Datong's current role as a leading coal-production center won't inspire you to visit this growing metropolis, but its proximity to the awe-inspiring Yungang Grottoes, a cluster of caves brimming with over 51,000 Buddhist sculptures, should.

Datong is a city surrounded by natural beauty, and visitors to this former seat of the Wei Dynasty have ample terrain to explore. You might start with Mt. Hengshan, one of China's five most sacred mountains, to view the 1,400-year-old, gravity-defying Hanging Monastery before going to hike in the shadow of the Great Wall on Yanmenguan pass -- one of the nine passes reputed to fall directly under heaven according to Chinese folklore.

In the city, new boutiques aspire to the modern, whilst old markets offer relics from the past. Browse the Zhongxing Market for wool carpets -- a historic Datong specialty -- or hit the more contemporary Daxi Street and Xiaonan Street shopping districts to haggle over brand-name articles. Take a break in one of Datong's many traditional teahouses, or try one of Datong's unique traditional snacks, such as Ya Jiu Qiezi (pickled eggplant) or Zha Yougao (fried yellow rice pie). If you run out of things to do, just ask the friendly concierge staff at the HaoHai International Hotel, they might know of a few lesser known points of interest for you to visit.

History

Datong was originally founded as Pingcheng during the Han Dynasty in 200 BC, and was a stop-off point for camel caravans moving from China into Mongolia. Strategically located near the Great Wall Pass to Inner Mongolia, Pingcheng was the site of many military contests. Pillaged by the Xianpei, who established the Northern Wei Dynasty, Pingcheng remained the Wei capital for 108 years. The famous Yungang Grottoes were built during this period, establishing Pingcheng as an important focal point for Buddhist religious and cultural activity. In 494, Emperor Xiao Wen, pursuing a policy of systematic Sinicization, moved his capital south to Luoyang in the hopes of assimilating all ethnic groups into the Han culture.

Later, Pingcheng became a "secondary capital" for the Liao (916~1125) and was renamed Datong in 1048. Coveted for its strategic value, Datong was sacked by the Ming Dynasty in 1649, but its value as a regional trade hub ensured that it was promptly rebuilt by 1652.

During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Datong, a regional rail hub, was deemed a critical possession by Japan for its utility as a staging point for attacks on Beijing. In 1938, Japan defeated Kuomintang forces defending the city. After the Japanese were expelled following World War II, Datong would once again figure prominently, this time as a strategic prize bitterly won by the communists after several attempts to oust the besieged Kuomintang.

Later, during the Cultural Revolution, Datong's industry would be developed and the city would be touted as a model "worker city," becoming a propagandized bulwark of communism. Revolution era slogans are still visible on a few walls in and around the city.

Datong has grown at a rapid pace in recent years and is now the second largest city in Shanxi province (not to be confused with neighboring Shaanxi province, home of the Terracotta Warriors). The population now stands at over 3 million (considered small by Chinese standards), helping Datong retain the ambiance of a small market town.

Climate

One thing Datong doesn't have going for it is its reputation as one of the most polluted cities in China. Despite this, Datong's weather isn't all that bad. The best time to visit Datong is from April to September, during which time it is cool and humid. Temperatures can vary quite dramatically over the day so it would be a good idea to pack a variety of clothes. Winter here is cold and windy, and temperatures average between -12 C and 6 C, while spring and fall are cool and crisp.

Datong may be host to a pretty amazing selection of cultural and historic sights, but the same cannot be said for its accommodations. Though there are many three and four star hotels to choose from, none of them stand out as exceptional for their value, design, or amenities. Those looking for the cheapest possible accommodation in these parts will want to look up the Feitian Binguan, which you will find opposite the train station. For those looking for something a little more upscale, the Garden hotel on Danang Lu near the city center has all the usual amenities plus, for meat-lovers, one of the few elusive Brazilian BBQs in town. Finally, the four-star Continental Hotel on Yinbing Xi Lu is your best bet for luxury, offering nice rooms and a sauna to melt away any tension or fatigue you've accrued while hiking in search of Datong's historical treasures.

For those willing to do a little culinary experimentation, Datong does have a few new foods and snacks for you to try. With its strong aroma and flavor, Yangza Tang (goat intestine soup) is a winter favorite for what Chinese medicine describes as its "warming" qualities. A hearty mix of meat, spices and vermicelli noodles, a single bowl makes a meal. Ya Jiu Qiezi (pickled eggplant) is most commonly found in spring and summer; its unique flavor is infused with ginger, garlic and leek, making for a nice, light snack to nibble on while you explore Datong's attractions. A dessert-like food, Zha Yougao (fried yellow rice dim sum) has a sweet filling and a fried shell and is a delicious treat to finish off a meal. Finally, probably Datong's most popular dish, Shaomai (pork dumplings) are flower-shaped and renowned for being extra-savory.

Those looking for something a little more familiar will find that Datong Hotels are often their best bet. Italian will be most common, while Brazilian is a little harder to find. Try the Garden Hotel on Danang Lu.

Getting Around

There are several types of taxis in Datong City. The base rate is RMB 5 for the first three kilometers and then RMB 1.2-1.4 per additional kilometer depending on the type of the taxi.

To and from Datong

Air

Datong Airport is located in the north of Beijiazao Town of Datong County, only about 15 km from downtown Datong City. There are flights to major domestic cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing.

There are free shuttle buses running between Datong Hotel in downtown and Datong Airport and they go via Wuzhou Grand Hotel and the ticket office on Yingbin Dong Lu. The buses usually leave for the airport two hours before flights depart.

Railway

Datong is an important transportation hub connecting Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi and Inner Mogolia. Five major railways and more than 40 branch railway lines meet in Datong and strengthen the connection between Northern China, the northwest and Shanxi.

Datong Railway Station is located on Xinjian Bei Lu in downtown. There are trains to Taiyuan, Beijing, Hangzhou, Baotou and Shenyang daily.

Bus

There are more than ten national highways going through Datong. Buses to Hohhot and other cities in the same direction as Taiyuan are available in Datong North Bus Station.
There are four long-distance bus stations in Datong: South Station, North Station, Xinpingwang Station and New South Station.
South Bus Station is located at No. 20 Yantong Xi Lu and there are more 150 buses daily leaving for Beijing, Tangshan, Shijiazhuang, Chongqing, Jinan, Luoyang, Baoding, Baochang and Baotou etc.

North Bus Station is located 200 meters west to the railway station and there are buses to Taiyuan, Shuozhou and other cities within Shanxi province.
Xinpingwang Bus Station is located 100 meters south to Mining Bureau Department Store with buses to Beijing and counties and towns within the province as well.
New South Bus Station is at No. 699 Xinjian Nan Lu and there are buses to Beijing, Taiyuan and other cities within the province.
 

Still considered to feel like a“small market town,”Datong is no shopper's paradise.  Once an important Ming dynasty trade hub, Datong's atmosphere has become a little sleepier of late, limiting commercial variety; however, if you are looking for some local souvenirs, keep your eyes open for some of the following items.

Datong Egg Carving

Bearing some resemblance to Easter eggs, Datong Egg Carving is done on hollow eggs and are ornately decorated with Chinese Calligraphy and classic Chinese painting themes.

Yungang Silk Dolls

This Chinese craft has a 1,000-year history, and many dolls are made to represent characters from Chinese fables and classic Chinese literature (think the beauties from 'A Dream of Red Mansions').  Wrapped in fine silk, these dolls are both sturdy and svelte to the touch.

Datong Porcelain Crafts

Datong's history of porcelain work goes back 1,400 years. Using a unique, traditional method of production, figurines representing animals and characters from Chinese legends are brilliantly rendered.

Plaited Corn Husk Crafts

Pliable, durable and smooth, processed corn husks can be used to produce an impressive array of consumer goods, such as bags, mats, cushions and coasters.  Best of all, any item made from plaited husks will be very light and breathable.

If you do decide on a shopping expedition, you should start on Datong's main shopping thoroughfare on Xinjian Xi Lu (Xinjian West Road). Confusingly, this road will change names more than a few times as you work your way down its lengths, but if you just follow the shop fronts, you're probably in the right place. The main shopping parts of this road are called Da Dong Jie (Big East Street) and Da Nan Jie (Big South Street).

Datong's arts and cultural scene is best represented by the Yungang Caves, and local historical sites such as the Nine Dragon Screen.  If you are interested in night life, the Red Flag Club on Zhan Qian street offers a pretty comprehensive list of activities, from billiards, to KTV, to a sauna.  Offering a similar selection, the Intel Club is quite large and has a dance floor for those who want to try a few steps with the locals.  

Datong has all the nationally significant festivals you'll find in other towns, but also has something a little unique. The International Steam Locomotive festival is your chance to take a ride on an old-fashioned steam train and walk about the old factory. If you're around on September 15^th, then you are in luck, the festival starts and ends on this same day.