bronze statues and a quiet courtyard. Less crowded. 30 minutes is enough.
- Datong Ancient City Wall: rent a bike on top (20-30 RMB) and ride the 7-km loop. Great views of the city and mountains. Sunset from the south gate is spectacular.
- Immediate food spot: For real Datong knife-cut noodles (dao xiao mian), head to Dongfang Noodle House , 120 meters north of the screen. A bowl costs 12-15 RMB, they have picture menus, and it's cash or WeChat pay (no foreign cards). My regular order: a large bowl with extra beef. The broth is rich, the noodles soft yet chewy.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely — if you manage expectations. It's a single wall, not a theme park. But it's free, historically significant, and sits within a walkable ancient city with excellent temples and food. I'd say it's worth 20–30 minutes of your Datong itinerary. Combine it with Huayan Temple and the city wall for a satisfying half-day loop.
Don't make my mistake — don't let tired feet talk you out of it. Go around 4 PM, grab noodles after, and you'll leave with a quiet appreciation for Ming craftsmanship.
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