Datong Ancient City Highlights Travel Guide

**Core Attractions**
- **Huayan Temple** (Liao and Jin architectural treasure, ¥50)
- **Shanhua Temple** (Tang Dynasty heritage, free but requires reservation)
- **Prince Dai's Mansion** (Ming Dynasty princely residence, ¥60 including performances)
- **City Wall** (Ming Dynasty military defense system, ¥30)
- **Nine-Dragon Screen** (China's largest glazed screen wall, free)

**🚶 Classic Routes**
**One-Day Tour Route:**
Huayan Temple (2h) → Shanhua Temple (1h) → Lunch at Drum Tower → Prince Dai's Mansion (1.5h) → Nine-Dragon Screen (0.5h) → City Wall Sunset (climb from South Gate)

**Night Tour Route:**
6:00 PM Climb South Gate → 7:00 PM Light Show at Prince Dai's Mansion → 8:00 PM Night Market on Drum Tower East Street

**🚗 Transportation Guide**
- By Car: Park at Yongtai Gate Underground Parking Lot (¥5/hour)
- By Bus: Take Route 601 to "Drum Tower Station"
- Ancient City Sightseeing Bus: ¥10/person for a loop

**🍜 Food Recommendations**
- Fenglin Pavilion (Shaomai dumplings)
- Laoye Temple Flavors (Lamb Offal Soup)
- Drum Tower Knife-Cut Noodles

**💡 Practical Information**
- Combo Ticket: Huayan Temple + Prince Dai's Mansion + City Wall = ¥120
- Best Time to Visit: April to October, avoid public holidays
- Must-Try Experience: Cycling on the City Wall (rental available at South Gate)
- Accommodation Recommendation: Boutique inns or four-star hotels within the ancient city

Datong Ancient City perfectly blends the grandeur of the Northern Wei Dynasty with the legacy of the Ming Dynasty. In just one day, you can traverse a thousand years of history. The well-preserved Ming Dynasty city wall system and Liao-Jin temple architecture complement each other, making it one of the best-preserved ancient cities in northern China.