Datong Earth Forest
大同土林
An earth forest landscape rare in North China. Earth pillars and gullies rise like the ruins of a fortress, and the evening sunlight brings out rich colors. It is a popular photo spot near Datong.
The Datong Earth Forest is in Duzhuang Township, Yungang District. Locals call it Shiban Gully. Over an area about 1 kilometer east to west and 3 kilometers north to south, wind and water erosion have formed earth pillars, earth walls and gullies. They look like the ruins of an ancient city, and the landscape is rare in North China. The scenic area has wooden walkways and viewing platforms. It is best to walk along the bottom of the gully and then climb up to look down from above. The light is best in the evening. It is about 40 kilometers from the city center and requires a car or chartered vehicle. It can be combined with the volcanic group and the daylily fields in a one-day trip around Yunzhou. Sun exposure is strong in summer afternoons, so wear sunscreen and drink water.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Datong Fantawild Adventure
- Yunzhou Daylily Fields (Wangyou Farm)
- Wenying Lake Ecological Park
- Datong Art Museum
- Datong Museum
- Northern Wei Mingtang Site Park
- Datong Volcano Group Geopark
- Datong Confucian Temple