Highlights
- A complete walkable circuit of the old city
- Restored Ming dynasty ramparts and gate towers
- Best free viewpoint over the old city
- Illuminated at night
A Ming military city, rebuilt at full scale
Datong was one of the most important military garrisons on the northern frontier of the Ming dynasty. The present wall follows the Ming line: a rectangular circuit with gate towers, corner towers and a wide rampart designed for moving troops and artillery.
What you see today is a large-scale modern restoration rather than original fabric, but it is unusually complete — you can walk the entire circuit, which most Chinese city walls no longer allow.
How to do it well
Walk or cycle the rampart in the late afternoon and stay for the lights. The circuit is long, so most people do one or two sides rather than the whole loop.
The wall is the best orientation point in the city: from the top you can see the layout of the old town, the temples and the surrounding new city.
Practical information
- Tickets
- Free to walk the wall (some gates charge a small fee)
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Best time
- Late afternoon into evening, for the lights
- Location
- Encircling the old city centre
- Getting there
- Walk from anywhere in the old city.
Prices and opening hours change seasonally. Verify current details before you travel.
Plan the booking
Book your Datong trip
Hanging Temple climbing tickets are capped at 2,475 a day and reservations open only seven days ahead. Check the official channel and current rules before booking; partner tour links do not replace the temple ticket.
Day tours & tickets
Guided day trips that pair the Hanging Temple with Mount Heng — the day that is hardest to do without a car.
Hotels in Datong
Live rates for the old city and the area around the grottoes. Peak-season rooms go first.
Travel insurance
Cover for medical costs, cancellations and delays. Cheap next to the price of an evacuation.
Affiliate disclosure: bookings made through these links may earn us a commission. You pay the same price.
Travel tips
- Go up before sunset and stay for the illumination after dark.
- Cycling the full circuit is possible and much faster than walking.
- Combine with Huayan Temple and the Nine Dragon Screen, both inside the walls.