Datong Ancient City Wall

大同古城墙

A sturdy Ming city wall faced with brick under the Hongwu emperor, its full circuit reconnected in 2016. Its 7.2-kilometer circumference makes walking or cycling along the top, or watching the gate towers light up at night, Datong’s new showpiece.

The Datong city wall began in the Northern Wei Pingcheng period. Its present layout dates to 1372 (the 5th year of the Hongwu era), when Xu Da expanded the old Liao–Jin city. The wall stands 14 m high and has a circumference of 7.24 km, with gates and barbicans on each side. It was once a military stronghold of the Nine Frontier Garrisons of the Ming. Starting in 2008, Datong began restoring the old city, and in 2016 the walls were joined into a complete circuit. All four gate towers, corner towers, watchtowers and 62 enemy towers have been rebuilt, making it one of the few Ming city walls in China that can be circled completely. Things to do: the walls are free to enter, though climbing requires scanning an ID card at each of the four gates. You can rent a bicycle (about 30–40 yuan per hour) and ride the full circuit in about an hour, or walk the southeast section to see Yongtai Gate and Yanta (Wild Goose Tower). In the evening, watch the sunset from the west wall. After dark, when the gate towers and walls are fully lit, is the best time for night photography. The lantern fair and wall light show in the old city around the Spring Festival are especially lively. Within the walls, the old city has Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, the Nine-Dragon Screen, the Drum Tower, Chunyang Palace, Fahua Temple and a replica antique commercial street, all of which can be linked in a day on foot. Getting there: the old city is in the city center and served by many bus lines; a taxi from Datong South Station takes about 20 minutes. Notes: climbing hours are usually about 08:00–22:00, and some climbing points close at night. The wall has no shade, so it is hot in summer and windy in winter. When cycling, watch for pedestrians, and dismount and walk your bike at steps.

Datong Ancient City Wall

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