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Zuoyun County, which belongs to Datong City, Shanxi Province, has a long history and rich cultural heritage. It is the second batch of historical and cultural cities in Shanxi Province. There are famous attractions such as the Great Wall and Baoan Fort in the county.
The county has many scenic spots and intact buildings: there are two types of ancient Great Wall in the city, the Eastern Han Great Wall and the Ming Great Wall; the Han tombs are clearly visible, and beacon towers are scattered around; the ruins of the ancient castle still exist, and inside the castle there is the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Temple founded in the Ming Dynasty, also known as Nanchan Temple. The main hall of the temple has a copy of the mural of "Shuilu Town"; there is also a remnant of the Ming Dynasty Dragon King Temple music tower.
North temperate semi-arid continental monsoon climate;
Best in summer
Recommended 1-day tour
Eastern Han Great Wall
The Eastern Han Dynasty Great Wall is located north of the Shili River. Starting from Zhuerwa Village in Zhangjiachang Township, it splits into two branches, north and south, stretching northwestward. The northern branch passes through Changchengling, Xiaochangzi, Houxinzhuang, and reaches Ninglubao, spanning approximately 12 kilometers. The southern branch extends northward through Zhangjiachang, Tiancun, and Shijiacun, joining the northern branch at Ninglubao, totaling approximately 20 kilometers.
Ming Great Wall
The Ming Great Wall is located in the northern part of the county, at the border with Liangcheng County in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It enters the county 2.5 kilometers northwest of Baoan Fort and winds westward to the border 2.5 kilometers west of Ershibian. It features three passes (Baonankou, Weilukou, and Ninglukou) and 34 border piers, stretching 26 kilometers within the county. This section of the Great Wall is historically known as the "Great Bian."
Baoan Fort
Baoan Fort is located at the northern end of Guanjiabao Township, about 1 kilometer from the Great Wall to the west. Within the fort, Han Dynasty tombs are clearly visible, beacon towers are scattered throughout, and the ruins of the ancient fort still exist. Within the fort lies the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Temple, also known as Nanchan Temple, founded in the Ming Dynasty. The main hall of the temple features a replica of the mural "Water and Land Town," while the east and west side halls feature paintings of the Ten Kings of Hell.
Zuoyun County has a rich historical background as part of Datong’s cultural region. It is known for traditional Shanxi architecture, temples, and its role in preserving regional folk culture and customs.
Zuoyun County is located in Datong, Shanxi Province. Visitors can reach it via bus or taxi from Datong city. Walking is convenient for exploring local villages and scenic spots.
Most attractions are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Spring and autumn are the best times for pleasant weather and clear views.
Entrance fees vary, generally around 20–50 CNY depending on the site. Tickets can be purchased on-site; online booking is limited.
Booking is usually unnecessary except during peak holiday periods. If needed, 1–2 days in advance is sufficient.
2–4 hours for main attractions; longer if visiting multiple scenic areas and villages.
Guided tours are mainly in Mandarin. English-language tours are rare and may require prior arrangement.
Start from the county town or central village, visit temples and historic sites, then move to nearby scenic areas for hiking and photography.
Night visits are limited. Special events or festivals may include performances or cultural activities during certain times of the year.
Weekdays and off-peak seasons are less crowded. Public holidays attract more visitors.
Basic facilities such as restrooms, drinking water, small food stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops are available at main attractions.
Main streets and key sites are generally accessible, but steep trails and rural paths may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash, Alipay, and WeChat Pay are widely accepted for tickets and purchases.
Local restaurants offer Shanxi specialties, rice dishes, and street snacks. Small cafes and tea houses can be found near major attractions.
Vegetarian options are available. Halal options are limited and usually found in nearby towns or markets.
Souvenirs include handcrafted items, local snacks, tea, traditional calligraphy, and cultural figurines.
Taxis, regional buses, and private cars connect Zuoyun County to Datong City and other nearby attractions for continued travel.
