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Visit the Datong Nine Dragon Wall to admire its intricate design and historical significance. Take a walk around the area to fully appreciate the stunning artistry of the glazed tiles and dragons depicted on the wall. It's also a great spot for photography, especially with the wall's vibrant colors and the surrounding architecture.
The Datong Nine Dragon Screen, located on Heyang Street in Pingcheng District, Datong City, Shanxi Province, was built in 1392, the 25th year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty. It serves as the screen wall in front of the residence of Zhu Guidai, the thirteenth son of Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang. With a history of over 600 years, the screen wall stands 8 meters high, 2.02 meters thick, and 45.5 meters long. Nine flying dragons are evenly distributed across the screen wall, flanked by sun and moon motifs. The wall features a hip roof, with relief carvings of lotus and dragons on the main ridge, and animal figures on the corner ridges. The wall is composed of 426 specially crafted multicolored glazed tiles. The nine flying dragons appear majestic and soaring across the screen wall.
The Nine Dragon Wall in Datong features interspersed dragons with rock and waterweed patterns, creating a vibrant and vibrant contrast. The wall's roof is covered in glazed tiles, supported by glazed brackets. At its base, a 2.09-meter-tall, sturdy and magnificent Xumi pedestal features 41 carved groups of two dragons playing with a pearl. The waist, composed of 75 glazed bricks, features reliefs depicting a variety of animals, including cows, horses, sheep, dogs, deer, and rabbits, creating a vibrant and colorful scene.
It was built 250 years earlier than the Nine Dragon Wall in Beihai Park in Beijing and is three times the size of the Nine Dragon Wall in Beihai Park. It is the largest and oldest existing dragon wall in China.
Suitable for all seasons, best from May to October
half an hour
free
08:30-18:00
The Datong Nine Dragon Wall is a famous example of traditional Chinese architectural art, originally built during the Ming Dynasty. It is one of the few surviving Nine-Dragon Walls in China, representing the power and prestige of the ruling emperors. The wall is decorated with intricate glazed tiles featuring nine dragons, symbolizing power, wealth, and good fortune.
The Datong Nine Dragon Wall is located in the city of Datong, Shanxi Province, China. It can be easily reached by taxi from Datong’s city center. Public buses and walking are also possible options, but taxis are the most convenient for direct access.
The Datong Nine Dragon Wall is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months (April to October), when the weather is mild. It is advisable to visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
The entrance fee is approximately 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the wall in person. Online ticket purchases are not typically available for this attraction.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, although it is recommended to arrive early during peak seasons to avoid waiting in line.
Visitors typically spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the Nine Dragon Wall. If you plan to take photographs and appreciate the details of the wall, you might want to allocate extra time.
The main highlight is the Nine Dragon Wall itself, with its stunning glazed tiles and detailed dragon sculptures. The area surrounding the wall also offers picturesque views of the city and historical buildings nearby.
Guided tours are available at the site, and guides typically speak Mandarin. Audio guides are not commonly available, but hiring a local guide can enhance your experience with detailed historical information.
The best photography spot is directly in front of the Nine Dragon Wall, where you can capture the full length of the wall and its intricate details. Try to photograph the wall during the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and more flattering.
Start by entering the main gate and take a stroll around the perimeter of the wall. Spend time in front of the wall to appreciate the craftsmanship, and then explore the surrounding area. There are a few small gardens and courtyards nearby that are worth a visit as well.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Datong Nine Dragon Wall. It is best visited during the day to fully appreciate the colors and intricate details of the glazed tiles.
The Nine Dragon Wall can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the morning before 10 AM and late in the afternoon after 4 PM.
Basic facilities, including toilets and water stations, are available near the entrance. There are no large shops or food vendors within the site itself, but you can find some local snack stalls near the entrance.
The Datong Nine Dragon Wall is generally accessible to all visitors, but the surrounding area may have uneven paths, making it less suitable for people with mobility issues. Elderly and children should be cautious while walking around the site.
Cash is commonly accepted at the entrance. Mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also accepted, but it's recommended to carry some cash as a backup.
There are a few local eateries near the Datong Nine Dragon Wall, serving traditional Chinese snacks and meals. For a wider selection of restaurants, visitors can head to the city center of Datong, where there are numerous dining options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants, though they may be limited. Halal food is also available in Datong, but it may not be as commonly found near the wall itself.
Several hotels are located near the city center of Datong, such as the Datong International Hotel and local guesthouses. These offer convenient access to the Nine Dragon Wall as well as other attractions in the city.
Nearby attractions include the Yungang Grottoes, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Hanging Monastery. These sites can easily be combined into a day trip from Datong.
There are small souvenir shops near the Datong Nine Dragon Wall selling items such as traditional Chinese crafts, postcards, and miniature replicas of the Nine Dragon Wall.
After visiting, the best transportation options are to take a taxi or public bus back to the city center. From there, you can take a bus or train to other parts of Shanxi or beyond.
