Datong at Night: 10 Things to Do After Dark

The city wall is the centerpiece of Datong after dark. It's free, and the views over the old town are stunning. The wall is open until around 22:00, but I'd suggest starting at 19:30 when the lights first come on. Bring your passport — you'll need it at the entrance.

From the Drum Tower, walk east about 15 minutes to the East Gate (Dong Men). You'll see the huge gates lit up. Once up on the wall, you can walk the full 7-kilometer loop, but most people do the east section and turn back. The best photo spot is near the southeast corner, where you can capture the tower with the city lights behind it.

Insider advice: Don't buy anything from the vendors right inside the gate — it's twice the price you'll pay in the street.

The Drum Tower, at the heart of the old town, is beautifully lit every night until midnight. It's free to view from the outside, and the best angle is from the southwest side of the traffic circle. The tower changes colors slowly, and you'll see locals taking selfies everywhere.

Arrive at around 20:30 for the most dramatic contrast with the darkening sky. If you want to climb up, there's a small fee — about 20 yuan — but check if the stairs are open; they sometimes close early for safety.

The main pedestrian street, running south from the Drum Tower, is packed with shops, snacks, and souvenirs. Most places stay open until 22:30. It's not a historical reconstruction but a lively commercial street that feels very local.

Try the local yogurt served in a clay jar — it's tangy and refreshing. Also look for 'kaolengmian', the grilled cold noodles, a Datong specialty that's crispy outside and chewy inside. Prices are cheap, usually 10-20 yuan per skewer.

Warning: Some souvenir shops inflate prices for foreigners. If you see something you like, compare prices at two or three stalls before buying.

For a genuine food-market vibe, walk to Qingyuan Street near the West Gate. The string lights and the smell of lamb skewers will guide you. This is where locals actually eat. You'll find everything from spicy cold noodles to sweet walnut cakes.

Market hours are roughly 18:00 to 23:00, but vendors start packing up around 22:00, so arrive early. Bring small bills (10 and 20 yuan) for cash-only stalls, though many now have QR codes for Alipay and WeChat.

This Ming Dynasty glazed wall is free to admire from the outside, and the night lighting makes the dragons appear even more vivid. It's on East Street, exactly 700 meters from the Drum Tower — a 10-minute walk east. The wall is behind a fence, but you can get close enough to see the intricate ceramic detail.

No entrance fee, but the viewing area closes at 21:00. The best photography time is just after the lights switch on, around 19:45.

The narrow lanes north of the Drum Tower haven't been completely rebuilt — they hold the DNA of old Datong. Grab your phone's GPS (use Apple Maps or AMap) and wander down Chadaokou Alley. You'll find courtyard houses with carved doorways and old men playing chess under streetlights.

It's peaceful, but don't venture too deep in the dark alone. Stick to the main lit alleys. I always carry a small flashlight — the light overhead can be spotty.

For an unusual exercise with a view, check if the city wall's bike rental is still open. It's usually available until 21:00, and the cost is around 30 yuan per hour. Riding on top of an ancient wall while looking down at a modern city is an odd thrill you'll never forget.

Be careful — the bike path is narrow in places, and there are steps. I've seen tourists take a tumble after stopping to snap photos. One lap takes about 40 minutes.

Around 20:00, a dozen or so groups of middle-aged Chinese start dancing in the open plazas beside the East Gate. They pump up the volume and move in unison to pop tunes. This isn't a tourist show — it's everyday Chinese socializing.

You're welcome to join at the edge. I did once, and the aunties loved it. Don't worry about your moves; they'll happily teach you. It's one of the most authentic 'local' experiences you can have in Datong at night.

If you want a calm break, look for a teahouse with red lanterns on the northern part of the Ancient Street. Most have picture menus, so you can just point. A pot of jasmine tea costs about 30-50 yuan and includes endless hot water.

Sit outdoors if the weather is good. The courtyard atmosphere is tranquil, and you'll hear the distant beat of square-dance music — a perfect mix of old and new.

The square in front of Fuxi Temple, west of the old town, is a local evening hangout. The temple itself closes at sunset, but the square is brightly lit and surrounded by trees. There are benches where you can rest and watch families flying kites — yes, at night!

Head there by taxi — 10 minutes from the Drum Tower — and tell the driver to go to 'Fuxi Miao'. The atmosphere is calm, and it's a great spot for a quiet ending to your night walk.