Datong Attractions
The industrial town of Datong lies in the north of Shanxi province on a plain which is shielded to the north and south by two sections of the Great Wall of China. There is a rail link between Datong and Beijing.
It seems probable that Datong was founded in the 5th C BC. From AD 398 to 495, when it was known as Pincheng, it was the seat of the Northern Wei dynasty. Many works of art which can now be seen in the Yungang Shiku Caves date from this period. Under the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) Datong became strategically important.
The considerable deposits of coal nearby have given Datong the name of the ''Coal Capital''; agricultural machinery is another important branch of industry here.
It seems probable that Datong was founded in the 5th C BC. From AD 398 to 495, when it was known as Pincheng, it was the seat of the Northern Wei dynasty. Many works of art which can now be seen in the Yungang Shiku Caves date from this period. Under the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) Datong became strategically important.
The considerable deposits of coal nearby have given Datong the name of the ''Coal Capital''; agricultural machinery is another important branch of industry here.
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Huayan Monastery
The Huayan Monastery, originally a school of Buddhist teaching, contains well preserved structures from the Liao Period (10th to 12th C). Both the Lower and Upper monasteries contain great works of art.
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Shanhua Si (Nan Si)
The Shanhua Si complex dates to the 8th C but was rebuilt in the 12th C. It contains three buildings of note.
Datong Surroundings
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Mount Hengshan
Mount Hengshan is one of the five mythical mountains of China and soars to 2017 m at its highest peak.
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