Datong, Prefecture-level city in Shanxi, China
Datong is a city in northern Shanxi province in China, situated on a fertile plain at approximately 1,040 meters (3,400 feet) in elevation. The area is watered by the Sanggan River and borders Inner Mongolia, giving the region geographical significance.
The city became the capital of the Northern Wei dynasty in 398 CE, when they built a wall extending about 16 kilometers around the settlement. This early period shaped its urban structure and made it a major administrative and cultural center.
This city serves as a major center for Buddhist pilgrimage and artistic tradition, where visitors can encounter temples and religious monuments spanning different periods. Local communities maintain traditional crafts and festivals tied to these spiritual sites.
A local airport connects the city to major cities like Beijing, while an extensive bus network brings travelers to the main attractions. The best time to explore is spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and visibility remains clear.
A remarkable monastery was built into a cliff in 490 CE and appears to float without visible support structures. This architectural puzzle draws visitors who want to marvel at the engineering innovations of this early period.
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