Bo Wu
Quick Guide: What You'll Learn
I once brought a British family to the Nine-Dragon Screen at noon. The sun was brutal. They couldn't see the dragons—just squinting and shielding their eyes. They asked, "Is this it?" I felt terrible. That day taught me one thing: the Datong Nine-Dragon Screen opening hours matter, but your timing within those hours matters more.
Let me save you from that mistake. This isn't a generic guide. I've led over 50 tours here. I know which bus stop drops you closest, which entrance avoids the ticket queue, and exactly when the light hits the glazed tiles to make the dragons come alive.
Why Timing Matters More Than You Think
The Nine-Dragon Screen is a 45-meter long wall covered in glazed tiles. It faces east. That means morning light blasts the surface, causing glare. By mid-day, shadows are harsh. But around 4 PM in summer (3 PM in winter), the sun shifts behind the wall, illuminating the dragons evenly. That's the golden hour for photos. Also, the site is small—most tourists spend 20 minutes. But if you arrive in a tour bus wave (10 AM or 2 PM), you'll wait to get close. Plan your visit for late afternoon, and you'll have the wall almost to yourself.
Exact Opening Hours and Ticket Details
Here's the truth: the Datong Nine-Dragon Screen is free. Yes, zero yuan. But you still need a reservation.
| Season | Opening Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Apr - Oct) | 8:00 – 18:00 | 17:30 |
| Winter (Nov - Mar) | 8:00 – 17:30 | 17:00 |
Closed on Mondays (except during national holidays). Always check the official WeChat mini-program "Datong Museum" for updates—the site is managed by the museum.
How to Reserve Your Free Ticket
You need a valid passport (or ID for Chinese). Book via the WeChat mini-program "Datong Museum" (大同博物馆). Here's the painful part: the mini-program is in Chinese only. Even I struggle to find the right tab. My advice: ask your hotel reception to book it for you. They'll do it in 2 minutes. Show them your passport and say "Jiulongbi." Alternatively, scan the QR code at the gate—but if the day's quota is full, you're out of luck.
How to Get There: Avoid the Wrong Entrance
The Nine-Dragon Screen is at No. 18 Heyang Street, directly across from the Daiwang Mansion (代王府). Most maps show a single gate on Heyang Street. But there's a trick: the main entrance faces south, but tour buses drop people on the north side of the wall. If you follow the crowd, you'll end up at a side exit. Get off at the stop "Jiulongbi (九龙壁)" on bus lines 27, 38, or 59. Walk east about 100 meters. You'll see the wall immediately. The actual entrance is on the east end—look for the ticket-check booth.
- From Datong Railway Station: Take bus 27 (20 min) or taxi (15 min, ~20 RMB).
- From Yungang Grottoes: Taxi only (40 min, ~60 RMB). No direct bus.
- From Datong Old Town (Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple): It's a 10-15 minute walk along Heyang Street. Pass the Drum Tower, then head east.
Best Time to Visit: When Light and Crowds Align
I always tell my groups: go at 4 PM in spring/summer, or 2:30 PM in fall/winter. Why? The wall faces east—afternoon light wraps around the nine dragons, making the blue, green, and yellow glazes pop. Plus, morning tour groups leave by 12, and afternoon groups haven't arrived yet. You'll have a 30-45 minute window of near solitude.
Avoid these times:
- 10 AM – 12 PM: School groups and tour buses flood in.
- 12 PM – 2 PM: Harsh overhead light, plus sun directly in your face if you try to take photos.
- Monday (closed) – Just don't.
Insider Tips for a Smooth Visit
Photo Spot: The Best Angle Is Not From the Front
Everyone stands right in front of the wall. But the best photo is from the southwest corner, 15 meters away. That angle captures the full curve of the wall without distortion. You'll also avoid the reflection from the protective glass at the base.
Watch Out for the Sun
Between 11 AM and 2 PM, the sun reflects off the glazed tiles and creates a blinding glare. You'll see nothing but white light. Bring sunglasses and a hat—but also plan your schedule around the light.
Combine with Nearby Attractions
The Nine-Dragon Screen takes 20 minutes. Right across the street is the Daiwang Mansion (under renovation, but the outer gate is photogenic). A 10-minute walk west takes you to Huayan Temple (one of China's oldest Liao dynasty temples). Shanhua Temple is another 10 minutes south. I recommend this half-day route:
- Visit Huayan Temple at 9 AM (opens at 8:30).
- Walk to Shanhua Temple at 11 AM.
- Lunch near the Drum Tower (try the local knife-cut noodles).
- Arrive at Nine-Dragon Screen at 3:30 PM. Enjoy the golden light.
- Finish by 4 PM, then explore the city wall or head back.
Facilities and Accessibility
The site is flat and wheelchair accessible. There is one public restroom near the entrance—but it's often crowded. I suggest using the restroom at a nearby hotel or restaurant before arriving. No luggage storage available (the site is small, but you can leave bags at the tourist information center next to Huayan Temple for a small fee).
FAQ: Datong Nine-Dragon Screen Opening Hours
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
I almost skipped this because some reviews said it’s just a wall, but I’m so glad I didn’t. The craftsmanship is mind-blowing—nine dragons, each with a distinct pose and expression. It’s only a few yuan to get up close, and you can easily see it from the sidewalk for free. I went at 9am on a Tuesday and had a peaceful 20 minutes there. Perfect for a quick cultural fix without breaking the bank.
Total photographer’s dream! I visited around 4pm and the low sun cast beautiful shadows across the screen. The dragons look alive. The crowd was thin at that hour—maybe because it’s close to closing time. I spent 45 minutes just walking back and forth to catch different angles. The only downside is there’s no shade, so bring water and sunscreen. Highly recommend!
Absolutely stunning! I went at 7:30am right when it opened and had the place almost to myself. The detail on each dragon is incredible—you can see the swirling clouds and fierce expressions up close. The morning light made the glazed tiles glow. It’s free to view from the street if you’re short on time, but paying the small fee to get closer is totally worth it. A hidden gem in Datong!
The Nine-Dragon Screen is definitely a cool sight, but I arrived at 10am on a Saturday and it was packed with tour groups. Hard to get a good photo without strangers in the frame. The screen itself is well-preserved and the colors still pop. I wish there was more information on the history or a small museum nearby. Nice for a 15-minute visit if you time it right.
Came here around 8am on a weekday and it was already getting busy by 9. The screen itself is impressive—huge and colorful—but the surrounding area felt a bit neglected. Some of the tiles are chipped, and there was litter near the fence. For the entrance fee, I expected better upkeep. Worth a quick stop if you’re in the area, but don’t go out of your way.