Bo Wu
Quick Look Inside
Nine-Dragon Screen. 45 minutes. That's all you need. But wait—don't rush off just yet. I've guided hundreds of travelers here, and I've seen people sprint through in 20 minutes, then regret missing the details. Others camp for an hour and a half, taking every possible angle. So, what's the real how long to spend at Datong Nine-Dragon Screen? Let me save you the guesswork.
The Straight Answer
Thirty to forty-five minutes is the sweet spot. The screen itself is a single wall—about 45 meters long and 8 meters high. You walk along its face, admire the nine dragons in glazed tile, snap some photos, and read the (English) description board. No surprise twists. But here's the catch: the context matters. If you arrive at noon in July, you'll want to leave within 5 minutes because the sun bakes you. If you come at 4 PM in October, you might linger and notice details other people miss.
Why They Say Thirty Minutes
Most tour groups allocate 30 minutes—and that works. The screen sits in a small plaza. There's no interior to explore, no maze of rooms. You walk from the left end to the right, maybe stand in the center, take the classic shot, and go. But I always tell my clients: slow down just a bit. The dragons have different expressions. The tile colors shift in changing light. The base is carved with waves and clouds—some of the best carving work from the Ming Dynasty. Give yourself time to appreciate that.
When to Stretch It
Three scenarios warrant more than 45 minutes:
- Photography enthusiasts: You'll want to wait for the right light, experiment with wide angles and close-ups. The best light hits the screen around 3:30–5:00 PM in autumn. I've seen photographers spend 90 minutes there.
- History buffs: Read the detailed signage. There's a small museum-like exhibition inside the adjacent temple (but it's often closed). If you also visit the nearby Datong Temple (which houses the screen originally), you might need an extra 20 minutes.
- Peak season crowds: If you visit during Chinese national holidays (Oct 1st week, May Day), expect a line for the perfect selfie spot. That can add 15–20 minutes of waiting.
Best Time of Day
Your timing directly affects how long you'll want to stay. I've been here in all seasons. Here's my honest breakdown:
| Time Slot | Experience | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00–10:00 AM | Cool, soft light, few people. Best for quiet reflection. | 40–50 min |
| 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Harsh light, lots of tourists, especially during summer. Face is fully lit but flat. | 30–35 min (quick visit) |
| 2:00–4:00 PM | Glare from the west—tricky for photos. Still crowded. | 30–40 min |
| 4:00–6:00 PM | Golden hour! The dragons glow. Shadows add depth. My favorite slot. | 45–60 min |
Ticket & Booking
You don't need to book weeks ahead. The entry fee is 10 RMB (about $1.40). Cash or WeChat Pay—no international credit cards accepted. Important: Pay with exact change if using cash; the booth rarely has change. I always carry 20 RMB in small bills. The ticket is just for the screen area; you can also buy a combo ticket with the nearby Datong Temple (60 RMB total) if you want.
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (April–October), 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (November–March). No closures except for extreme weather. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
How to Reach
Address: No. 14, Daxi Street, Datong City (right in the old town). If you're taking a taxi, just say "Nine-Dragon Screen" (Jiulongbi). From Datong Railway Station, it's about 20 minutes by taxi (15–20 RMB). From Datong East High-Speed Rail Station, it's 40 minutes (40–50 RMB). Buses 27 and 38 stop at "Nine-Dragon Screen" stop—look for the massive green screen on your left.
Combining with Other Sights
Don't make a dedicated trip just for the screen. Combine it with:
- Datong Temple (Shanhua Temple) – just a 5-minute walk east. The temple itself is impressive. The nine-dragon screen originally belonged to the palace of Zhu Gui (a Ming prince) and was moved here. Allow 1 hour for the temple.
- Huayan Temple – 15 minutes walk north. Famous for its Liao dynasty wooden architecture. Add 1–1.5 hours.
- Datong City Wall – within walking distance. You can cycle on top.
I often suggest this itinerary: Start at 9 AM at Huayan Temple (2 hours), walk to the Nine-Dragon Screen (30–45 min), then to Datong Temple (1 hour). Grab lunch at a local noodle shop (try the shaved noodles—daoxiaomian).
Common Mistakes
Here are the things I see travelers do wrong, especially first-timers:
- Going at midday in summer: You'll be squinting in all your photos. The dragons lose their depth. And there's zero shade. I've had clients ask to leave after 10 minutes.
- Not checking the opening hours on holidays: During Spring Festival, the screen might be part of a larger temple fair—entry could be blocked or queues huge. Check online or ask your hotel.
- Forgetting your passport: Foreigners need a passport to buy the ticket? No, actually the ticket doesn't require ID. But if you're buying a combo ticket with the temple, some temples require passport for foreign visitors. Best to carry it.
- Relying on international credit cards: None of the ticket booths or nearby shops accept them. Bring cash or set up WeChat Pay (with a Chinese bank card or via a friend).
FAQ
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
No comments yet.