Datong City Wall

Introducing the Datong City Wall
Datong City Wall is a well-preserved ancient defensive structure. Datong City Wall was originally built in 1372 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and have fallen into ruin over hundreds of years since. In 2009, Datong invested more than five billion yuan ($725.65 million) in restoring the historic site. The newly repaired walls stand at a height of 14 meters(45 ft) and extend 7.24 km(4.5 miles), enclosing an area of 265,000 square meters. There are 4 main gates (Heyang Gate in the east, Qingyuan Gate in the west, Yongtai Gate in the south, and Wuding Gate in the north), 4 turrets and 54 watch towers spreading at different directions of the walls. Today, Datong City Wall serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the city and providing a glimpse into its past as a strategic stronghold.

The Datong City Wall Fast Facts
• AKA: City Wall of Datong
• Chinese Name: Dàtóng GǔchéngQiáng 大同古城墙
• Best Time to Visit: March - Nov
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3x hours
• Things to Do: Hiking; Culture
• Opening Hours: 7:00 to 22:00(Mar – May, Sept – Nov); 7:00 to 23:00(Jun, Aug); 7:00 to 21:00(Dec – Feb).
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Downtown Datong

History of Datong City Wall
The Datong City Wall, erected in 1372 by Xu Da, a General of the Ming Dynasty, was constructed atop ancient relics of tamped city walls dating back to the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-589). Since the city wall’s construction, Datong rose to prominence as the foremost frontier city of the Ming Dynasty, gaining worldwide renown as a formidable military stronghold in defending against northern steppe nomads, including the Mongols, and safeguarding the nation. Over time, the layout of the walls underwent gradual changes during the Tang, Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties until the Ming Dynasty. 

What to Expect at Datong City Wall
Visiting Datong City Wall offers a fascinating journey into China’s rich historical and architectural heritage. As an ancient defensive barrier against invasions and attacks, the city wall provides a tangible link to the past, showcasing the military prowess and strategic importance of Datong throughout history. 

Yan (Wild Goose) Tower
The Yan (Wild Goose) Tower, situated in the eastern part of the southern city wall, is a unique structure in Chinese city wall history. Constructed during the Ming Dynasty, it was initially called the “Wenfeng Tower.” However, locals renamed it as “Yan Tower” because of the large gatherings of wild geese around the tower during the spring and summer seasons. Standing at approximately 17 meters (55 ft) tall, the tower displays inscriptions of scholars who successfully passed the imperial examinations. Serving as a strategic observation point during wartime, it offers panoramic views of both the city and the surrounding countryside.

Datong City Wall Relics Exhibition Hall

Situated in the 11th watchtower of the western city wall’s southern end, the Datong City Wall Relics Exhibition Hall is dedicated to showing the city’s historical defenses. The Exhibits mainly focus on rammed earth remains from the Northern Wei, Liao, Jin, and Ming dynasties, supplemented by excavated artifacts. The exhibition is divided into four sections, covering the wall’s evolution, restoration, architecture, and cultural significance. With a total area of 1,920 square meters, the upper level displays 36 historical photographs, while the lower level features rammed earth remains and various components such as dated bricks and Ming dynasty stone tools.

How to Get to the Datong City Wall
• Heyang Gate (East Gate): take bus 38/27/59 to Heyang Gate North Station.
• Yongtai Gate (South Gate): take bus 35 to Yongtai Gate Station.
• Qingyuan Gate (West Gate): take bus 4/6/23/38 to Qingyuan West Street Station.
• Wuding Gate (North Gate): take bus 35 to Wuding Gate Station.