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Brief information on Datong

Datong is located in the northern Shanxi Province, only a few hundred kilometers west of Beijing. The city has a population of about 3.11 million. Datong was founded in 200BC after the Battle of Baideng between the Han and the Xiongnu during the Han Dynasty, and was named Pingcheng. Owing to its location( near the Great Wall Pass), it become flourished during the following period. Later it became the capital of Northern Wei after sacked at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty. The famous Yungang Grottoes were constructed during later part of Northern Wei. It was named Datong in 1048AD. Now it has been developed into the second largest industrial city of Shanxi Province and known as ‘City of the Coal’.


Why tour Datong: Datong is reputed as one of the twenty-four famous historical cities in China, where you could see lots of historical relics. Most of the historical sites in this region date to the Tang and Ming dynasties, but the Hanging Temple dates to the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534). Besides seeing the abundant historical relics, you will also have a chance to view the unique natural beauty of Datong. Sceneries here are different from the elegant and charming sceneries of southern cities of China, they are all very majestic and grand. The famous Yungang Grottoes located 16 kilometers west of Datong, the Nine Dragon Screen, the Huayan Monastery, Shanhua Temple Hanging Temple, Mount Heng etc will all give you a deep impression.
What to see & do in Datong: Appreciate the grottoes in Yungang Grottoes, one of the four most famous grottoes in China. There are over 50,000 carved images and statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas, ranging from 4 centimeters to 7 meters tall. Most of these icons are around 1000 years old. Visit the historical interest within Datong: the Nine Dragon Screen, the Huayan Monastery, and the Shanhua Temple. Proceed to visit Hangying Temple, which is built into a cliff face near Mount Heng. Visit the nearby Pingyao Ancient Town,
When to visit Datong:Datong enjoys a temperate continental monsoon climate, four seasons there are very distinct. Winter in Datong is very long and always lasts for about four months. Summer is cool and humid. April to September is the best time to visit Datong. The average temperature during this period is 6.3 C despite the sharp temperature difference of day and night. Also every year the Yungang & Mt. Hengshan Tourism Festival is held in July or August, when many activities related to Datong culture will be held.
Virtual Datong tour:

     

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