.jpeg)
Prof. Jian Chen
I'll never forget the first time I walked through the Yongle Gate of Datong Ancient City. It was autumn, the light was golden, and the smell of charcoal-grilled lamb wafted from a nearby skewer stall. But I also remember the confusion: Where do I buy tickets? Is the city wall free? Which tower gives the best photo? After 15 years of guiding groups here, I've got answers that most online guides skip. Let's cut through the noise.
Why You Should Care
Datong Ancient City isn't just another reconstructed walled town. It's the only Ming Dynasty-era city wall in China that's been fully restored to its original height (14 meters). Most visitors rush to the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple, then treat the ancient city as a quick photo stop. Big mistake. The wall itself, the gates, the drum tower, and the quiet alleyways hold stories that make your trip richer. And the best part? Walking the wall is free. No ticket needed. Just show up.
Getting to Datong
Datong has a high-speed rail station (Datong South) and an airport with flights from Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. From the station, take a taxi (about 40 minutes, 60-80 RMB) to the ancient city's east gate (He Yang Gate). Uber-style apps like Didi work well; just input '古城东门' in the app. If you're coming from Beijing by train, the ~2-hour bullet train drops you at Datong South. Crowd tip: avoid the 5-7 PM rush when taxi lines are long. I usually grab a Didi premium (costs about 100 RMB) for instant pickup.
| Transport | Time | Cost (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train from Beijing | 2h | 160-200 | Book via 12306.cn or Trip.com |
| Taxi from Datong South | 40 min | 60-80 | Use Didi; cash not always accepted |
| Bus route 35 from city center | 30 min | 2 | Drops at East Gate; runs 6:00-21:00 |
| Airport (Datong Yungang) | 15 min by taxi | 30-40 | Small airport, limited flights |
When to Visit the Ancient City
The wall itself is open 24/7, but the shops and museums inside keep different hours. Best season: April to October. Summers can be hot (35°C) but the wall has shade from the watchtowers. Winters are biting cold (-20°C); the city becomes a ghost town after 6 PM. Spring and autumn offer comfortable walking weather. Crowd calendar: Chinese national holidays (May Day, October Golden Week) are insane — you'll be shuffling shoulder to shoulder on the wall. If you can, aim for a weekday afternoon. I always take my groups at 4 PM. The light turns warm, the tour buses have left, and you can practically have the west gate to yourself.
Where to Stay Inside or Near the Walls
Staying inside the ancient city gives you the atmosphere but often means higher prices and older buildings (some without elevators!). Outside the south gate, you'll find modern international chain hotels. Here's my honest take from hosting dozens of tours:
- Inside the wall - Datong Ancient City Inn: 300-500 RMB/night. Traditional courtyard style, but ask for a room facing the inner courtyard, not the noisy main street. Wi-Fi can be spotty on the second floor. I recommend it for one night if you want the 'Old China' feel.
- Outside the south gate - Datong International Hotel: 400-700 RMB/night. Reliable, good breakfast, stable Wi-Fi. 10-minute walk to the south gate entrance. This is my go-to for solo travelers or families.
- Budget option - Qinglv Youth Hostel: 80-150 RMB/bed. Clean, friendly staff (some English), and right next to a convenience store. Located on the northeast side of the wall.
What to See Inside the Ancient City
The City Wall
Free to access. Rent a bicycle (30 RMB/hour) or walk the 7.2 km perimeter. I prefer walking the southern section from the Yongle Gate to the Qingyuan Gate — it takes about 45 minutes at a leisurely pace. There are four main gates: East (He Yang), South (Yongle), West (Qingyuan), North (Wu Ding). Each has a large gate tower you can climb for free. Best photo spot: the southwest corner tower around 5:30 PM, just before sunset.
Shanhua Temple
Inside the south gate area. Entrance: 50 RMB (adult), free for kids under 1.2m. Open 8:00-17:30 (last entry 17:00). This is one of the best-preserved Liao dynasty temples in China. The main hall's wooden structure is a marvel — no nails used. I always tell my groups: Notice the giant clay guardians at the entrance? They're over 1,000 years old and still scare me. Plan 1 hour.
Datong Drum Tower
Central landmark. You can climb for 20 RMB. It's a great orientation point. The surrounding area at night becomes a food market (starting around 7 PM). Try the Datong knife-cut noodles at a stall called Lao Wang Mian — it's the one with the red lanterns and a line of locals.
Huayan Temple
Actually just outside the wall near the west gate. 80 RMB entry. This temple complex is huge — allow 2 hours. The highlight is the Buddhist scripture hall with a 30-meter-tall seated Buddha. Smile and nod at the monk who sits at the entrance; he'll sometimes let you take photos in areas normally banned.
| Attraction | Price (RMB) | Opening Hours | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Wall (walk & bike) | Free | 24 hours (bike rental 8:00-18:00) | 1-2 hours |
| Shanhua Temple | 50 adult / 25 student | 8:00-17:30 | 1 hour |
| Drum Tower | 20 | 8:30-18:00 | 30 min |
| Huayan Temple | 80 | 8:00-17:30 | 2 hours |
Eating Like a Local
Forget the big restaurants inside the wall. The real food is on Gulou Street. I bring every group to Xiaochi Yin — a tiny shop that only serves mixed vegetable stew with flatbread. Costs 20 RMB. The owner doesn't speak English, so just point at the pot and nod. Pay by scanning the QR code on the wall (WeChat or Alipay). If you don't have Chinese payment apps, bring cash — some places accept it but give you a dirty look. Another must: fried huanghua — a local vegetable that tastes like a cross between asparagus and mushroom.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Start at the south gate (Yongle Gate). It's the grandest entrance and has a visitor information center (limited English materials, but you can grab a map).
- Bring a power bank. No charging stations inside the wall, and you'll need your phone for maps and translation apps. I always carry two.
- Toilet alert: The only decent public restroom is next to the Drum Tower, on the north side. Others are squat toilets with no paper. Carry tissues everywhere.
- Photography at temples: Most forbid flash photography. The monks are usually fine with non-flash shots, but if a sign says 'No Photos', respect it. One time I saw a tourist scolded loudly for taking a selfie with a Buddha statue.
- Evening walk: After 7 PM, the wall is lit with colored lights. It's beautiful but also crowded with local dancers and singers. Join them — it's fun. If you prefer quiet, go to the north section.
- Combining with other attractions: Yungang Grottoes are 30 minutes by taxi from the city center. Best to visit them in the morning, then spend the afternoon in the ancient city. Hanging Temple requires a full half-day (1.5-hour drive). Don't try to do all three in one day; you'll be exhausted.
FAQs
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. Always confirm current prices and hours on official channels, as they may change without notice.
No comments yet.