Datongcheng Ruins
大同城遗址
A border-town ruin from the Northern Zhou to Tang dynasties, with inner and outer rammed-earth walls still standing. It was the site of the Datong garrison town and the Anbei Protectorate-General.
Datongcheng Ruins lie on the Gobi about 19 km southeast of Dalaihubu Town. The site consists of two rammed-earth walls, inner and outer, first built in the Northern Zhou dynasty. In the Sui and Tang periods it served as the Datong garrison town and the seat of the Anbei Protectorate-General. Large quantities of horse dung have been found inside the walls, and locals call it “Horse Pen City.” The site has no formal tourist development and is free to visit. Most visitors view it from the car or stop briefly for photos on the way to Khara-Khoto. The roads are mostly gravel, so a 4WD or chartered vehicle is recommended. Do not climb the walls or pick up artifacts.
Opening hours
Viewable all day
Nearby sights
- Weird Forest (Dead Populus Forest)
- Khara-Khoto Ruins
- Damo Populus Euphratica Forest
- Lucheng Ruins
- Badao Bridge & Badain Jaran Desert
- Hongcheng (Red Fort)
- Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest (Bridges 1 & 7)
- Ejina Populus Euphratica Forest (Bridges 2-4)