Datong Museum

Introducing the Datong Museum
Datong Museum is a regional comprehensive museum and now a national first-class museum. Datong Museum was established in 1958. Datong Museum covers a land area of 51,556 square meters and a construction area of 32,821 square meters. Since its grand reopening on December 31, 2014, Datong Museum has emerged as a premier destination for enthusiasts of Chinese history and art. 

The Datong Museum Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: DàTóngShì BóWùGuǎn 大同市博物馆
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2 - 3x hours
• Things to Do: Culture; Architecture
• Opening Hours: 9:00 to 17:00. Datong Museum is closed on Mondays, except the Chinese statutory holidays.
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: 506 Taihe Road, Pingcheng District, Datong

What to Expect at Datong Museum
Housing an impressive collection of over 170,000 cultural relics, the museum stands as a custodian of the region’s illustrious past. Exploring Datong Museum offers visitors a captivating and immersive journey into the heart of the city’s dynamic cultural heritage and the evolution of ethnic integration. 

Unique Architectural Design
Situated in border area of Han and ethnic minorities, Datong has long been an integrated region of multi-ethnic groups. Drawing upon natural and cultural influences, Datong Museum’s architectural design is a testament to this legacy. Inspired by elements such as volcanoes, dragon screens, and the iconic Yungang Grottoes, the museum’s distinctive spiral double-S style evokes the majestic form of a soaring dragon. The design serves as a symbolic representation of the harmonious integration of Han and minority ethnicities, encapsulating the spirit of unity and cultural richness that defines Datong's heritage. In addition, the museum’s exterior design shapes its internal layout, creating an intriguing irregular space at the top of the exhibition hall, which establishes a stately atmosphere.


Relic Collections of Northern Wei, Liao, and Jin dynasties
The Datong Museum hosts a remarkable array of relic artifacts dating back to the Northern Wei, Liao, and Jin dynasties, providing visitors with a fascinating window into these significant epochs of Chinese history. Spanning from the 4th to the 12th centuries, these dynasties profoundly influenced the cultural fabric of Datong, and their relics offer valuable glimpses into the art and architecture of the time. The collections feature multiple treasures, including ceremonial troop screen paintings, painted lacquer wood screen discovered in the Sima Jinlong Tomb, ancestral headstones of Song Shaozu, Persian silver coins, Xianbei artifacts and adornments, and ceramic ware from the Northern Wei Dynasty. 

How to Get to the Datong Museum

• By Bus: Take bus 66 to Art Museum Station.
• On foot: Enjoy a 1.2 km (0.74 miles) walk from Datong City center to Datong Museum.