Shan). Wu Tai Shan can be reached by train from the South through TaiYuan, or from the North through Datong, both in Shanxi Province.
Since the year 1999 AD, when the Yungang Caves became a UNESCO World
Cultural Heritage Site, the City of Datong yearly celebrates the China Datong Tourism Festival. In the 2nd half of August Tourists from around the world are welcomed to a
There are three large coal fired powerplants on the suburbs of Datong, one supplying the City of Beijing alone, and two for the area of Datong and the remainder of Shanxi Province. The city is further home to a
Datong is a small provincial city with a long history, lying at an elevation of 1270 meters above sea-level in the Loess lands in the North of North-China's Shanxi Province. It is one of the best examples of an old chinese City still remaining in Shanxi Province with much of the city center in its original state (2005) with small housing and cramped streets, a three story wooden drum tower and now crumbling but remaining earthen city walls typical for a Hsien City (Hsien= capital of a tax & adminstrative district ruled by a "Magistrate".) Founded no less than 2000+ years Ago during the Han Dynasty and not very long after the founding of China as a unified State, the city first originated as PingCheng, a stronghold and garrison City, located on China's Northern Frontier nearby a pass on the Great Wall of China, the pass to Inner Mongolia (there are 3 passes on the outer great wall in Shanxi Province in total - NingWuGuan , YanMenGuan and PianGuan on the west near the Yellow River). Buried in the safety
behind the newly built and connected Great Wall, the city was allowed to develop further and became a flourishing trading post, market and stop-off point for trading caravans on the Silk- (and Tea-) Road leading to Mongolia, central asia and beyond to the West .
DATONG DURING THE WEI DYNASTY:
Much later, during a decline of China's Central Powers, North-China was over-run and unified under the flag of the turkmenic Toba Tribes. The resulting 5Th Century Northern Wei Dynasty (364 AD - 584 AD), chose Datong as their Capital of (unified) North China. During this period, the small city grew immensely in importance and became a flourishing city on the Silk Road along which buddhist influences were carried into China (and in the following period beyond). Its new status as Capital City turned Datong into a center of culture and buddhist learning.
In this prosperous era many monuments were erected in the City by the ardently Buddhist Toba to glorify their Capital as well as their Emperor who was perceived to be a reincarnation of the Buddha. As a result the nearby Yungang village (west of Datong) with its Caves were constructed and became an important Buddhist site and Monastery, growing slowly -over a period of 50 years- into a multitude of Caves with thousands of smaller and larger Buddha images and Statues locally known as Cloud Ridge Caves. At Yungang and Datong the influences of the Silk Road (Buddhism from India) and the chinese traditions of Daoism and Confucianism were combined and mixed to form the Mahayana form of Buddhism now prevalent across East Asia. The Yungang grottoes would remain an important Monastery and Holy Site for ages to come, equalling Dunhuang (Gansu Province, west-China) and the Bamiyan statues of Afghanistan (now destroyed by islamic religious zealots). The Toba left in 494 AD, moving their Capital to Luoyang in Henan Province, carving out a new Maze of Buddhist Caves there.
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Bhagavan Stack Hall , home to the scriptures library at the Lower HuaYan Monastery.
Original 10-to 12Th Century AD Clay Buddhist statues of the HuaYan Monastery.
Overview of modern housing and buildings in Datong's modern City with windblown Yellow Dust and Northern Hills in the background.
12Th Century statues of the Upper HuaYan Monastery Main Shrine Hall.
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Close-Up of the Central Portion of the Screen and arched entry Bridge.
Read all about the Battle for China between Mao & Chiang Kai Chek and the achievements of the Communist Party in (US Marines) Major-General Evans F. Carlson's bestseller Twin Stars of China.
A unique eyewitness account from the frontlines in North-China -Shaanxi, Shanxi and Ningxia - Travel with the Red Armies in their War against Japan.
Soundbonus - Yellow River Piano Concerto Part II Ode to The Yellow River
Japanese Officers discussing strategy at a field post.
A Satellite image of North China and East-Asia, showing clearly the strategic position of Datong in relation to the Great Wall of China. Super-imposed schematic Map shows the location and Path of the Great Wall as excisted during the Reign of the Ming Dynasty. Included for reference are City names, geographical features of landscape, Names and locations of Passes on the Great Wall of China.
Only after the introduction of trains and railroads in China during the last throws of the Qing Dynasty and the connection of Datong to China's railway system (Ping-Shui R.R.), the position of the city changed once more. Datong grew in size and became an industrial city and transportation hub of raw materials (Coal mainly) and machinery.
During the Japanese Invasion and occupation, first of Manchuria, and following of
China entire, Datong became a strategic point in the Japanese advance from Beijing
west-wards. Located on the only railway line into Northern Shanxi and located at the
pass to Inner Mongolia (where Japanese sponsored skirmishes had already occurred
with Mongolian "rebels"), Datong became a main focal point of military action.
Japanese attempts to penetrate West from the Coast inward via
Datong and Taiyuan, both railway hubs, were met by inadequate
forces from the National KuoMinTang Army and by the much more
efficient guerilla forces of the early Chinese communist Party and its legendary 8Th
Route Army ( under command of General Chu Teh), who had just arrived in North China from
their "Long March". In the initial phases a battle was fought at the YanMenGuan Great Wall
Pass at Datong delaying the Japanese advance considerably (as was the case at
Province) another famous and vital crossroads within the Chinese heartland. Japanese Forces were concentrated along railroads in an attempt to protect supply lines and Datong was an important garrison city, essential for the occupation of all of China. The country-side of Shanxi, rugged and mountainous and excellent terrain for population supported guerilla actions, was mainly communist
-controlled by the end of 1938. In their headquarters at Yanan (Ye'Nan) in North Shanxi the communistt
leadership started planning for a strategy for all of China. It would still be a long struggle to realize their ideal of a New China.
A Satellite Image based Map of the Gobi Desert and the Flow of the Yellow River clearly showing Datong's strategic and geographical position.
Post-Revolutionary Datong - After the second world war, the subsequently re-started civil war and the establishment of the Peoples Republic of China in November 1949 AD, Datong was once again forgotten and only grew as one of the industrial centers of the North. As a side-effect of this, its railway facilities were greatly expanded and improved and a new Railway Station was constructed. Datong, as were other cities in the area, was turned into a model worker city and during the Cultural Revolution Era the City was a much propagandized bulwark of socialism, a period from which slogans on many walls in and around the City bare witness. Its function as the coal supplier of China's industry would determine its Future.
DATONG IN THE SUI DYNASTY (589 A.D. - 618 A.D.) :
In the 7Th century Datong briefly became the Capital City of the Chinese Sui Dynasty. The Sui Dynasty is considered another highpoint of Chinese Civilization in which culture, art and science flourished.
During this period the succesul Han Chinese of the fertile plains and valleys found themselves again under mounting pressure from raiding tribes in the North. As an answer to this age old poblem, the now more technology advanced Han started rebuilding their Great Wall of China.
The First and foremost issue in the lingering conflict with the Northern Tribes was the securing of the (many) mountain passes along the border and therefor Datong, as one of the main "Pass Cities" set in the middle of one of the main routes from Mongolia into the Chinese heartlands, was chosen for an increase in its defenses.
During the short period of the Sui Dynasty, the city of Datong was given an earthen defense wall, and furthermore the passes leading to the City saw the building of more defensive walls, beacon towers and fortified castles. In the Sui Dynasty Era Datong was turned into a true Fortress City for the first time. The City was the central fortress and garrisson station on the region, and so became the pivot of the larger defenses of the Great Wall of China in the area. Henceforth Datong was not merely be a trading post but a fortified border city and garrisoned outpost of Chinese Culture.
Situated at considerable distance to the south and west, the City of Chang 'An was in a postion much closer to the economically crucial Silk Road which became of vital importance during the onfollowing Tang economic golden age. The location of the old Capital of China was also closer to the Yellow River (Huang He) and the Grand Canal, which had been renovated and extended during the Sui Period and was an essential internal conduit of goods, money and thus power. Naturally safety from a Northern invasion was another valid concern.
DATONG DURING THE TANG DYNASTY (618 A.D. - 907 A.D.).
The Sui Dynasty was succesful in uniting and reorganizing the Chinese Empire but in the end overburned the population with heavy taxations and obligatory (hard) labor for the State. It thus ended in a rebellion and was followed by the Tang Dynasty ( 8Th Century ).
During the Tang Dynasty and afterwards Datong remained what it was - an important outpost on the outer ring of the Great Wall of China and a border City on the road to Mongolia. Although Datong would remain important as conduit for trade and the commercial expansion of Han Chinese merchants to the northern territories, it would gradually lose in military importance. As the Tang Dynasty Empire expanded further an further into Asia and peace was kept with neighboring tribes, the Great Wall and its defenses seemed less and less important. The Great Wall built mainly during the short Sui Dynasty Era was neglected completely during the "Golden Century" of the Tang Dynasty, which only expanded the number of beacon towers along the old line of defense. When the Tang Dynasty Era and slowly drew to an end, and the borderlands were left uncontrolled, this left the City of Datong dangerously exposed.
DATONG IN THE MING DYNASTY :
During one such period, the early days of the Ming Dynasty, the 13Th Son of 1st Ming Emperor Zhu YuanZhang was temporarily stationed at Datong to oversee military and governement affairs in this
important and vital region. As a part of the "temporary" Palace of Prince Zhu Gui, the 9 dragon screen of
Zhu Yuanzhang) was made King of the local fiefdom and a Royal Palace was constructed at
Datong. In 1372 AD Earthen City Walls were added to strengthen the city further. As such
Datong had once more become an imperial city and became an even more essential
stronghold in the defenses of the Northern Border.
In the following 2 centuries Datong would repeatedly be at the center of Battle, as Mongols were probing defenses in the North. During one such Mongol excursion the outer layer of the Great Wall in North Shanxi was penetrated by a 50.000 strong Mongolian Army and Datong was occupied. Furthermore, in the ensuing Battle for control of the City and the Northern Border an amassed Chinese army was clumsily defeated and the Chinese Yingzong Emperor was captured. He was held hostage by the Mongols for 6 years after which he was able to return to his Throne. Later during the Ming Dynasty, in 1540 AD and 1550 AD respectivily, Datong, the stronghold on the North Shanxi defenses on the Great Wall of China was again at the Center of battle between the Northern invaders and the Chinese
Armies. Although by then protected by high mud-brick defensive Walls, the City was taken and the Mongolian armies led by their leader Altan Khan moved on to threaten Beijing. Because the Mongolians wanted trade and had felt they had to resort to military pressure to have their way, they never intended to take the Capital and conquer China. The event was however yet another reminder of the nasty nature of the northern neighbors. In the aftermath, the Great Wall at Datong and in adjoining regions was rebuilt and further fortified.
By the end of the 16th century the decline of the Ming Dynasty had eroded the influence of the central Government in Beijing enough for local Governors to collude with Mongolians and ignore the cross-border trade ban with the Mongolian Territories. It was in this time that things started to calm down in the border regions along the Great Wall of China, and thus for the time being Datong embarked upon a relatively peaceful period.
In the year 1571 AD, a new Emperor made a ground breaking change of policy finally and openly allowing for trade relations to be established with the Mongolians. The (nearly) complete ban on trade, inherited from the early Ming hatred for the Mongols of Yuan Dynasty and the fear of their return, was done away with and instead, a very limited and thus controllable system of trade through "horse markets" to be established. It was to prove a momentous decision.
Among the four "pass cities" of the Great Wall of China designated to be opened, periodically, to allow trade with peoples outside the Great Wall of China was Datong. The other cities were neighboring Zhangjiakou to the east, which soon became the number 1 market, and to the west, the Yulin Fortress in Shaanxi Province and further a place in Gansu known as Xuanfu. Obviously, this reversal of the trade ban suddenly flung Datong into the limelight and increased its importance. Where previously it had been a costly fortress and garrison city on the "impenetrable" Great Wall, it now suddenly became a gateway to the outside world. It also grew in importance as regional market for goods. Although by far most of the trading was done through the "Gate to the Great Territories" at Zhangjiakou, Datong nevertheless became a focal point for the exchange of mongolian horses, sheep, wool and animal furs against Chinese goods such as silks, laquarware, metal pots and cooking implements and more. Twice year, and spring a fall the "horse market" would open and as a result, the town saw a considerable growth spur.
For the border regions, especially those in the west, a period of weak defenses fell in with the collapse of the Ming Dynasty.The Manchu take over of 1644 AD spelled a disaster for Datong. The city of Datong, by then a lucrative economic target due to the presence of its "horse market" fell again to an invasion of Mongolian hordes. In 1649 AD Datong, the border city was sacked and nearly raised to the ground. The City and Palace were destroyed, leaving the Datong 9 Dragon Screen as one of the few remaining structures.
The lower HuaYan Monastery was founded during the Tang Dynasty, however none of the early halls remain with the oldest Temple Hall dating to the year 1038 AD. In the year 1048 AD the name PingCheng was discarded and the city was renamed DaTong, meaning "Great Unity". During the 12Th Century Jin Dynasty (1115 AD - 1234 AD), when Datong was the 2nd Capital (a reflection of its importance as trading post on the great wall as well as its importance as a militairy strongpoint and fall-out base in defense against the nearby mongol and other northern tribes beyond the great wall), the HuaYan Monastery with its Clay Buddha Statues, unique Carpentry and truely priceless library of 1700 buddhist scriptures (sutras) was extended with the much larger and more ambitious Upper HuaYan Monastery including one
of the largest preserved wooden halls (1560Sq meters)
in China. The Monastery, standing near the heart of the old
city inside now dilapidated earthen City Walls, is in use
and can still be visited (for a small fee) today. Drum Tower
as well as City Walls are in walking distance. After its brief
Glory during the heydays of the Wei Dynasty of North
China, Datong reverted back to its original status as a
Datong during the Chinese Civil War - In June of 1946 AD open hostilities between the Nationalist KuominTang Government and
the Communists "Peoples Liberation Army" which held large swaths of the poor Chinese countryside, re-ignited once more across China. In July of 1946 AD a full-scale battle roared up in North Shanxi Province around the Nationalist stronghold City of Datong and the (now) Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region around the City of Jining (Ulanqab). In the event the City of Datong was attacked by a large but ill-equipped and trained communist force and besieged for about a month. Although the defenders were forced inside the historic city wall, and the train station on the north-western outskirts was taken, the KuoMinTang City Garrison held out until relieved in September by KuoMinTang allies. The Battle for the City had costs around 14000 Chinese lives, of which a "mere" 2000 on the communist side. Nevertheless, the communist forces lost their most valuable veterans and would have to retreat for the time being.
Today's Datong - locally also known as Mei Du, the Coal Capital, is a mainly industrial city that recently jumped from a citizenry of around 270.000 inhabitant to 960.000 in 2005, most working in the (Coal) mining and related industries. Urbanization of the fragile Chinese Inner-land continues with migrants continuing to leave the country-side bound for the City. Recent numbers suggest migrants have swelled the city to over a million citizens. Pollution is a big problem in Datong.
Pass, the 11Th Century Mu Ta Pagoda, one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world and one of the few remaining original wooden Pagoda Structures, and the Buddhist Holy Mountain Area of Wu Tai Shan (five terrace mountain), revered since the days of the 1st Emperor and blessed with some of the most historic buildings in North China including several wooden Pagoda's and no Less than 8
monasteries. Datong is also known as the Northern Gateway to the Roof of North of China (Wu Tai
This page was last updated on: June 5, 2017
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DATONG OF THE KHITANS - THE LIAO DYNASTY ERA IN DATONG :
In 960 AD, several decades after the final end of the Tang Dynasty (618 A.D. - 907 A.D.), another raiding tribe descended from the North and Datong fell into the hands of the Khitans (Yurchen). These, a mongolian nomadic and warring tribe that worshipped the Sun, had shortly united the North and founded the Liao Dynasty (907-1125 AD). Under the Khitan Rule Datong, as an important stronghold, became the second Capital of the Nation taking a strategic position within the now united Northern Regions. The Liao Dynasty disappeared after two centuries, but not without leaving their mark on the City of Datong and in fact all of Northern China including the City that is now known as Beijing. None of the buildings of the Liao Dynasty Era have survived time, mostly due to later wars that roled over- and past the City. However, great cultural and historical relics from the Liao Dynasty period remain in the shape of Clay Statues inside the Huayan- and Shan Hua Monasteries.
DATONG OF THE QING DYNASTY ( 1644 A.D. - 1910 A.D.) :
As an important outpost and strategic strongpoint it was immediatly rebuilt (1652 AD) by the newly established Qing Dynasty (Shu Tzi reign period).
In 1696 AD, the 35th year of the reign of the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, the Emperor, his favorite General and a massive army passed through the Gate of Zhangjiakou east of Datong along the Great Wall of China. In the following offensive, the west-Mongolian tribes led by the Galdan Khan were
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gradually eliminated, expanding the Manchu Qing Empire thousands of miles beyond the initial border, along which lay also the city of Datong.
Although this enormous military victory and political event resulted in the cancellation of the cross-border trade arrangements through "horse markets" that had been so lucrative for the local economy of the city of Datong, the following period would introduce new, even wider ranging opportunities.
Starting in the beginning of the 18th century Datong retained an economic position as an important (and traditional) stop over point, on now much extended trade routes to the Manchu army bases established in Hohhot, and in Uliastay and Khovd in central- and west Mongolia (See adjacent map).
Overtime, as the trade built and the Russians consolidated positions in Mongolia and along its borders, the regional routes even developed into an international pathway. This trade route was later dubbed the "Tea Road" as the trade in tea not so much horses was the main driving force behind its appearance. The Tea Road, a minor branch of which ran through Datong, started in Beijing in China, but ended all the way in St. Petersburg, which was then the Capital of Czarist and militarist Russia. As for the position Datong within this larger arrangement, the city of Datong functioned as a
Eventhough the main shipments were sent from Beijing - as an issue of the Imperial Court, the safest routes to Mongolia were still determined by the trusted old habits and not unimportantly the function of local authorities. Thus, the caravans stayed within the relative civilization and safety of the age old Great Wall of China, and routed from Beijing through Zhangjiakou (Kalgan) and its neighboring Pass City, Datong.
