Hui Lin
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It's massive. No, really — 45 meters long and 8 meters tall. The first time I walked up to the Datong Nine-Dragon Screen, I actually stopped breathing for a second. And I've lived in China for over a decade, guiding hundreds of tourists.
But here's the thing: most guided tour advice you'll find online is either outdated or just plain wrong. Like the suggestion to arrive at noon. Ouch. I've seen too many people squinting under harsh light, missing the dragons' magical glow.
So I put together this Datong Nine-Dragon Screen guided tour based on real experience — how to buy tickets when your phone can't handle WeChat Pay, the exact hour when the screen comes alive, and why you don't need a pricey tour guide inside. Let's dive in.
Why This Screen Stands Out
Built in 1392 during the Ming Dynasty, this glazed ceramic wall is the oldest and largest of its kind in China. It predates the more famous one in Beijing's Beihai Park. The nine dragons — each a different pose — are made of colored glazed tiles that still pop after 600 years. The central dragon is yellow, representing the emperor. Look closely: the dragon's claws have five toes, a sign of imperial power. Local legend says touching the 'pearl' under a dragon's chin brings good luck. I always tell my guests to reach up and try — just don't climb the barrier.
Ticket & Hours – What I Wish I Knew
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Adult ticket | ¥10 (about $1.40) |
| Children (under 1.2m) | Free |
| Seniors (65+) | Free with ID |
| Opening hours | 8:30 – 17:30 (last entry 17:00). Closed on Monday mornings for maintenance? No, that's a myth — it's open daily. But check during Chinese New Year. |
| Booking needed? | Not usually. You can buy at the gate. But during national holidays (May 1st week, Oct 1st week), book ahead via the 'Datong Nine-Dragon Screen' official WeChat mini-program. Or ask your hotel to book. |
| Payment at gate | Cash only? Actually, they accept WeChat Pay, Alipay, and cash. International credit cards are not accepted. So bring cash or set up mobile payment. |
⚠️ Heads-up: The ticket booth is tiny. On busy days the line can stretch 20 minutes. I always ask my driver to drop me off at the east gate of the attached temple complex (Huayansi), then walk west to the screen. Fewer people.
Best Time to Visit (Avoid the Rush)
Go between 15:00 and 16:30 in spring and autumn. Why? The afternoon sun hits the glazed tiles at a low angle — the dragons literally glow. I've seen tourists in the morning (9–11am) and the tiles look matte and dull. Plus, most tour groups leave before 14:00. From 15:00 onward, you'll have the place almost to yourself.
Summer is brutal: bright white light at midday. If you must go in July or August, come at 16:30. You'll also catch the golden hour for photos.
Winter (Dec–Feb) can be freezing but the screen is snow-dusted and magnificent. Fewer tourists. Dress in layers.
Getting There: The Shortcut
Address: No. 18, Daxi Street, Pingcheng District, Datong.
Your GPS will work. But here's the insider move: Don't get off at the main entrance on Daxi Street — the bus stops are chaotic. Instead, take a taxi or didi to the south gate of Huayan Temple (华严寺南门). From there, walk 5 minutes west along the red wall. You'll see the screen appear suddenly. This route avoids the crowded street vendors and ticket sellers that swarm the main gate.
Public transport: Bus No. 27, 38, 59 – get off at 'Gulou' stop. Walk north 400m. The screen is on your right.
Nearby parking: There's a pay lot at Huayan Temple (¥5/hour). But don't park right in front of the screen – it's a one-way street and traffic jams are nasty.
Guided Tour Experience: What to Expect
You can hire an English-speaking guide at the entrance for about ¥80 (30 minutes). Honestly, I'd skip it unless you're into deep Ming dynasty history. The screen is self-explanatory with the small English signs. Or you can download a free audio guide on the 'Datong Tourism' WeChat mini-program (Chinese only, but audio in English is available).
If you do want a guide, make sure to negotiate the price before starting. I've seen guides quote ¥120 then drop to ¥50 when you walk away.
My favorite detail to point out: Look for the dragon on the far right – its body is curved as if leaping. The glaze has a subtle greenish hue that's different from the others. It's because that tile was replaced in the Qing dynasty. A small but fascinating flaw.
Photo Spots That Actually Work
- The center point: Stand exactly opposite the yellow dragon. Use a wide-angle lens on your phone to capture the full screen.
- The left corner: Crouch down near the stone base. You'll get a perspective that makes the dragons appear to fly out.
- The side reflection: There's a small puddle on the south side after rain. I've gotten my best reflections there. Check if there's any water.
- Avoid the selfie stick traps: The railing is about 3 meters back. You can't get close unless you're very tall. Use portrait mode instead of trying to climb.
🚫 No-Go: I've seen tourists climb onto the stone balustrade for a better shot. Don't. Guards are strict and you could damage the 600-year-old barrier.
Combine with Nearby Attractions
The screen sits right opposite Huayan Temple (a stunning Liao dynasty temple) and is a 10-minute walk from Shanhua Temple. I recommend this mini-itinerary:
- 15:00 – Arrive at Nine-Dragon Screen (via Huayan Temple south gate)
- 15:30 – Walk to Huayan Temple (entry ¥50). The temple closes at 17:30.
- 17:00 – Head to nearby Datong Ancient City Wall for sunset views. Free entrance.
- 18:30 – Dinner at Fenglingge Restaurant (凤临阁) for local Huimin lamb soup. About ¥40 per person. No English menu but point to the picture of 'huimian.'
If you only have 24 hours in Datong, skip the Yungang Grottoes? No, but if time is tight, the Nine-Dragon Screen + Huayan Temple combo is your best bet.
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