Nine Dragon Wall, Datong

The Nine Dragon Wall is a carved stone monument in Datong that displays intricate dragons playing with pearls in a dynamic composition. The structure uses glazed bricks in yellow, blue, purple, and white arranged in elaborate patterns across its surface.

The structure was built during the Ming Dynasty and stands as the oldest of its kind in China. Its construction reflects the artistic and craftwork skills of that historical period.

The wall incorporates yellow, blue, purple, and white colors in its dragon designs, with 41 patterns on the sumeru throne base depicting paired dragons.

The monument is easily accessible and there are clear pathways for viewing the wall from different angles. Visitors should allow enough time to examine the details of the carvings and glazing up close.

The base of the wall features glazed bricks decorated with carved images of various animals in motion. These animal representations form part of the same artistic tradition as the dragons themselves.