Complete Travel Guide to Daxing, China

Daxing Datong is a prefecture-level city in northern Shanxi Province in the People’s Republic of China. It is located in the Datong Basin at an elevation of 1,040 metres (3,410 ft) and borders Inner Mongolia to the north and west and Hebei to the east. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 3,105,591 of whom 1,790,452 lived in the built-up area made of the 2 out 4 urban districts of Pingcheng and Yungang as Yunzhou and Xinrong are not conurbated yet. Positioned at coordinates 39.74025°N, 116.32693°E, Daxing occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Daxing place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 1042.0 meters above sea level, Daxing benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Daxing creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 3105591 residents, Daxing maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Daxing represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Daxing reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout China, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Beijing province, Daxing contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines China’s regional character. The role of Daxing in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Daxing discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of China while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.

Historical Heritage of Daxing

History The Nine-Dragon Wall The Drum Tower (鼓楼) The area of present-day Datong was close to the state of Dai, which was conquered by the Zhao clan of Jin in 457 BC It was a frontier land between the agricultural Chinese and the nomads of the Great Steppe.

The area was well known for its trade in horses The area of present-day Datong eventually came under the control of the Qin dynasty, during which it was known as **Pingcheng County** (平城县) and formed part of the Qin commandery of Yanmen Pingcheng County continued under the Han dynasty, which founded a site within present-day Datong in 200 BC following its victory against the Xiongnu nomads at the Battle of Baideng.

Located near a pass to Inner Mongolia along the Great Wall, Pingcheng blossomed under Han rule and became a stop-off point for camel caravans moving from China into Mongolia and beyond It was sacked at the end of the Eastern Han Pingcheng became the capital of the Xianbei-founded Northern Wei dynasty from AD 398–494.

The Yungang Grottoes were constructed during the later part of this period (460–494) During the mid to late 520s, Pingcheng was the seat of Northern Wei’s Dai Commandery During the Tang dynasty, Datong became the seat of the Tang prefecture of **Yunzhou** , and the original Guandi temple was built.

The city was renamed Datong in 1048 It was the **Xijing** (“Western Capital”) of the Jurchen Jin dynasty prior to being sacked by the Mongols Datong later came under the control of the Ming dynasty, serving as an important Ming military stronghold against the Mongols to the north.

During the Ming period, many of Datong’s notable historical structures such as the Drum Tower and the Nine-Dragon Wall were built Datong was sacked again at the end of the Ming in 1649, but promptly rebuilt in 1652 By 1982 a portion of its city walls remained so it became one of the National Famous Historical and Cultural Cities that year.

Prior to 2008, about 100,000 people lived in the old city In 2008 mayor Geng Yanbo decided to redevelop much of the inner city, with over 3 square kilometres (1 2 sq mi) being redeveloped, and with Geng becoming known as the “Demolition Mayor” Geng and his group anticipated that 30,000 to 50,000 people would remain in the old city.

In 2013 Geng left his position Su Jiede of _Sixth Tone_ wrote that much of the city was still under construction at the time and that Geng’s efforts resulted in “a half-finished city center and a complicated legacy” and that “To critics, the city had spent enormous sums of money without much to show for it.

” By 2020 the population of the old city was below 30,000 and there were fewer governmental facilities available for the residents That year Su stated that the old city “still presents a headache for the local government Hou Xiaorong (2009), 《秦代政区地理》 [_An Atlas of Qin-Era Administrative Divisions_], Beijing: Social Science Academic Press.

The historical trajectory of Daxing demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.

Historical preservation efforts in Daxing reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.

The legacy of historical development in Daxing remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.

Geographic Environment and Natural Setting

Geography The Yungang Grottoes Datong is the northernmost city of Shanxi, and is located in the Datong Basin, with an administrative area spanning latitude 39° 03’–40° 44′ N and longitude 112° 34’–114° 33′ E. The urban area is surrounded on three sides by mountains, with passes only to the east and southwest. The mountainous terrain surrounding Daxing creates unique microclimates and provides natural resources that have sustained local communities throughout history. Within the prefecture-level city elevations generally increase from southeast to northwest. Datong borders Ulanqab (Inner Mongolia) to the northwest and Zhangjiakou (Hebei) to the east, Shuozhou (Shanxi) to the southwest, and Xinzhou (Shanxi) to the south. The well-known Datong Volcanic Arc lies nearby in the Datong Basin. It is 250 kilometres (160 mi) west of Beijing. #Climate Datong has a continental, monsoon-influenced steppe climate (Köppen _BSk_), influenced by the 1,000 metres (3,300 ft)+ elevation, with rather long, cold, very dry winters, and very warm summers. Monthly mean temperatures range from −10. 1 °F) in January to 22. 7 °F) in July; the annual mean temperature is 7. Due to the aridity and elevation, diurnal temperature variation is often large, averaging 13. There barely is any precipitation during winter, and more than 3⁄4 of the annual precipitation occurs from June to September. With monthly percent possible sunshine ranging from 54% in July to 66% in October, sunshine is abundant year-round, and the city receives 2,671 hours (about 60% of the possible total) of bright sunshine per year. Extremes since 1951 have ranged from −31. 9 °C (−25 °F) on 16 December 2023 to 39. 2 °C (103 °F) on 29 July 2010. Climate data for Datong, elevation 1,053 m (3,455 ft), (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1951–present) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 11. 6) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −2. 4) Daily mean °C (°F) −10. 4) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −16. 7) Record low °C (°F) −31. 4) Average precipitation mm (inches) 2.

The topographic characteristics of Daxing result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.

Hydrological systems in the Daxing region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.

Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Daxing area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.

Natural resource availability in Daxing has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.

The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Daxing demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.

Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Daxing create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.

Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions

#Climate Datong has a continental, monsoon-influenced steppe climate (Köppen _BSk_), influenced by the 1,000 metres (3,300 ft)+ elevation, with rather long, cold, very dry winters, and very warm summers. Monthly mean temperatures range from −10. Temperature patterns in Daxing influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. 1 °F) in January to 22. 7 °F) in July; the annual mean temperature is 7. Temperature patterns in Daxing influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Due to the aridity and elevation, diurnal temperature variation is often large, averaging 13. Temperature patterns in Daxing influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. There barely is any precipitation during winter, and more than 3⁄4 of the annual precipitation occurs from June to September. Rainfall patterns in Daxing determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. With monthly percent possible sunshine ranging from 54% in July to 66% in October, sunshine is abundant year-round, and the city receives 2,671 hours (about 60% of the possible total) of bright sunshine per year. Extremes since 1951 have ranged from −31. 9 °C (−25 °F) on 16 December 2023 to 39. 2 °C (103 °F) on 29 July 2010. Climate data for Datong, elevation 1,053 m (3,455 ft), (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1951–present) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 11. 6) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) −2. 4) Daily mean °C (°F) −10. 4) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −16. 7) Record low °C (°F) −31. 4) Average precipitation mm (inches) 2. Rainfall patterns in Daxing determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 28) Average precipitation days (≥ 0. Rainfall patterns in Daxing determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 4 Average snowy days 3. 2 Average relative humidity (%) 53 46 42 38 40 50 64 68 64 57 54 52 52 Mean monthly sunshine hours 192. 2 2,735 Percentage possible sunshine 64 66 64 64 62 57 55 58 61 66 64 63 62 Source: China Meteorological Administration all-time extreme temperature 1. Temperature patterns in Daxing influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year.

The climatic regime of Daxing reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.

Temperature variations in Daxing create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.

Precipitation patterns in Daxing determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.

Seasonal weather patterns in Daxing create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.

The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Daxing demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.

Climate considerations for visitors to Daxing include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.

Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions

Demographics Su Jiede wrote that since Pingcheng District, which had most of its urbanized area, had 1,105,699 people as of 2020, “Datong is a small city by Chinese standards”. Cite error: The named reference `SuJiedeSixthToneMakeover` was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

Culture Datong is known for its knife-cut noodles and Shanxi mature vinegar. news/en/travel/988217c5317dd8bf472d38fff1883c87. html[_permanent dead link_] [_bare URL_] 2. “The best of Datong in 96 hours – Destinations”.

The cultural landscape of Daxing represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.

Social organization in Daxing reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.

Traditional arts and crafts in Daxing continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.

Religious and spiritual practices in Daxing provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.

Language use and cultural expression in Daxing demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.

Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Daxing provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.

Economic Activities and Development Patterns

Economy The GDP per capita was ¥17,852 (US$2,570) per annum in 2008, ranked no. 242 among 659 Chinese cities. Coal mining is the dominant industry of Datong. Its history and development are very much linked to this commodity. Development zones Datong Economic and Technological Development Zone Due to its strategic position, it is also an important distribution and warehousing center for Shanxi, Hebei and Inner Mongolia. Datong is an old fashioned coal mining city, and still sits on significant reserves of this commodity. Consequently, it has developed a reputation as one of China’s most polluted cities. The Datong Coal Mining Group is based here and is China’s third largest such enterprise. Datong is indeed however an emerging economy, as the city seeks to loosen its dependence on coal, introduce more environmentally friendly and efficient methods of extraction and move into other areas of business services. The local government has continued to upgrade its pillar coal sector (and related industries like coal chemicals, power and metallurgy), while also developing “substitute industries” such as machinery manufacturing, tourism and distribution, warehousing and logistics services. This has had some impact. Datong’s GDP grew by 5. 1 percent in 2008 to RMB56. While coal will continue to dominate, Datong has been identified as one of the key cities requiring redevelopment, with part of this being in environmental cleanup, rehabilitation and industrial refocusing. Datong is a pilot city for rehabilitation studies following years of pollution. To this end it has already struck up strong relationships with other cities worldwide with similar backgrounds, and has begun plans, for example, to develop a tourism base focused on steam engine technology with antique locomotives to be used along designated tracks. Datong has a large railway locomotive works, the ‘Datong locomotive factory’, opened in 1954. The works are notable as the main producer (~4,689 of 4,717) of the QJ or ‘Advance Forward’ (Chinese: 前进; pinyin: _Qiánjìn_) class of steam locomotive, built as late as 1988. Steam locomotive production ended in the late 1980s and the plant’s main products (as of 2010) is mainline electric locomotives. The factory is currently owned by the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation Ltd. #Main enterprises * Datong Coal Mine Group (The third biggest coal-mining enterprise in China) * Datong Electric Locomotive Co. , Ltd, (DELC) (The second biggest Elec-Locomotive enterprise in China) * Shanxi Diesel Engine Industries Corporation, Ltd, CNGC * Shanxi Synthetic Rubber Group Co. , Ltd, CNCC * GD Power Datong No. 2 Power Plant * GD Power Datong Power Generation Co. , Ltd * Shanxi Datang International Yungang Co-generation Co. * China National Heavy Duty Truck Group Datong Gear CO. China Briefing Business Guide Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on 25 February 2014.

The economic structure of Daxing reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.

Traditional economic activities in Daxing often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.

Local markets and commercial activities in Daxing serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.

Agricultural production in Daxing demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.

Service sector development in Daxing has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.

Economic development opportunities in Daxing focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.

Transportation and Regional Connectivity

Transportation * China National Highway 109 * China National Highway 208 * G55 Erenhot–Guangzhou Expressway * G5501 Datong Ring Expressway * Datong railway station and Datong South railway station * Datong Yungang Airport.

Transportation infrastructure serving Daxing reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout China. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Daxing.

Regional connectivity from Daxing provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.

Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities

Education #Colleges and universities * Datong University (大同大学) #Major schools * Datong No.1 Middle School (大同市第一中学) * Datong No.2 Middle School (大同市第二中学) * Datong Railway No. 1 Middle School (大同市铁路第一中学) * Datong Locomotive Middle School (大同机车中学) * Datong No.3 Middle School (大同市第三中学) * BeiYue Middle School (北岳中学) * Datong Experimental Secondary School (大同市实验中学) * The No.1 Middle School of DCMG (Datong Coal Mine Group) (同煤一中) * Datong No.14 Elementary School (大同市第十四小学) * Datong No.18 Elementary School (大同市第十八小学) * Datong Experimental Elementary School (大同市实验小学)

Educational institutions in Daxing serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.

Visitor Attractions and Cultural Experiences

Tourism The Yungang Grottoes are a collection of shallow caves located 16 km (9.9 mi) west of Datong. There are over 50,000 carved images and statues of Buddhas and bodhisattvas within these grottoes, ranging from 4 centimeters to 7 meters tall. Most of these icons are around 1500 years old. Within the city itself, there are a few surviving sites of historical interest such as the Nine-Dragon Wall, the Huayan Monastery, and the Shanhua Temple. Further afield is the Hanging Temple built into a cliff face near Mount Heng. Most of the historical sites in this region date to the Liao, Jin and Ming dynasties, but the Hanging Temple dates to the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534). The railway locomotive works (see below) began to attract increasing numbers of railway enthusiasts from the 1970s. When the construction of steam locomotives was phased out, the authorities did not want to lose this valuable tourism market, and pondered the possibility of developing a steam railway operating center as an attraction. A number of study visits were undertaken to the East Lancashire Railway at Bury, and a twinning arrangement was concluded with that town. In 2010, work began on reconstructing the city’s 14th century Ming dynasty defensive wall. The controversial reconstruction project was in its final phase at the end of 2014. The documentary _The Chinese Mayor_ documents two years of vigorous and highly controversial (due to summary demolition of about 200,000 homes) effort by Mayor Geng Yanbo to push the reconstruction project forward. * The Hanging Temple * Loess landscape near Hunyuan * A tower on the City Wall * Pagoda at Huayan Temple * Huayan Temple * Lingyan Temple at Yungang Grottoes * Guard house on Datong City Wall 1. “Fake it to make it”. _South China Morning Post Magazine_. Hong Kong. Retrieved 2 November 2014. 2. “The Chinese Mayor”. IMDb.

Tourism opportunities in Daxing emphasize authentic cultural experiences and meaningful interaction with local communities rather than commercialized attractions, providing visitors with genuine insights into traditional ways of life.

Planning Your Visit to Daxing

Successful visits to Daxing require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.

The most meaningful experiences in Daxing often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.

Practical considerations for visiting Daxing include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.

The rewards of visiting Daxing extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.

---

Source: This article incorporates material from the Wikipedia article “Datong”.